Acts 21:1 – 22:21

Warned 21:1-16 Misunderstood 21:17-26 Attacked 21:27-22:21

Warned Acts 21:1-16 a) Guilty but Forgiven Paul and Philip – Stephen’s fellow-deacon ! (Acts 6:5) b) Warned but Confident Note: 20:22 “Compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” Three warnings to inform him. c) Moved but not Diverted “Breaking my heart” (v13) but… “I am willing not only to be imprisoned but even to die.” (v13) “He would not be persuaded.” (v14)

Misunderstood Acts 21:17-26 a) The good news shared – They glorified God. b) The issue revealed – not far away among the Gentiles but here among the Jews. And the danger of “Have you heard..?” c) The priority established The traditions and rules were unimportant compared to the central issue of following Christ. Philippians 3:4-9

Attacked Acts 21:27-22:21  Jews assume he has defiled the Temple (Trophimus).  Roman commander assumes he’s an Egyptian terrorist.  Agabus’ prophecy comes true, and…  God uses Roman soldiers to rescue Jewish/ Christian Paul! Paul’s address: (22:3-21) i) Unhelpful beginnings pedigree and performance don’t count ii) Unbelievable forgiveness that God should choose him iii) Unpopular calling a witness to the Gentiles

 Confident of our calling  Strong in difficult places  Keep the main thing the main thing  Sure that whatever happens to us, God’s purposes will be still be fulfilled