Living Out the Gospel with Wisdom and Grace

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were completely misunderstood, even though you were doing the right thing? Maybe you had the best intentions, but somehow, others just didn’t see it that way.

It’s a frustrating place to be, isn’t it? You’re trying to help, trying to do what’s right, but instead of appreciation, you get confusion or even criticism. I think we’ve all been there at some point.

Today, we’re coming to the point in the book of Acts, chapter 21, where the Apostle Paul finds himself in a similar predicament.

Paul walks into a situation where there's been some misunderstanding in the church. What he has been doing for God has been misunderstood, and instead of defending himself or insisting on his rights, he makes a surprising choice.

He chooses humility over being right. Why?

I think it's because he’s focused on something bigger than himself—he’s focused on the mission of spreading the gospel.

Now, I know that might sound a bit counterintuitive.

In our world, we’re often told to stand our ground, to make sure we’re heard, and to fight for our rights.

But Paul shows us a different way—a way that’s not about winning arguments but about winning hearts. It’s about keeping the door open for the gospel to move forward, even if it means we have to step back a little.

So, as we unpack this section today, I want you to think about your own life.

Are there areas where you’re more concerned with being right than being effective?

Are there moments where you could choose humility and grace, even if it means letting go of your preferences?

Let’s see what we can learn from Paul’s example and how we can live out the gospel with wisdom and grace in our own lives.

Let's start by looking at Acts 21:15-17.

Acts 21:15–17 NKJV

15 And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem. 16 Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge. 17 And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

We see Paul making his way to Jerusalem.

Now, what’s interesting here is that Paul isn’t traveling alone. He’s surrounded by a group of fellow believers, including a man named Mnason.

This isn’t just a casual road trip; Paul's traveling with a purpose into uncertainty and most likely conflict.

The text tells us, “And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem.” The original Greek word used here is “packed” or "packed up one's baggage. It's in the middle voice, which means they prepared themselves with intentionality.

The journey to Jerusalem was about sixty-five miles. A two day trip on foot, or two days if they had animals. They took up everything they intended to carry with them. They weren’t being sent; they were choosing to go, fully aware of the challenges ahead.

But they didn't go alone. Some of the disciples from Cesarea went with them. They were also getting ready for the feast of Pentecost. They traveled as a group.

Is this important?

Well, I think it shows us that Paul understood the value of community, especially when the mission was tough.

He knew that having people around him who shared his vision and supported his mission was important.

It’s like when you’re facing a big challenge in life—having a support system can make all the difference. Paul wasn’t just looking for comfort; he was looking for companions who were committed to the same cause.

The city would be crowded with pilgrims, but Paul and his party planned to live with Mnason, “an early disciple,” who lived in Jerusalem and had been visiting Caesarea.

Did he come to know Jesus under Peter’s preaching at Pentecost? Or did Barnabas, who was also from Cyprus win him to Christ? (Acts 4:36)

We are not told; but we do know that Mnason was a man given to hospitality, and his ministry helped Paul at a strategic time in the apostle’s ministry.

Luke seemed to be fascinated with hosts and hospitality (he makes numerous references to hosting and hospitality in his writings). Mnason is not mentioned anywhere else. Maybe that's why his name has been preserved for over two-thousand years.

What about us?

It suggests we need to be intentional about the relationships we build.

We should...

I. Lean into Supportive Relationships (15-17)

We need to surround ourselves with people who are not just there for the good times but are also willing to walk with us through the difficult seasons. These are the people who will encourage us, pray for us, and keep us focused on what really matters.

Think about your own life. Who are the people you’re walking with?

Are they helping you stay on mission, or are they just there for the ride?

Community matters most when we go through difficulties. So, let’s be like Paul and choose to lean into relationships that support the mission God has given us.

As we move further into Acts 21, specifically verses 18 to 20, we find Paul arriving in Jerusalem and meeting with the elders.

Acts 21:18–20 NKJV

18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law;

What does he do first?

He shares a detailed report of everything God has accomplished through his ministry among the Gentiles. Paul doesn’t just give a quick summary; he goes into detail, item by item, about the amazing things God has done.

It seems that the first meeting was primarily devoted to fellowship and personal stuff because the second meeting was about Paul’s personal report of his ministry to the Gentiles.

The Jerusalem leaders had agreed years before that Paul should minister to the Gentiles (Gal. 2:7–10), and the elders rejoiced at what they heard.

The word Luke used here for “reported in detail” is the root of our word “exegesis,” which means a thorough explanation. Paul is making sure that God gets all the glory, not himself.

Now, imagine being in that room. Paul is recounting stories of lives changed, communities transformed, and the elders are rejoicing.

It’s a moment of celebration, a time to recognize God’s incredible work.

But here’s the catch: the celebration doesn’t last long. Why?

We get the impression that the legalists had been working behind the scenes.

No sooner had Paul finished his report than the elders brought up the rumors that were then being circulated about Paul among the Jewish Christians. It's been said that "even though a rumor doesn’t have a leg to stand on, it travels mighty fast!"

And we have to remember that rumors are not usually based on fact but thrive on half-truths, prejudices, and outright lies.

