Arresting the Gospel

Introduction

Paul’s legacyLast week, we talked about Paul’s farewell address to the elders ofwe discussed Ephesus. We talked about Paul’s Legacy of love and how the elders and Paul prayed together, Paul lay together, and how the Holy Spirit told Paul he would face imprisonment and trouble wherever he went. Well...that’s exactly what happened, and our reading this morning could come from any court drama TV show or movie Hollywood might produce.

In Acts 21, Paul returned to Jerusalem...even after a prophet warned him not to go. In response, Paul said in Acts 21:13

Acts 21:13 ESV

Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Acts 21:13 MSG

But Paul wouldn’t budge: “Why all this hysteria? Why do you insist on making a scene and making it even harder for me? You’re looking at this backward. The issue in Jerusalem is not what they do to me, whether arrest or murder, but what the Master Jesus does through my obedience. Can’t you see that?”

Paul is prepared...come hell or high water...to complete his mission.

Remember back in Acts 18 Paul got fed up with his rejection by the Jews in the synagogue and was ready to give up on them...then the Lord appeared to him and encouraged him...and he stayed another year and half.

That resolve never left Paul. He runs full speed into the heart of Judaism....Jerusalem...where he knows he will face arrest and persecuation.

But here’s the thing. Paul knows something very important. Although the world may try, nothing can arrest (or stop) the gospel.

The Lord’s encouragement.

I know I’m starting at the end of the passage, but it’s important to understand Paul’s mindset and courage in facing imprisonment or possible death. Acts 23:11

Acts 23:11 LEB

And the next night the Lord stood by him and said, “Have courage, for as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

Each point in Paul’s walk of faith...in building the early church...Paul was up against all odds. When he felt discouraged...each time...the LORD stood by him and told him to “have courage” or take heart or “Don’t be afraid...keep doing what I called you to do”...even if that means imprisonment or death.

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Last week we had our first “session with Session” meeting after worship. The goal with that is to open communication and encourage more and more member involvement in the future of Christ’s church at BPC.

The issue of our long-term viability as a congregation was brought up. It’s an important discussion to have... especially since we operate on a deficit year after year...if nothing changes...and if the Lord tarries...eventually we will not be a financially sustainable congregation...and may have to “close our doors.”

It’s an important conversation to have, but at the same time...it should never be our main focus...it should never be something that hangs over our heads like Damocles' Sword...waiting to cut us off. That’s fake news. How can God “cut off” his church...its a worldwide community of believers. You think money is an issue for God? That’s laughable. No! BPC survival as a congregation will not be because of money...it will be because God has more for us to do.

Paul had just arrived in Jerusalem as a successful missionary and had raised funds to support future missionary outreach...there was all the support he needed provided by God and God’s people.

Resources...while important...are never the primary focus of the church.

Four main things:

Love the triune God/Father, the Lord Jesus/Holy Spirit; 3 person’s ONE GOD...with all our hearts

Lover our neighbor as ourselves (Jesus said these two summed up all the torah and prophets)

Proclaim the gospel the good news of the kingdom of God (Joel mentioned “out into the world” for what? disciple making loving and caring for our neighbors.

Make disciples...beyond just the gospel presentation but building deeper theolgoical refelction...deeper devotion to loving God and neighbor...deeper understanding and practice of God’s written word (the Bible).

What’s the expression...Keep the main thing, the main thing? or “Don’t major in minors.”

Dont’ get sidetracked church!

Remember...no one can arrest the gospel. IT will be proclaimed...it is our number one mission. And if we are faithful in doing the four things I mentioned (loving God/neighbor; preaching and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus; making disciples)...then guess what...like the LORD said to Paul in the midst of his trial...”Have courage, for as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

You have testified to me in Brownstown...now you must testify to me in...(fill in the blank). In other words...the mission continues...it never stops...God’s mission can never be stopped. And you and I are part of God’s plan of sharing the word of slavation.

Paul’s Courtroom drama

Paul’s courtroom drama is interesting. Paul was about to be beaten by the crowd in Acts 21 but the Romans step in and try to figure out what is going on. The tribune (Roman ruler) called together the Jewish leaders (sanhedrin) to figure out what was going on. The Roman ruler realizes this is more of a theological dispute which is good for Paul.

Paul faces a hotile Jewish crowd who fundamentally misunderstand him and God’s mission for him. They think he is anti-nomian...or against the law of God...which could not be further from the truth. This Jesus that Paul proclaims...does not supersede the law of God...but fulfills it...and through faith in him...vicariously...believers fulfill it too.

You can see Paul’s respect for the law when he quotes the law after being slapped...and then apologzies for speaking against the high priest by also quoting the law.

Then Paul uses his brain that God gave him...that’s true for us too...when we feel trapped or not sure what to do next as a church or an individual Christian...use common sense...keep your wits about you, seek God, and move forward in practical ways.

Paul intentionally sets off a theological debate between pharasisees and sadducees (one group believes in the resurrection and the after life; one does not). To the point where some of the Pharisees in the assembly being to defend Paul’s innocense.

The Roman ruler has to step in for fear the whole assembly might tear him apart.

Closing

Then, as I said at the beginning. After this high drama of the court room...the Lord comes to Paul. Acts 23:11

Acts 23:11 MSG

That night the Lord appeared to Paul: “It’s going to be all right. Everything is going to turn out for the best. You’ve been a good witness for me here in Jerusalem. Now you’re going to be my witness in Rome!”