Acts 21

Paul's itinerary increased dramatically in chapter 21 as he makes his way steadfastly to Jerusalem. Some may think that he was suicidal or even stubborn for not listening to the many people who sought to persuade him not to go to Jerusalem. However Paul's emotions were neither of the aforementioned. Instead, he was intent on being obedient to the call of God on his life. If you were in the service at FBC Florence today, you may remember the verse from which Tim preached or you may recall this is listed as one of my favorite verses on the website, Acts 20:24. In this previous chapter Paul gave his reasoning for pressing on toward Jerusalem in spite of the opposition and hints of execution which lay ahead. He stated, "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.". He continues in chapter 21 with the same sentiment by saying, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

After arriving in Jerusalem it did not take long for the staunch Jewish leaders to seek a manner to overtake Paul. They began shouting, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people, our law, and this place. What's more, he also brought Greeks into the temple and has profaned this holy place." They looked for every occasion to destroy Paul. However, they missed the point that they might silence Paul but they could never silence the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

One other matter which the Jewish leaders used in seeking to destroy Paul is found in verse 29 which states, "For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple complex." The word Luke uses in the verse which intrigues me is "supposed." Another way of translating this word is "assumed." When we assume we run the risk of miscalculating, misjudging, misappropriating, and even misunderstanding. Each of these words are preceded by the prefix "mis" as in missed the intended meaning or missed the correct answer or even missed the mark, which in Greek is the definition for harmatia, the word for sin. Too often when we assume we run the risk of sinning against man and God alike. Therefore, be very cautious in making assumptions. In the church of today we often suppose/assume the negative when we hear certain rumors or half-truths. These innuendos are damaging and deadly, in addition to being ungodly and unethical. Paul told the young Timothy in 1Tim. 4:7 "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly." Therein is the key to obedience and faithful living in God, train yourself unto godliness.

Lessons We Learned:
1. True commitment comes at the risk of sacrificing one's life, which is what Jesus did for us.
2. People may silence one proclaimer of the Gospel but they can never silence the Message of Jesus Christ.
3. Never assume! This act can misguide you in practicing godly living.
4. Finish strong for Jesus!