SUNDAY SCHOOL [Lesson 14 & 15; Acts 21]
~ Pastor Biakson
Bible verse: Acts 21:14
Abstract
Acts 21 talked about the completion of Paul’s Journey. We will learn what Paul had accomplished during this journey. Is it a successful journey in the eyes of the Lord? Or, is it a success according to world view? A more important question is does he fulfill his mission?
Introduction
On April 14, 1521 A.D. Martin Luther, a Protestant revolutionary leader was called to appear before the Assembly in Worms, Germany. It was against his 95 thesis that he had written in 1520 questioning the authority of the Pope in interpretation of the Bible. He was no longer convinced of the way in which the Pope had the sole authority in interpretation of the Bible. The church branded him a “heretic” and tried to silence him. Prior to 1521, Pop Leo X after reading and studying the thesis condemned 40 of the 95 thesis. He also warned Martin Luther of the consequences if he did not withdraw his thesis.
A good friend in Germany, George Spelatin warned Martin not to appear before the assembly as he would meet the same fate as Jan Hus. Jan Hus had been burn to death in a similar case earlier. The Roman Catholic Church at that time condemned and burned people to death who opposed the church authority. Martin’s reply was that Jan Hus was burned to death but the truth was not burned and Christ still lives. His conviction was really strong that he says even if there are many evil spirits as the number of tiles in a roof he would still go to the assembly in Germany. The assembly members questioned his thesis and his claim of knowledge over the thesis. They even requested him to with-draw all the thesis. But Martin was convinced by the Holy Spirit that it is against his conscience to withdraw 95 thesis and he refused to comply.
Paul’s Journey from MILETAS to JERUSALEM :
From MILETA to TYRE : Paul consoled the people of Mileta and leave them with tears and sorrow. But like the people of Mileta, Believers in Tyre also warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem as the place is hostile for Him. He could be killed or hurt.
FROM TAIR to CAESAREA : Paul travelled from Tyre to Ptolemy and from Ptolemy to Caesarea which is around 30-40 miles. He resided there at Philip’s home.
REAPPEARANCE OF AGABA : Prophet Agaba who had earlier appeared to Paul reappeared again at Philip’s residence and showed with his belts how Paul would be killed if he goes to Jerusalem. Even the writer of Acts warned him not to go to Jerusalem. But Paul was unmoved. They cried over him requesting not to go. But Paul is firm in his choice not because he is not afraid but the conviction of the Holy Spirit is really powerful.
JERUSALEM: Paul upon reaching Jerusalem first gave a report of his Journey to the Local Church led by Jacob. The Believers in Jerusalem were really blessed with his report. But they questioned some of his teachings at various places during his Journey. Israelites condemned some of his teachings in Jerusalem. He was looked upon as suspicion and with contempt. So the Believers asked Paul to undergo a ritual at the temple that will remove the notion and suspicion the people of Israelites had against Him. So He took the ritual for 7 days. On the 7th day, The Israelites arrested him after accusing that he defiled the temple with his presence. They beat him and almost killed him. He was saved by Romans soldiers who came and took him away. He was severely beaten and had to be carried. The Roman general even accused him of being an Egyptian who killed over 40000 people.
WHAT CAN BE LEARNED FROM PAUL’S JOURNEY
- What men consider good for him could be very different from what God has for Man. There can be conflict between what we want and what God want for us. People of Tyre were concerned about Paul going to a hostile Jerusalem. But God’s plan was for him to go to Jersusalem. Paul was wholly convinced by the Holy Spirit and he followed it to his heart. Sometimes the consolation and assurance that we give to friends, family and partners can be based on our feelings, thoughts and not on what God has for them.
- God’s Plan for us doesn’t always look easy and appealing. Paul knew he could be facing a hostile environment and death in Jersusalem. Martin Luther also knew the opposition and condemnation he would faced from the catholic theologians. But both of them chose to follow the conviction of the Lord in their hearts.
- We need to be more careful about giving advices, console and assurances to people. It must be based on the word of God and not on what we think and feel. We can give them unnecessary pressure and caused them further pain.
- Those who truly rely and trust on God’s word will find His Glory and Majesty as mentioned in Ephesians 5:17 and Romans 12:1-2
- Knowing God’s will and plan is not sufficient. We have to follow it. Otherwise it is futile. A strong commitment like Paul’s towards God is the need of the hour in today’s family, churches, society and Politics.
