Day 314

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Paul's Arrest Depicted

Scripture

November 9—Acts 21-23: Arrest of Paul

Observation

Ominous signs accompany Paul as he returns from his third missionary journey. Agabus, a prophet from Judea, prophesies the fate awaiting Paul in Jerusalem by binding himself with Paul's belt to signify capture and imprisonment. Arriving in Jerusalem, Paul faces an angry mob stirred up by Jews who accuse him of false teaching and polluting the temple. Once before the crowd, and again before the Sanhedrin, he attempts to defend himself by relating his personal testimony. Narrowly averting an assassination plot, he awaits his opportunity to declare the gospel before governors, kings and Caesar himself.

Application

Is your tongue your greatest asset or your worst enemy? Chapters 21-28 describe the apostle Paul before seven different groups of people: a mob (21-22), a council of religious leaders (23), two governors (24-25), a king (26), a ship full of prisoners, soldiers, and hardened sailors (27) and a group of local Jewish leaders (28). In each case, Paul's demeanor and conduct fit the occasion, his words are carefully chosen, and his impact for the gospel is profound! Truly he learned an important lesson: "Whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him" (1 Corinthians 9:22).

When addressing an antagonistic Jewish audience, Paul spoke in the vernacular of the people (Aramaic) and used a warmly courteous salutation, "Brothers and fathers" (22:1). He apologized for speaking discourteously to the High Priest, spoke with gracious praise to the governors and king, and wasted no words while on the ship!

Paul's advice to you: "Let your conversation be gracious as well as sensible" (Colossians 4:6). Are your speech and manners helping or hindering the effectiveness of your witness? Remember, words are easy to cast, but difficult to retrieve!

Prayer

God, make us Christian warriors who depend greatly on our prayers to you. We want so much to spread your Word throughout the world so that many will come to the saving knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We stand watchful and waiting for the day of the Lord as we garner more lost souls into the Kingdom. Make us more watchful and perseverant through the help of your Holy Spirit zealous plea. In Jesus' name we pray! Amen! 

Come Lord, Come Quickly!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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