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The Scriptorium

Oh, Right, Another Plot

Will these plotters against Paul never learn?

Acts (20)

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

Read and meditate on Acts 23.12-22.
Very shortly, there are going to be some very hungry Jews in Jerusalem. Approximately, “more than forty.”

For reflection
1.  Do you think the hosts in heaven chuckled a bit at this ridiculous oath? But their action shows that hatred of Paul was widespread, wherever he’d been or was. People wanted him dead, and even the religious leaders of the people were willing to conspire with this murderous plot. Standing for the Gospel is serious business. How do you prepare for this work each day?

2.  So how did Paul’s nephew find out about this? We don’t know. And why were the Romans so willing to receive his report and believe it? Would we not have expected Roman bravado to say, “We can handle this, young man”? Again, what can we learn about the sovereignty of the Lord in the work of the Gospel? Do you think His sovereignty is at work for you in ways like this? Explain.

3.  The report of this plot, true or not, was the tribune’s chance to be done with this man and his troublesome presence. The tribune immediately made preparations to move Paul out of the city. Meanwhile, are those grumbling tummies we hear in the background? Put yourself in Paul’s place at this time, following the vision he’d had of Christ. How do you suppose he was feeling about all this?

4.  Paul knew Jesus had told him he was going to Rome. But that didn’t mean he didn’t have to take some responsibility, as far as he was able, for getting there. He could have just told his nephew not to worry, Jesus had appeared to him, he was going to Rome, and all would be well. But Jesus works through human beings, and He expects us to take responsibility for our actions within the framework of His will, which is what we see Paul doing here. Relate this to the Personal Mission Field to which the Lord has sent you.

5.  When it comes to being a witness for the Lord (Acts 1.8), what responsibilities does this require of you?

Summary
The Lord Jesus begins moving the pieces in the game of getting Paul to Rome safely and economically. How should this story of Paul encourage us in our walk with and work for the Lord?

Closing Prayer
The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.
For He has founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the waters.
Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive blessing from the LORD,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face.

Psalm 24.1-6

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).

Please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Or, you can click here to donate online through credit card or PayPal.

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
Books by T. M. Moore

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