Acts 23
Today's Passage: Acts 23
Chapter 23 continues Paul's missionary journey throughout Jerusalem. His journey has its highs and lows, but there are two things that I want to focus on with this chapter - Paul’s persecution and God’s provision.
Paul is standing before a Jewish council and being interrogated. He has been bound, imprisoned, and physically assaulted. Why? It’s not his personality or his upbringing. He used to be a standout Pharisee! They hate Jesus and his gospel. The kingdom that Jesus ushered in is one that stripped them of their power and leverage over the people. They persecuted Paul because they hated God’s kingdom.
The same is true today. As we go into the world to proclaim/live out the gospel people will respond with hated and persecution towards God’s Kingdom. This shouldn’t surprise us - Jesus told us this, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first…Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you” (Jn 15:18). If we are truly living on mission, like Paul, we WILL face hatred from the world, but there’s hope!
God’s provision for Paul is the same provision he promises to us today! God called Paul to be his witness to Jerusalem and Rome, so God provided Paul with everything he needed to fulfill that calling. He didn’t promise to make it easy and safe. Paul was met with opposition at nearly every turn, but God sustained him and guided him through every town.
What has Jesus called you to do? To GO and MAKE DISCIPLES. That may look different in each of our lives, but the mission is the same. Do you trust that God is with you and providing for you as you live on mission? Jesus ends the Great Commission with this promise, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
So as you go and make disciples expect to be met with hatred and persecution, but take heart, for God is with you and his provision will never fail!
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Who led you to Christ?
When was the last time you told someone about Jesus?
Who can share the Gospel with TODAY?
Written By: Joe Weaver
Chapter 23 continues Paul's missionary journey throughout Jerusalem. His journey has its highs and lows, but there are two things that I want to focus on with this chapter - Paul’s persecution and God’s provision.
Paul is standing before a Jewish council and being interrogated. He has been bound, imprisoned, and physically assaulted. Why? It’s not his personality or his upbringing. He used to be a standout Pharisee! They hate Jesus and his gospel. The kingdom that Jesus ushered in is one that stripped them of their power and leverage over the people. They persecuted Paul because they hated God’s kingdom.
The same is true today. As we go into the world to proclaim/live out the gospel people will respond with hated and persecution towards God’s Kingdom. This shouldn’t surprise us - Jesus told us this, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first…Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you” (Jn 15:18). If we are truly living on mission, like Paul, we WILL face hatred from the world, but there’s hope!
God’s provision for Paul is the same provision he promises to us today! God called Paul to be his witness to Jerusalem and Rome, so God provided Paul with everything he needed to fulfill that calling. He didn’t promise to make it easy and safe. Paul was met with opposition at nearly every turn, but God sustained him and guided him through every town.
What has Jesus called you to do? To GO and MAKE DISCIPLES. That may look different in each of our lives, but the mission is the same. Do you trust that God is with you and providing for you as you live on mission? Jesus ends the Great Commission with this promise, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
So as you go and make disciples expect to be met with hatred and persecution, but take heart, for God is with you and his provision will never fail!
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Who led you to Christ?
When was the last time you told someone about Jesus?
Who can share the Gospel with TODAY?
Written By: Joe Weaver
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