Acts

Comments on Acts

Go to a chapter number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 25 27

Acts 1 tells us a great deal about the disciples

First, like us they too were very interested when Jesus would establish His kingdom or when He would return to earth. The difference with them was they seemed content with Jesus answers and they did not try to figure it all out. Faith was their hope.

Second, they were obedient and went back to their living quarters and prayed while waiting for this power Jesus promised. Prayer was very important for them as it should be for you and me.

Third, they recognized the need to have a full contingent of leaders. Twelve seemed to be the number of tribes in the Old Testament times and twelve was also the number of disciples Jesus chose. It would therefore follow in order for them to be in full accord with this pattern of spiritual leadership they too needed twelve leaders. Their method of choosing would be crucial for their success. They needed someone the Holy Spirit recognized as a leader. The method they chose was to pray first then cast lots. Casting lots probably would seem strange and cultish to us today, however the present day practice of choosing often leaves the church with leaders that often are neither visionaries nor empowered with the Holy Spirit. Popularity or prestige does not necessarily equip one to lead. I believe the church is crippled by choosing leaders based on their current secular occupation rather than the Spirit’s choice. Just because Brother Jake is a bank teller does not qualify him to be the church treasurer.

Acts 2:1-13

Earlier in the first chapter of Acts how the disciples were all together in one room praying constantly and here in chapter two we read of the Holy Spirit taking control of their tongue.

When people come together with one purpose something always happens. Back in Genesis it was the people of Babel that came together to build a tower reaching into the heavens so never again would a flood destroy them. (they thought) There they were actually defying the Lord God who had already promised not to do the flood thing again. (disbelief)

Here in Acts they came together to pray like Jesus told them. (obedience) They were seeking what Jesus had promised. (belief) Look what happened. It was a phenomenon never before experience even by the most devout of believers in God. The disciples were speaking about the miracles of God in a way every person in hearing distance could understand.

What would happen to day if when the church came together they would all be in one accord, with one purpose, believing God to deliver what has been promised? Wouldn't everyone in hearing distance see and hear about the glory of God and be healed, delivered, encouraged, strengthened, restored and all the other promises coming alive?

The final thought: How can God and His Spirit do anything for us or with us when we all have an agenda of our own and we feel it is the one and only way to bring forth the Kingdom in our lives and in the life of our churches and or communities?

No wonder even the church people cannot experience the Glory of God---they cannot hear what is being done or said!

Acts 3 is an interesting history line and I believe we could us it as a modern measuring line today. Look at the sequence of happenings
Peter and John were going for prayer at their regular time.

It was necessary for them to pass by the location where a lame beggar was placed daily. The vagabond ask for money, Peter and John gave them what they had, the healing power of God.

The people in the Temple were amazed and came to see what had happened. Peter gave his testimony about the power of God in his life and also a message about Jesus, something the prophets had foretold long ago.

For us:
Prayer is a very important of our spiritual life----Through it we are blessed with opportunities. Being where the lame and needy are is important----sometimes our path needs to intersect the lives of the misfortunate. Give people what they need, not necessarily what they want----money is not the cure-all but the power of God is. People will come to investigate when the Kingdom power is unleashed. The most powerful sermon anyone can give is a personal testimony---even doubly so when the written
Word comes to life in us as individuals.

One final thought here is; in the modern church setting people are asked and urged to give what they do not have. Seems like people all too often are required to carry out ministries which are beyond their ability; this should not be. I understand the power of God in any situation. I understand growth in spiritual power. However some actions are far beyond a person’s capability and should not be made a mandatory participation. When such requirements are in place it brings weakness to the church and often times ridicule as well.

If you think I am being too strong just look around at the church world where you live. How much Kingdom power do you see? My thought here is give to others what God has given you, freely, joyfully and with an open heart but don't try to give what you don't have even if it is a good thing and an admired ministry.

Acts 4:1-22
When the elders and rulers realized Peter and John had no education or special training, they were surprised to see how boldly they spoke. They realized that these men had been with Jesus.

Does it amaze you at all that a person who has spent time with Jesus becomes very bold when questioned about a certain belief?

It is one thing to listen to a preacher/teacher and hear, understand and agree with the teaching, (this is good) but is quite another to spend time with Jesus and catch a vision of who He is, really. Education about Jesus takes a back seat to participation with Jesus. They are not even in the same ballpark.

When you feel the power of God flow through your body into another person you do become bold and you will speak with authority that will baffle some of the most elite of spiritual leaders. Yet the results of that act cannot be denied.

