Bible Studies

Acts 21, Sharing the Gospel Under Intense Resistance

by John Clark 
02/19/17
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Acts 21 talks a lot about Pau's travels, but there is a huge message contained within. Verses 4-12 give the account of the believers urging him not to enter Jerusalem. Some disciples "kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem"(vs. 4). Later in verse 11 a prophet came to Paul, bound his hands and feet with his own belt and said, "This is what the Holy Spirit says:'In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"

     What is Paul's response to all of this? "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" (vs 13). This is the key verse of this chapter. 

     The remainder of the chapter tells of Paul going to Jerusalem, and all of the trouble he encountered. He preached the same message that he always had. "And all the city was aroused, and the people rushed together, and taking hold of Paul, they dragged him out of the temple...and all Jerusalem was in confusion" (verses 30-31).

     The chapter closes with Paul asking permission to speak before the government authorities. This all led up to him having an opportunity to share his personal testimony in the next chapter. 

    Application: Wherever Paul went he engaged the culture of his time. He did not shy away from controversy.  He welcomed confrontation and conversation as an opportunity to share the gospel. He did this even to the point of going to places where he knew he could be persecuted for it. 

     1. Are you a Christian who wants to talk only to those who agree with you, or do you welcome talking to people who share different beliefs?

     2. Are you willing to go to difficult people and places to share the gospel?

     3. Persecution of Christians worldwide is at an all-time high. Even the United States, for the first time in history, is on the list of nations that persecute Christians. Let's pray for those being persecuted and take action against it however possible.