Acts 20

The chapter begins with a travel itinerary for Paul and a few other disciples. But interwoven among the verses we see that the persecution began to intensify, partly because of the legendary work of Paul. It seemed that Paul was passionate about sharing the Gospel with those who had not heard the Good News to this point, starting churches along his missionary journeys, and preaching the Word to strengthen the new believers and new churches. At one point as Paul preached Luke said, "Paul spoke to them, and since he was about to depart the next day, he extended his message until midnight." Yes, it is true that this was a special evening for Paul is about to leave them for Jerusalem, but one can sense that the people were eager to hear what Paul had to say and likewise Paul was determined to proclaim all he could for he knew his time was short. This is confirmed later in the chapter when we read where Paul, while addressing the Ephesian church's elders said, "And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, bound in my spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there, except that in town after town the Holy Spirit testifies to me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me. But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God's grace."

There are several factors which we should consider regarding this chapter. First, do we have the same eagerness about hearing the Word of God proclaimed? They were determined to stay there until past midnight. We are often misplaced if our service goes past the one hour mark. While time has become the most precious commodity in society, we are reluctant to give God much of our time. Secondly, where are we in our eagerness to serve God in the face of opposition. If you recall Paul was eager to get to Jerusalem for Pentecost in spite of the great persecution which he knew awaited him. Do we embrace what lies ahead of us regardless of good or bad so that we may advance the kingdom of God or do we avoid, delay, or deny the tasks which God has charged to us? I find it easy to say the task is too much to ask of us and to toy with the idea of giving up on the assignment. But I have to remind myself to push through the barriers, rely on the strength of God, and to not forget the calling of God. As Paul told the church at Philippi, "Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus." While I am out running when the run seems difficult I keep saying to myself, "Push through, push through!" I think that is what Paul was saying and living. He wouldn't back down from any earthly or satanic oppression for he knew Who had called him and Who protected him. Let that be our goal as well.

Lessons We Learned:
1. We cannot cower under the pressures of this world when God calls us to a mission.
2. Those before us set the standard for a passionate pursuit of serving God.
3. Our service to God should strike fear in the lives of God's (our) opposition.