How to win friends and alienate people Acts 21:17 – 23:35

Previously… After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” – Acts 19:21 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” – Acts 21:10-11

The Story Four speeches Two death sentences One destination

No fear Obedience at any cost The Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” – Acts 23:11

Parallels between Jesus & Paul Predictions of suffering and handing over to Gentiles Followers discouraged them from going to Jerusalem Headed for Jerusalem anyway Determined to complete their God-given task Prepared to lay down their lives Hostile Jews who plotted to kill them Unjustly arrested on the basis of a false accusation None of their followers were arrested Heard the mob shouting “Away with him!” Roman officer didn’t know who they were

Differences between Jesus & Paul Jesus journey ended in Jerusalem Paul would go on to Rome Jesus barely said a word Paul defended himself strenuously

Speech 1 To: James and the elders Paul greets them and reports in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry Result: Praise to God, and a warning

Speech 2 To: the Crowd Paul explains his Jewish heritage, describes his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, and talks of his mission to the Gentiles Result: An angry crowd, and an arrest

Speech 3 To: a Centurion Paul explains his Roman heritage, and questions the treatment he is receiving Result: Flogging averted, and a withdrawal

Speech 4 To: the Sanhedrin Paul rebukes the high priest, then claims his trial is because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead Result: Leaders are split, and a plot

Speaking the truth in love The resurrection of Jesus Unity between Jews and Gentiles

All things to all men Conciliatory without compromise To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. – 1 Corinthians 9:20-22

Paul’s example Know the truth Speak it boldly and wisely Strive for unity Trust the results to God