Good things turn sour
The Spirit’s leading
Acts 20:22, “and now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardship are facing me”
Acts 21:4, “through the Spirit urged Paul not to go there”
In Caesarea … the prophet Agabus
What is happening?
– The spirit revealing more detail
– Acts 23:11 … alive till Rome
Paul’s response
– Acts 21:14, “The Lord’s will be done”
– Phil 1:21, “to live is Christ … but to die is gain”
The wonderful news of conversions
… but the new Christians are zealous for the law not Jesus
… the danger of turning against Paul.
Qu – Are we zealous for something other than serving and honouring Jesus and the proclamation of his gospel?
Things turn sour because …
a) Weak Jerusalem Leadership
What is best to do? – Acts 21:22
None stand with Paul
2 Tim 4:16. At my first defence, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
b) A deep hatred
Of Paul – he is saved by the Romans
Of the gospel of salvation from our sin through Jesus Christ alone
For us today
Be committed to the gospel
Be prepared for opposition
Stand firm
Question over Coffee
Where would you stand if the ‘crowds’ or church leaders turned hostile to gospel proclamation or the clear teaching of God’s word?