Gospel Courage
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Courage under fire
Acts 21:1-23:35
Big Idea: Be courageous and stand firm in the face of adversity
1. Introduction
Thanks Dave. wonder what recording Bible reading is…Acts is a great book. One of those books that just encourages you challenges you as a follower of Jesus. God bringing the great Gospel through his Witnesses. And We’ve seen great speeches Acts 2. Like the Apostle Peter’s great speech. “Repent and be baptized every one of you” We’ve seen great teaching. The other week we Paul taught us about the role of elders and leadership in Acts 20, it’s loving God’s people, godliness and speaking the Gospel, not shrinking back. Today – long passage – thanks Laura - it’s a great story. This morning we’re not plumbing the depths of theology. We’re going to understand this great story. This story of what God does through the Apostle Paul. God wants us grow in Gospel courage. He wants to challenge us, to ask ourselves hard questions – are you courageous for Jesus? Does the Gospel change everything for you?
This morning, can I say, it’s easy to get lost. It’s a big passage. So please have your Bible open. I’ll be skating through the passage. I’m going to tell you this great story, and we will see how it applies to us.
2. Paul will suffer in Jerusalem (21:1-14)
Now Paul had been on 3 missionary trips. He’s preached the Gospel to the known world at the time. Churches have started, many have come to faith. The gospel has gone Jerusalem to all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
So now, Paul’s going to Jerusalem. That’s where God wants him To go. And here in the town of Caesarea, this is close to Jerusalem there’s a prophet named Agabus. He comes up to Paul and grabs his belt. Gee if someone grabbed my belt – there may be more than a few stern words.
Agabus ties the belt around his own hands and feet. And he says this is what they will do to you Paul when you get to Jerusalem. They are going to tie you up and hand you over to the Romans. Paul will suffer in Jerusalem.
Paul’s friends freak out. They beg him. Don’t do it Paul. Don’t go to Jerusalem. Please. And it makes sense right. Why would you deliberately go into danger? But look at Paul’s response. This is courage chapter 21 verse 13
acts 21:13
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.”
How’s that make you feel? You ready to die and be imprisoned for the name of the Lord Jesus? I feel conflicted. Part of me goes, I want to be courageous like that. Take me wherever Lord. I’m willing to die for you. cue William Wallace in Braveheart fighting for Scotland. I’ll die for my Lord and Saviour Jesus. But on the other hand, I just feel guilty. Do you know what I mean? I’m uncomfortable. Makes me think how little give up for Jesus. How I am so often mild, so silent, sluggish. I struggle so hard to put up with a bit of ridicule. Paul goes, tie me up like an animal, I don’t care. The Gospel is what’s most important.
We need to work through this don’t we? What’s going in your heart? Is the Gospel of Jesus your first priority?
Make no mistake, Paul is ready to die for Jesus. Everyone knows this. His friends can’t persuade him they say let the will of the Lord be done.
3. A surprising response (21:15-26)
But actually, what happens next is a surprising response. He gets to Jerusalem. And the brothers, James and the other elders the Christians well they receive him gladly. It’s positive. They’re happy to see him. They have heard what Paul’s been doing. They are excited that non Jews have become Christians. And Paul gives money from the Gentiles. They are all excited.
But then James raises a problem. We need to understand the background to this problem. See, the church in Jersualem were Jewish. Like pretty much 100% Jewish. They still lived like Jews. Wrap your head around this. We think in a modern way. Jews in this this camp. Christians in this camp. Very distinct. Actually, at that time, everyone in Jerusalem was a Jew. The difference was Christians believed Jesus was the Messiah. But the Christian still lived like a Jew. They went to the Temple, kept the law. But when they went to the temple they worshipped Jesus. They knew Jesus paid the price for their sins, not the lamb on the altar anymore. And they knew they weren’t saved by keeping the law.
But these Jewish Christians had heard things about Paul. It worried them. So James tells Paul. He’s concerned for him. Look at verses 20
And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs.
Now were they right? No. But like all good lies it’s close to the truth. Paul was saying to the Gentiles you don’t need to become Jews to become followers of Jesus. We get that right? But for the Jews. Look. It’s a matter of freedom. If you want to follow the law as a Christian and not eat pork, go for it. Paul loved the Jewish law. So what’s the problem? It’s when you trust the law will save you. Then Paul’s got a problem. Only Jesus saved you, not the law.
Now James had agreed with Paul. We saw this in Acts 15. But he was still concerned for Paul going to Jerusalem. He is concerned about misunderstanding, and frankly for Paul’s life.
So he says look show them how Jewish you are. Verse 23
acts 21:23-24
Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law.
James says, these four men are under a Nazarite vow. Read it in numbers 6. But the idea is that is vow for those who want to devote themselves to God. It’s a good thing to do. And part of the vow means you grow your hard very long. Then you shave it off. It’s suppose to show that you are devoted to the Lord, that you love God. James goes to Paul. Why don’t you join the four blokes? More that that, pay for them. It’s expensive to go this whole process. Show the Jews you love the law. Clear any misunderstanding.