This all comes about as you give to others what God has given you. Sometimes it is through your natural ability, sometimes is through a learned or acquired ministry and sometimes it is a one time expression of Gods love and power through you to another person in need.

The important thing is to be sensitive and obedient to the urging of the Spirit, along with the needs around you. Jesus will do the rest.

Acts 4:23-31
Immediately after Peter and John were arrested and released, they went to their normal meeting place and began to pray. Their prayer was for boldness and for power to continue on with what they knew was from the Holy Spirit. When they finished praying the place was shaken and the Holy Spirit was evident in all of them and boldness was present as well.

Once again Prayer is the center attraction. Over and over we read where prayer was given in praise and also in request. I have seen enough results from prayer to know that anything we need or want, or any plans we make, first must be laid out before God in a time of prayer.

Most of the time through prayer we will get on the same page as our leaders and their vision will become our vision. But there are times when this just doesn't fit in our personal relationship with the Father and our spirit will cry out for relief. What then are we to do? This is the question many a person has had to come to grips with. When will I follow man and when will I follow the Holy Spirit.

In the church world this line is a very fine one and very difficult to identify. No church leader will set out deliberately to defy the Holy Spirit yet the truth is many are doing it, either aware or unaware and in the process are making it difficult for those who find it very hard to follow along. Many are those who find themselves torn between submission to the church and obedience to the Holy Spirit. This is not to be taken lightly. It is serious situation. What can be done? PRAY!!

Pray for the church leaders and also pray for yourself that the power of God will be manifest in your life and the life of the church. After all the real issue here is that the Kingdom of God is expanded. Also God must be the recognized power in control of all that goes on both in the secular society and in the church society. When the Holy Spirit is set aside, the power is diminished.

When an individual becomes convinced God is the sovereign power in this universe and submits to His authority then that individual is not moved by what is going on by government either secular or religious. That person realizes his/her relationship with the Lord God is far more important than some expectation or rule made by others. Certainly we are required to cooperate with the authorities and do not have a license to do our own thing, yet we also have a responsibility to maintain an intimate relationship with the Father. Prayer is an avenue to that intimacy.

Acts 5:1-16
Each time I read about the disciples and the early church, I am reminded and lifted up seeing the power of the early church.

Two reasons I see for this are, (1) sincere corporate prayer life for the entire body, and (2) the one accord, on mind, or one faith issue. They were all together with one mind and they prayed for help in many areas and the Lord God answered.
v.41
The apostles were happy to have been worthy to suffer dishonor for speaking about Jesus. If only I can get to that place, what peace it will bring!

Acts 6
Have you ever wondered what the face of an angel looked like? Me Too! Verse 8 says Stephen was a man filled with God's favor and power. He did amazing things and performed miracles.

I would think very strongly when a person is filled up to the brim with God's power and has His favor there is something about that person which cannot be described in words of normal use. An angel's face!!! Most of us have not seen an angel in person. It is left to our imagination as to how one would look. I can only imagine what the face of Stephen looked like as he faced the "know-it-alls" from the synagogue. His wisdom from the Holy Spirit was far superior to theirs. They could not deny the truth he spoke yet they would not accept it. Eventually they made up lies about him in order to counter his common sense approach to the Kingdom of God.

Standing in the face of his accusers and their lies his face shone like an angel. He evidently was so confident in his relationship with the Godhead, (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) nothing they could do to or say about him would bring him sorrow. He stood straight and tall while they ranted and raved with their lies. To me that is a sure sign of the power of God in the life of an individual. As we will see in the next chapter the more they berated him the stronger and bolder he became. How about that for a pattern to follow!!! (If a pattern is needed)

Acts 7
Can't you just admire Stephen? In the very face of the most learned people of his life, Stephen stands up and declares the history and the truth of God's promises and fulfillment. When his integrity and faith was questioned he knew what he believed and why he believed it.
Boldness comes with knowledge and power accompanies boldness. When you know what you believe and why you believe it no one can make you change your mind. Is it any wonder the apostle Paul told Timothy to study the scriptures and learn the truth then he would never find a time to be timid about preaching, teaching, and counseling others.
That everyone would take that advice. Study, read, meditate all that has been written about Jesus, (in the Bible) so when you are challenged you will know what you believe. This will give you the boldness to stand in the face of any and all questions about who you are in Jesus and about who Jesus is in you. In today's world one needs to know truth from error because there is so much going on in the name of Jesus it is often difficult to separate truth from error. One person is saying one thing, another is saying something different, and another is saying still something else. Who are you to believe? My advice is to believe the Bible as the Holy Spirit shows it to you. No one must learn it all at one time, as life unfolds for you in your daily activities the Holy Spirit will uncover for you the truth you need for that particular time. Daily study along with daily living will teach you a great amount of truth. I am not saying one should not listen to others at all I am saying take it all in then use what the Spirit reveals to you. The rest will come in due time. Enjoy the Day!!!

