ACTS
Testifying & Tribulations
Dr. Tom Bartlett
September 22, 2019
Acts 21:1-40
OUTLINE
Lessons In Courage
Courage: moving forward in the face of uncertainty
And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home. Acts 21:1-6
Courage: focusing on the prize and not the price
When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge. Acts 21:7-16
Courage: a key factor in motivating others
When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. Acts 21:17-20
MANUSCRIPT
Welcome to Steele Creek Church my name is Pastor Tom Bartlett. We began this campus just over a year ago in planning and preparation, and we opened our doors to the community last December.
I’m so grateful to see what’s happening here. Marriages are being helped and restored, families assisted in many ways, people in need physically, emotionally and spiritually are finding what they need and that thrills me.
As we look at the Bible text today, we’re in Acts chapter 21. As you turn there, let me say this; the New Testament and the Bible as a whole can be divided in two ways of instruction. One way is “prescriptive”, this is where the Bible prescribes the remedy with God’s help to the issues of man. The Bible also contains section that would fall into a “descriptive” teaching. In other words, the passage describes to us God interaction, provision and so on.
Much of the Apostle Paul’s writings to the churches he started contain prescriptive passages that tell us how to function and live. In one passage he teaches us that we should live at peace with all people as far as we can. Another place he teaches us that Jesus Christ has removed the stain of sin and that for believers there is no condemnation from God because of God’s gift of eternal life.
In the book of Acts, we have a very descriptive recounting of how God provided for and led the early followers of Christ.
The one thing we can say about these pioneers is that as they testified of the goodness of God, they faced tribulations.
In fact, Paul would later say, that those who wish to live godly in this world will face persecution. (2 Tim 3:12).
Are you up for that? Can you face the ridicule that comes, the opposition? You might think honestly and say, “no I don’t think I can.” I want to tell you, that yes you can by the grace of God.
Today I want us to look at some lessons in courage that the Bible describes the Apostle Paul as walking in. You see Paul is also quoted as saying in essence that no matter what comes my way, with Christ I can do all things. Everything He’s called me to do.
So, while you may not be able to do it, God will give you the strength to face anything, no matter what!
Lessons In Courage
As we come to Acts 21 Paul is on a journey that ultimately leads him to Jerusalem. He’s bringing both encouragement and the results of an offering from the believers in Macedonia. Even though many dis “courage” him from going, he shows tremendous leadership, and courage in facing tribulations (troubles).
In a world today that places honor and words of great courage people who do very selfish things, or show out by taking selfies in dangerous places or many other things. Paul shows us what real courage is and it’s not focused on himself. The attention is always placed on God and His will.
So, from his conviction to do as God has called him, let’s look at what courage truly looks like.
Courage: moving forward in the face of uncertainty
Courage isn’t the absence of fear. Was Paul afraid when he faced issues? Probably. Courage is moving forward in spite of the unknown, the fear.
It’s around the year AD 57 and Paul around this time writes the most doctrinal book in the Bible, Romans. At the same time, He’s facing the trials.
Acts 21:1-6 “And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.
Now this portion that says, “Through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go to Jerusalem”. It does not mean that God was necessarily speaking through them to Paul. Paul already had a mandate to go.
THIS IS KEY. Good meaning people will tell you what God has said to them to say to you. ONLY TAKE SUCH THINGS AS IN CONFIRMATION TO WHAT GOD HAS ALREADY TOLD YOU.
People with the gift of prophecy speak forth the things of God, but they do not always perceive perfectly.
These people knew the uncertainty of Paul’s situation, but Paul’s courage would drive him on. An impromptu prayer meeting happened as they all sent Paul off.
So, courage is moving forward without all the answers, but it’s also. . .
Courage: focusing on the prize and not the price
18 years ago, our nation was viciously attacked by terrorists who used commercial jet-liners and civilians to ram into two of our largest buildings leading to a near financial ruin of our economy.
Many men and woman enlisted to fight against tyranny. One such man was Patrick Daniel Tillman. Pat was a professional football player living the dream. Sports, money etc. He left the NFL to enlist and fight for the freedoms that were being challenged with that attack. He was a super-star on the football field. On April 22, 2004 as an army ranger Pat Tillman was killed while serving us.
Pat discounted the cost because the prize of freedom was worth more. The Apostle Paul had this same drive.
Acts 21:7-16 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
Philip was one of the seven chosen by the apostle to serve those in need some 20 years earlier. Later he is seen doing the work of an evangelist and God had used him greatly.
He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.
Philip had 4 daughters, poor man (lol). I grew up with 3 sisters in a house with 2 bathrooms. To use the bathroom I had to make an appointment a day in advanced!
These daughters were very spiritual and the prophesied or spoke as God directed them. They are not recorded here as prophesying, but it must have been a topic in the discussion since Luke adds it here.
TEENS – GOD WANTS TO AND CAN USE YOU RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW.
While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
Agabus a devout man who also spoke for God, a prophet expresses to Paul in a very OT fashion what will happen to Paul in Jerusalem. He doesn’t try to stop Paul; he simply informs him.
Paul already knows the cost but the prize of doing God’s will is of greater value than his own life.
After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.
Courage looks past the uncertainty; it focuses on the prize and not the price and finally . . .
Courage: a key factor in motivating others
Often it takes just one person to say, “YES” Joshua said “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Job said, “even if die, I’m serving God.”
Jesus said, “not my will but Your will be done.”
Paul’s testimony is inspiriting and influential among the other believers.
Paul makes his way to Jerusalem.
Acts 21:17-20 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
In the early church Peter was the spokesperson for the Apostles, but James, the brother of Jesus took that place for the elders of the church.
After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed.
Paul begins to share all that God has done and these men get excited abut what God is doing. They are charged up.
It’s much like going to a conference with other pastors and hearing of the work that God is doing globally that has the miraculous written all over it.
ILLUSTRATION – Tomb of unknown soldier
In September of 2003, Hurricane Isabel was headed straight for Washington DC. In DC stands the monuments that remind us of the sacrifices given for this great nation, but none of them are as revered as the tomb of the unknown soldier.
The Tomb of the unknown soldier is a special memorial as it contains the remains of soldiers lost in wars that were unidentifiable. Men and woman who died and lost their lives for our freedom, and while we don’t know the details about their remains, our country honors their sacrifice. Part of that honor is a guard on watch at all times.
As Isabel threatened to do terrible damage to the tomb, the men who guard the tomb and live there underneath the tomb taking shifts received a message from their commander. It said that in light of the storm headed straight for them, if the men needed to take shelter under the tomb they may do so. The reply from the men is one of the most compelling things I’ve ever heard. They said, “there may come a day when this tomb is not honored with a guard on duty, but not on our watch.” These men took their shifts and marched in front of that tomb right through the storm.
Now, I’ve only been associated with Steele Creek Church for about 2 years but I can safely say, “there may come a day when the gospel message of hope ceases in Charlotte, but not on our watch!”