Paul does this see it in verse 26. Why? He knows he’s saved by faith in Jesus alone. But by doing this it will help them listen to him. It’s for their sake. If James said you MUST do this, Paul would have no. no way. but that’s not what James asks, ally, Paul wants to love his brothers in Jerusalem. It’s love. Being other person centered. We have freedom in Christ but we want to be other person centered. You know this, godly Christians limit their freedom for the sake of others. I take my shoes off when I visit Asian friends because they care, especially because I want to tell them about Jesus. This is important.
Now it’s actually a pity. Paul shaves his head for nothing. I’ve never shaved my head, bit devastating to do this, all that effort and nothing comes from it.
4. Paul is arrested (21:27-36)
Because when Paul gets to the temple. All mayhem breaks out. The Jews grab him like Agabus said. They accuse him of bringing Greeks into the temple, which he didn’t, and speaking against the law, which he never did. The city was stirred up, the people ran together they seize Paul drag him out of the temple and were about kill him, but the Roman commander saves him. He’s the most unlikely rescuer. The Romans arrest Paul. This is just better than any action movie you’d watch. what happens is the Roman commander hears all the commotion, comes out of his barracks with all his men and drags Paul out of there. Now, I don’t about you but if I were Paul, I’m in the barracks I’m going to hide there. I’m seeking political asylum like Nathan Law. Hong Kong Activist escaping China – he’s in England now. I’m not coming out. I’m staying in the embassy.
5. Paul shares his testimony (21:37-22:21)
But look at Paul’s response. He is courageous. Verse 37
As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?”
The Romans saved Paul. But they actually thought Paul was an Egyptian assassin. With 4000 followers apparently. Isn’t that funny? That’s just the opposite of Paul. Paul says no. not at all. I’m just a Jewish man from Tarsus. Then, Paul turns around and on the steps of Roman barracks, with thousands of Jews there ready to stone him to death. He shares how Jesus saved him. he shares his testimony. If that’s not courage I don’t what is. Surely he was expecting to die at this point. If he wanted to live he’d stay in the barracks. but he is willing to die like he said he was.
Paul says, Guys you think you are zealous God. I was more zealous than you. I stoned Christians. Threw more rocks at them than you will ever do. But then on the road to Damascus, God saved me. I came to believe in Jesus. It’s a great story. God transformed his life. Instead of killing Christians I now tell others about Jesus. Especially Gentiles about the Jewish Messiah. At that point, the crowd had heard enough. Verse 22:22
Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.”
The Jews weren’t a little bit upset – it’s not about a bit spilt milk. This was full on rage – shouting throwing their cloaks flinging dust into the air. Why? Why are they so angry? Paul is saying; you need to repent and trust in Jesus. In fact God desires to bring all people into his family. you don’t need to be Jewish. you just need to turn from their sin and trust in Jesus. That’s all. And he’s not just calling Gentiles to repent. He’s calling you. You Jew. You need to repent and trust in Jesus. The Jews got in a rage. What are you saying Paul? We need to repent and trust in Jesus? We know God. We are his chosen people. How dare you?
Friends, when you hear about Jesus are you angry or are you willing to listen? this same message is for you here today. you need to turn from your sins and trust in Jesus. this is actually the best news ever. Whatever your religious background, whatever your past, however you lived, anyone from anywhere can trust in Jesus. He will forgive you. Guaranteed. So humble yourself. Trust him. Trust Jesus died and rose for your sins. This message is wonderful. You can come to know God.
But at the same time, it made the Jews so angry, they wanted to kill Paul. Away with this man he does not deserve to live. And they would have. But the Romans protect him again.
6. Paul defends himself against the Romans (22:23-30)
And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this.
The Romans saved his life. They take him into the barracks. But they don’t let him off the hook. They thought, mate there’s got to be something wrong with him. What are the Jews so angry at him? Let’s find out what he’s done by torturing him. Get the truth out right. This flogging – it’s not just a little whip. This is a leather whip made with metal and bone tied to the leather. It broke bones. Ripped flesh. Most people don’t walk afterwards. Many died. It was so horrible that you don’t use it for Roman citizens. As they were about to flog him look what he says he defends himself quite rightly verse 25
acts 22:25
But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?”
At that point the Roman centurion thought oh no. we are in trouble. Paul’s a Romacitizen. At that time there were only the elite who were citizens. We don’t really bat an eyelid about our citizenship. But at that time not many were citizens. it was coveted. You want to be a Roman citizen. Really most the rich could afford it. But Paul was a citizen by birth. He didn’t buy his citizenship like the Roman commander.
So he had rights. Rights to a trial. More than that the guy wasn’t even condemned. It was not right for him to be tortured. Paul points this out. What are you doing? I may be a Jew but I’m a Roman citizen. You can’t do this!
