Acts (18)

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24.27

The video for lesson 18 is the same as for lesson 17. You can view it by clicking here (scroll down to Lesson 17).

Read and meditate on Acts 21.1-6.
Luke slows down the story now in order to let the drama build. He remarks each stop along the way, mentions the seven-day stay in Tyre, and hints (the mention of Syria) that home in Antioch was close, but not to be gained at this time. He wants us to enter into the uncertainty, sadness, and yet, the courage and conviction of the Apostle Paul as he heads for what he is now certain will be a bad situation in Jerusalem.

For reflection
1.  Meditate on the detail of Luke’s travel log in verses 1-3. How does this lend historical credibility to the story?

2.  The believers in Tyre urged Paul not to go there, undoubtedly because, as with the elders in Ephesus, he had shared his heart concerning what he was expecting. We notice that their words were informed (Greek: “kept saying to”) by the Spirit of God. How should we interpret this? Luke flatly admits that the Spirit was speaking through these people. Yet Paul did not do what they asked. What was the Spirit’s intention in moving them to speak these words?

3.  Paul would not be deterred, however, and they knew it. What could they do but pray and bid one another Godspeed? The word home, coming as it does at the end of this periscope, implies safety and security such as Paul had long ago forsaken and was continuing to leave behind, just as Jesus did before him. So we’re left with mixed feelings at the end of this. Why? Look at Revelation 1.9. In Jesus we have both tribulation, Kingdom (peace and joy), and patience. Can you see how Luke, not just here but in other places as well, is trying to encourage readers to live patiently within the tension of trial and peace? Explain.

4.  Jesus had said that, as the Good Shepherd, He laid down His life for His sheep. He expects the same of every shepherd appointed to the task of watching over the flocks of the Lord. Sometimes this requires sacrifices – time, convenience, family, work, friendships. But in order for God’s flocks to rest secure in Him, His shepherds need to follow Paul as he followed Jesus (1 Cor. 11.1). Given the challenges shepherds may have to face in defending the Lord’s flocks, how should you pray for the shepherds of your church?

5.  How might you encourage your church’s pastors and elders by acknowledging the sacrifices they make in order to care for the Lord’s flock? What sacrifices is the Lord calling you to make in order to encourage others in their walk with and work for Him?

Summary
The Kingdom of God expands on earth as it is in heaven, bringing righteousness, peace, and joy – home – to all who enter and abide in it. However, it also provokes trials and tribulations because it can be an irritant to those who prefer to be their own gods rather than worship the one true God. How should you prepare each day for both the Kingdom of God and the trials and tribulations of living in this age in flight from God?

Closing Prayer
Vindicate me, O LORD,
For I have walked in my integrity.
I have also trusted in the LORD;
I shall not slip.
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me;
Try my mind and my heart.
For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes,
And I have walked in Your truth.
I have not sat with idolatrous mortals,
Nor will I go in with hypocrites.
I have hated the assembly of evildoers,
And will not sit with the wicked.
I will wash my hands in innocence;
So I will go about Your altar, O LORD,
That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving,
And tell of all Your wondrous works.
LORD, I have loved the habitation of Your house,
And the place where Your glory dwells.
Do not gather my soul with sinners,
Nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
In whose hands is a sinister scheme,
And whose right hand is full of bribes.
But as for me, I will walk in my integrity;
Redeem me and be merciful to me.
My foot stands in an even place;
In the congregations I will bless the LORD.

Psalm 26

T. M. Moore

Each week’s studies in Acts are bound together into a free PDF that you can download for personal or group use (click here). Each week also features a video related to the studies of the week, which you may find helpful as you work through our studies in Acts.

Acts is the record of Christ’s ongoing work as King and Lord. This is the work of bringing the Kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. Read more about the implications of this work in our new book, The Kingdom Turn (click here).

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