Acts 23:12-24:27

Injustice is part of the world we live in. We’ve all experienced injustice in different ways. Paul experienced more than his fair share of injustice for being a follower of Jesus. In fact, he begins and ends this text unjustly bound in prison. But through Paul’s example and the work of God, we learn how to hold firm to our faith, even in the midst of great injustice.

Acts 23:12-24:27

Whether you like it or not, if you call yourself a Christian, gospel opposition is a certainty not a probability. And while it seems more blatant recently, this is not a modern phenomenon. From the day Jesus ascended to heaven, the good news of Jesus Christ has been opposed at every turn. So how do we as the church respond? In Acts 23 and 24, Paul gives us a masterful example to follow in how to stand for Christ even when the world closes in all around you. May the same be said of you!

Acts 22:22 - 23:11

How should we go about sharing the gospel?  God has called us to spread this good news, but what is necessary for us to do so?  As Paul is on trial, we see his courage to speak clearly and winsomely in a difficult situation because God is standing with him. 

Acts 22:22-23:11

Sharing Christ in an increasingly post-Christian culture can be difficult. These challenges are why Jesus sent his disciples out with the encouragement to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” In Acts 22:22-23:11 Paul demonstrates how followers of Christ are called to live and share about Jesus strategically, with a deep confidence of Christ’s presence with us.

Acts 22:22-23:11

This section of Acts reminds us that the gospel extends to people we assume are beyond reach, comes down to the resurrection, and brings comfort even in the midst of our greatest hardships.

Acts 21:17 - 22:21

When Paul shows up in Jerusalem things go from bad to worse.  Not only is the church in an uproar, but the rest of the city starts a riot to try and kill him.  But Paul went there knowing this would happen because the gospel mattered more to him than anything.  The gospel shaped how he addressed the church, his willingness to follow God and the transformation of his entire life. 

Acts 21:17-22:21

In our text this morning Paul’s actions show us his commitment to God and to His Church. Paul humbles himself as he pursues and prioritizes church unity in the diverse Jerusalem church. In the midst of an angry mob Paul perseveres even when it is painful. Paul is then given an opportunity to share his testimony with the people, which he is prepared to do, and he does so for the glory of God. What we see in Paul this morning are three of the markers of a disciple of Jesus Christ, and three things that each of us should look at cultivating in our own lives.

Acts 21:17-22:21

Paul’s final days in Jerusalem are filled with turmoil and uncertainty. Devout jews are spreading false ideas about Paul and his ministry, which is causing turmoil inside and outside of the church. As a confrontation comes to a head at the temple, we gain a glimpse into the disposition and priority of Paul’s ministry: Authenticity, Reality, Compassion, and Conviction.

Acts 21:12-22:21 In faith, Paul, confident of his calling and filled with conviction, arrives in Jerusalem where things quickly go sideways. Unintentionally creating division in the Jerusalem church, Paul humbly submits to the Elders with a heart for unity in the face of diversity. In a fulfillment of the warnings he has received from the Spirit, a riot breaks out, Paul is falsely accused, beaten and arrested. Believing his life is all about the Gospel, Paul transforms a tragic situation into a gospel-opportunity, sharing his transforming story of faith with his accusers

Acts 21:1-16

New Year's resolutions. Whether we write them down or not, we all make them as we approach a new year - our hopes, goals, and dreams for the coming year.  It's as we look back 2,000 year, though,s that we learn what it takes for those resolutions to become reality in 2024!