The Romans realised they were in trouble. They had locked up, and about to torture a Roman citizen without even a trial. It’s illegal.
So they didn’t know what to do with him. They think, let’s just get rid of him. He’s trouble. So they hand him back to the Sanhedrin – the Jewish council. This sounds like who’s trial? Jesus’. the Romans and Jews pass on the responsibility. they can’t find anything wrong with Jesus. They can’t find anything wrong with Paul. except here Paul doesn’t die.
7. God protects Paul (23:1-35)
Now, I hope you can see God protects Paul. His fingerprints are all over this passage. God’s plans. His purposes will be done. Paul causes chaos in the Sanhedrin. He really thinks on his feet. Because there were two parties, the Sadducees and Pharisees. we’re not going to look deeply into this, let me encourage you to read it tonight. it’s better than any novel, any movie you’ll watch tonight. Well, A bit like the two major parties Labor and Liberal they hated each other. Why? Well The Sadducees they loved the temple, money they were rich, but didn’t think God could raise the dead. And the Pharisees, they loved the Old Testament and believed God could raise the dead, he might one day send a Messiah. It wasn’t Jesus. And what Paul does is he tells them how much they hate each other. It’s like he lobs in a grenade. He tells them about the resurrection. And you know when you see pictures of the South Korean parliament brawls. That’s what happens here. They literally start fighting. So the poor Roman commander. Again he has come and take Paul out. Rescue him. He’s a Roman citizen he can’t be torn to pieces by them.
And it doesn’t stop there. It’s just incredible what happens next. What a great story. God continues to protect Paul. More than 40 Jews band together and say they want to kill Paul. They make a vow. They won’t eat or drink until he is dead. But then, Paul’s sisters son over hears the plot to kill Paul. He sneaks into the barracks. he tells Paul about the assassination plans. Paul tells the commander, incredibly, the commander believes him. He thinks, again, I can’t have this Roman citizen killed so he gathers 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen and 200 hundred spearman to take Paul in the middle of the night to Felix the governor. He’s the head of the region. So they can’t kill Paul there.
What a great story. there’s nothing better for you than to have another read of it tonight. We skipped over quite a bit.
But what can we draw from it? I want to give you Two implications
8. Implication 1: God is in control
Believe this in your head and heart. It really is a miracle that Paul did not die. It’s miraculous. Think about it,
· the Romans heard a commotion down at the temple. They thought it might be the Egyptian assassin of all people. They save Paul.
· Paul spoke Greek and Hebrew. He could speak to the Romans, and to the Jews
· somehow He was a Roman citizen so they had to protect him
· The Pharisees and Sadducees hated each other more than they hated Paul so they didn’t kill him straight away.
· Paul’s nephew overhears a plot to kill him. The Romans believe the young boy. They get Paul out send him to the governor.
It’s just sounds so coincidental. But it’s not. Paul didn’t die. Why? It’s God’s plan. God is in control. God’s plan was for Paul to get to Rome. That’s what God says.
The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”
God is going to protect Paul. God is in control. doesn’t matter how bad it looks. he’s got it under control.
Of course, this isn’t a promise for us we will be safe. We’re not Paul. and we know Many of the apostles are martyred like Stephen. Paul himself was stoned, beaten – let’s be honest. But what it does mean is whatever happens is God’s will. He’s in control. It’s part of God’s great plan to see every person hear the good news of Jesus. And everyone he calls come to believe in Jesus. And his plan is for us to be part of that. God is in control. However hopeless it looks. however hard a heart is, God can soften. he can turn people to faith in Jesus. Remember God is in control. Trust him. His plans will prevail.
8. Implication 2: We need Gospel Courage
Finally, we need Gospel courage. Take courage is what Jesus says, Paul is a great example of courage. keeps ringing in my ear. Chapter 21:13
acts 21:13
Acts 21:13 (ESV)
For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Paul could only say this, live it, because he was so certain of the Gospel. He knew with absolute assurance that this life does not matter. His place in eternity is secure because Jesus has died and risen. Nothing can change that. That’s what gave him courage. He could tell others about Jesus no matter what people thought.
Friends, don’t we have that same assurance? The same Lord? He’s going to bring us home. Our hope is certain because of Jesus.
Paul’s example gives us courage to stand up and be counted no matter what people think of us. The courage to stand up, not be silent and share the name of Jesus to anyone who will listen.
Brothers and sisters, when you’re sitting at a dinner table with your family, speak up for Jesus.
When you’re taking your children to athletics, and speak about the joy of following Jesus with the other parents who also feel like bus drivers
When you’re at work tomorrow, uni, retirement village, wherever, have the intention to share the name of Jesus with your colleagues, friends, fellow retirees about your Sunday, church and why you go to Church. Why Jesus just changes everything.
Church let’s be courageous for Jesus.
Let’s pray.
praise god for gospel, grow our conviction understanding of it. Etc
As we sing next song, parents pls sign kids out so we can share LS together. Thanks