As we see often, culture has a long memory and a short fuse. Not everyone is thrilled about what’s happening among the Gentiles. Misunderstandings and suspicions are brewing.

This is where it gets real for us. Sometimes, when we celebrate what God is doing in our lives or in our communities, not everyone will understand or appreciate it.

It might even stir up controversy or criticism. But that doesn’t mean we should hold back. Paul shows us that it’s important to keep celebrating God’s work, even when it’s uncomfortable or misunderstood.

So, what about you? Are there things God is doing in your life that you’re hesitant to share because you’re worried about how others might react?

Remember, our job is to give God the glory, not to worry about everyone’s approval. Let’s be bold in celebrating what God is doing, trusting that He is at work, even when others don’t fully understand.

This is what we see in the next verses.

Acts 21:20–24 NKJV

20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; 21 but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. 22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. 23 Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. 24 Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law.

The Jewish believers in Jerusalem are excited about their faith, but they’re also deeply committed to their customs and traditions.

What were his enemies saying about Paul? Almost the same things they said about Jesus and Stephen: he was teaching the Jews to forsake the laws and customs given by Moses and the fathers.

But, why were so many believing Jews still clinging to the Law of Moses? Had they not read Romans and Galatians? Probably not, and even if they had, old customs are difficult to change.

The word used to describe them is “zealous,” which comes from the Greek word for a deep, passionate fervor. These believers are intensely devoted, and their passion has been stirred by misinformation.

Old customs and traditions are hard to break.

In fact, one day, God would have to send a special letter to the Jews, the Letter to the Hebrews, to explain the relationship between the Old and New Covenants.

As Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse used to say, “The Book of Hebrews was written to the Hebrews to tell them to stop being Hebrews!” It was not until the city and the temple were destroyed in a.d. 70 that traditional Jewish worship ceased.

Now, back to our story. What did the leaders suggest to Paul?

They suggested that Paul show everyone publicly his reverence for the Jewish Law.

All they asked was that he identify himself with four men under a Nazarite vow (Num. 6), pay for their sacrifices, and be with them in the temple for their time of purification. We'll get into it next week and see that he agreed to do it.

Now, Paul could have easily set the record straight. He could have insisted on his rights and corrected their misunderstandings sharply.

But instead, he chooses a different path—he took the path of grace.

He decides to join four men in their purification rites and even pays for their expenses. This isn’t Paul compromising his beliefs; it’s Paul being strategic. It’s love in action.

What Paul does here is a powerful lesson for us.

Sometimes, the most Christlike thing we can do is to give up our right to be right.

It's not the same as saying we're wrong.

It’s about choosing unity over personal preference, about prioritizing the mission over winning an argument.

Paul understood that by accommodating their customs, he was keeping the door open for the gospel to continue moving forward.

How could this apply to us?

Are there areas where you’re holding onto your preferences at the expense of unity?

Are there moments where you could choose to lay down your rights for the sake of the bigger picture?

Paul’s example challenges us to consider how we can be more like Christ in our interactions, choosing love and unity over being right.

Let’s be willing to sacrifice our preferences when it means advancing the mission and building bridges with those who are different from us.

Now, let's wrap this up. One verse left.

Acts 21:25 NKJV

25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.”

One final thing.

The elders in Jerusalem remind everyone of a pivotal decision made earlier at the Jerusalem Council, which is recorded in Acts 15.

They had already determined that Gentile believers were not required to follow Jewish customs.

The phrase “we have written and decided” uses a strong Greek verb that means “we charged” or “commanded.” Their conviction about the essentials of the gospel hadn’t changed, but they were wise enough to allow room for grace in how it was applied.

What's the lesson for us today?

It’s about clarifying our convictions without compromising grace.

The elders and Paul were firm on the core truths of the gospel, but they were also flexible in how they lived it out across different cultures and contexts.

They understood that the gospel is unchanging, but how we express it can adapt to reach more people.

In our own lives, we’re often faced with situations where we need to stand firm in our beliefs while also showing grace to those who might not see things the same way.

It’s a delicate balance, but I think vital for maintaining our witness and building bridges with others.

We’re called to hold onto the truth of the gospel with conviction, but also to extend grace and understanding in our interactions.

Application?

Are there areas where we’re more focused on winning arguments than winning hearts?

Are there relationships where we need to choose love and unity over insisting on our own way?

Remember, sometimes the most powerful witness isn’t when we win the debate, but when we serve others in love.

Jesus Himself modeled this for us.

He had every right to assert His authority, but He chose the path of humility and sacrifice, even to the point of the cross.

He became, as Paul says, “all things to all people” so that by all means, some might be saved. And He calls us to do the same.

So, as you go into this week, ask yourself: Who needs grace from me more than correction?

Where can I choose humility over proving a point? How can I model Jesus in my interactions, becoming all things to all people for the sake of the gospel?

Let’s commit to living out the gospel with wisdom and grace, trusting that God will use our efforts to keep the door open for His message to reach more hearts.

Together, let’s be a community that reflects the love and humility of Christ in everything we do.