Paul's Arrival at Jerusalem

HOOK

DO NOT FORGET TO UNMUTE

It’s the 28th day of January— THURSDAY

The other day right here at “The Message” we look into why the disciples dissuaded Paul from going back to Jerusalem— it was because the Holy Spirit prompted them on what awaits on Paul in Jerusalem— the danger that he will face— their emotion kicked in— they love and cared for Paul and that’s why they do not want him to go— Agabus, a prophet from Judas also prophesied about the dangers that awaits for Paul in Jerusalem— but Paul said to them, he was ready to die for the sake of the name of our Lord Jesus— to fulfill the will of God, Paul has to go and he did— from this we learned:

IT IS NOT ABOUT WHAT YOU FEEL, BUT ABOUT WHAT THE LORD IS TRYING TO FULFILL

BE FIRM WHEN YOU ARE CERTAIN WITH WHAT YOU HEAR FROM THE SPIRIT

Today let’s see at what happened when Paul and his companions arrived in Jerusalem— open your Bible to Acts 21:17-26

When studying the Bible, look for words that defines the CHARACTER of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit— keep an eye on COMMANDS to obey— good EXAMPLES to follow, and bad examples to avoid— PROMISES that you could claim— sins to CONFESS— CHALLENGES you encountered— and ENCOURAGEMENT to keep you going

READ ACTS 21:17-26

BOOK

Acts 21:17–26 NIV

17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.” 26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.

WHAT: Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem

WHERE: Jerusalem

WHEN: End of his 3rd Missionary Journey [52-57AD]

WHO: Paul, Luke, their companions, James [the brother of Jesus]

WHY: To report on their work among the predominantly Gentile regions

LOOK

WHAT SHALL WE DO? THEY CERTAINLY HEAR THAT YOU HAVE COME

Some Jewish people in Jerusalem believed incorrectly that Paul was discouraging Jews from keeping the law— this was not true, since Paul himself continued to observe Jewish customs [Acts 16:3]

TAKE THIS MEN, JOIN IN THEIR PURIFICATION RITES

James and the other elders of the church inJerusalem suggested to Paul to join these four men to be purified to show that he had not abandoned his Jewish laws and traditions.. then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but...

THAT YOU YOURSELF ARE LIVING IN OBEDIENCE TO THE LAW

WHY DID PAUL ADHERED TO THE SUGGESTION OF JAMES?

Because he was afraid?— NO… you can find his answer why in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

I HAVE BECOME ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE SO THAT BY ALL POSSIBLE MEANS I MIGHT SAVE SOME

He did what he did because he wants to save people..

Paul is the greatest Christian [next to Jesus] that have ever lived— let me put in a sentence the good example that we can learn from Paul to guide us in our Christian lives

TOOK

I SHALL ASSOCIATE MYSELF TO ALL PEOPLE THAT I MIGHT BE ABLE TO SAVE SOME

I MUST BE FLEXIBLE FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL

SING

Agape Worship Team— Starlight