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Bible Study

      Today's passage concludes Paul's testimony. The result is the same as when Stephen finished his testimony. The crowd wanted to kill both of them. What Paul testified should be a defence for himself so that he would not be found guilty. But, it was not a defence at all. 

Bishop N.T. Wright's says (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N._T._Wright):

     Of course the crowd had to reject it... He was, after all, the man they thought he was.  He was the one who was telling the Gentiles they were all right as they are.  He was the one who was teaching Jews all around the world to live like Gentiles - in other words, teaching them to accept table-felloship with anyone and everyone purely on the basis of faith in this 'Messiah' he was talking about, this blasphemer Jesus who had caused all the trouble in the first place.  If Paul thought this was a 'defence', he had another think coming.  They were going to show him otherwise.  He was guilty as the Gentiles whose friend he had become, guilty as sin itself. 

N.T. Wright. Acts for Everyone, Part 2. Louisville,KY:Westminster John Knox Press, 2008, p.159.

     So, why he said that knowing that he might be stoned as what the people did to Stephen? The key is on verse 21. Jesus sent him far away to the Gentiles. It is an appointment. It is a command! Paul did not care if he got the same result as Stephen did. He was not to be threatened!

     How about you? Are you going to be threatened by the pressure of something or some people that you do not have the guts to do what Jesus wants you to do?  

               

Let's have a time to be still and give the Holy Spirit space to speak through the passage of scripture we have just read. Offer this time up to Jesus as you listen to him, while listening to "Gabriel's Oboe"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmax47l2hLU

Spiritual Journal

    What I heard from Jesus today is: Are you going to be threatened not telling the story?

   

    What I received from Jesus is a question to challenge our faith. You never know what would happen when that moment comes. But, when that moments really comes, think about what is the most important thing? To say "Yes Sir" to Jesus or to chicken out because of the threats and pressure? 

    Are you going to be threatened not telling the story Jesus wants you to tell?

Dear Lord Jesus,

Lead us to have the faith and courage to say what you want us to say and do what you want us to do.  In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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