Acts 21:27-40 In these verses we get a glimpse of the inward battles and the outward battles that now become a major part of Paul’s final years as we explore his initial arrest. The process of prayer is like a battle for values and virtues that affect all of us who choose to live by faith in the Son of God. We face similar battles regarding the sins of the nation regarding corruption, injustice, killing innocent babies by calling them what they are not, sexual immorality of many types, and not honoring others as being more important than ourselves. This leads to prayers of repentance on behalf of others who are involved in such matters, even if we are not personally involved in those sins.
The Battleground
The grounds for a charge against him:
A misunderstanding
Hostility against Paul
What to do?
“I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But as for you, use self-restraint in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
2 Timothy 4:1-5 NASB2020
Patience in the midst of persecution
When to say what to whom
Facing disappointment
Facing abandonment
Facing corruption
Facing injustice
How to respond like Jesus did – using previous experiences and spiritual growth
With love
With prayer
With forgiveness
With trusting and faith
Seeing God’s purpose step by step
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8 NASB2020