Acts 13:
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set Barnabas and Saul apart for me. I want them to do the work for which I called them.

Can you imagine what it would be like if the church you attend would pattern their actions after the first Church rather than the church down the road or across the country that happened to listen to the Holy Spirit and became successful?

In the early days of the church there was no successful group. There was no pattern to follow. There was only the Holy Spirit of God who directed, empowered, and led the church. Unless I have missed something the Holy Spirit knows more than anyone who and what would best serve a community or a group who have a desire to actually be The Church. And unless I have missed something else until He is in full control there is no real church, only weak imitations.

Say what you like, think what you will, but in the church world today we usually copy what someone else is doing. If we see a measure of success in our group, we immediately want to market our way as "the" way. If we see another group having a degree of success we tend to imitate them. Either way we wind up hindering rather helping the Christian community.

Don't misunderstand what I am saying. We can always learn something from others. But to apply the same method in one city that worked for them may not necessarily be what the Holy Spirit is leading in another place. Only God really knows what He wants from anyone in any given place. To Him, the true church goes when it is serious about being "the Church". It is not my best friend, it is not my son or daughter, it is not the citizen of the year, the successful banker, or salesman of the year, none of those will bring integrity and power to the church, rather it is that one who the Holy Spirit has called to do His work that moves the church along.

Over and over in the early church I see worship, praise, and prayer as the catalyst that brings persons in direct contact with the Holy Spirit. I know this is still essential to a personal relationship with Him today. I speak from experience. I believe it is also necessary for any group as well. If we want to be the church, find out what the Holy Spirit wants from us and go for it with all the energy we have and people around us will want to know this Jesus. If we want to play church then keep doing what is being done around the country every Sunday morning in most churches. The non-believers will remain non-believers and not too many will even notice Jesus at all.

What can I say about this section that has not been said before? One of the purest testimonies is that of the personal nature. Paul and Barnabas used their personal knowledge of the scriptures to verify their beliefs about their present situation. When a person knows what the Bible teaches as a whole, not what verses here and there may infer, then daily living in the Word takes on a whole different meaning. It is then one can see the very Word of God coming alive in everyday happenings.

Under these circumstances a person's testimony or teaching may be believed and valued, bringing rest to some weary soul; other times the same message is resented and the hearer wants to rid themselves of the messenger even to the point of rendering them useless as in death or in some way removing them from the scene.

I find even today the same thing holds true. Often the simplest message is the most powerful and often that message is welcomed and often it is rejected. When the message is believed the messenger may be subjected to a form of worship from those who hear and understand while those who cannot hear will want to shut the voice down.

Again, “I say know what you believe and why you believe it and your life will be full of surprises with joy at times and with sorrow at other times.” That is just the way it is, always has been and evidently always will be. People might want to worship you as they did Peter and Paul or they may want to destroy you as they did Paul and Barnabas.

Acts 14
It has been said repetition is the surest way to get something into the mind that will stay. Repeat, repeat, and repeat until it is thoroughly embedded into the brain.

Surely the Holy Spirit knew this a long time ago because as we read through the New Testament, repetition is what we get; the same thing over and over. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John said basically the same thing about the Kingdom of God. Now Luke writing about the early church and the power, influence, and offense it carried with it is repeated over and over.

Everywhere the New Testament Church preachers/teachers spoke hundreds of people believed the message and wanted to worship the messengers. Also there were those who would try anything including murder to silence their voices once and for all. As we read on we will find the Jewish leaders and chief priest would either follow the travels of Paul or send someone else to try to stop him from spreading the gospel of the risen Christ. Many believed and many were offended.

Take heart, even today not much has changed. The worship of men follows many a good teacher/preacher/leader most of the time to their ruin. But in their prime some people are offended by them, some people welcome their truth, and some people could care less what they say. If you are a leader in one of those categories it will be the same for you.

Don't let anyone worship you, nor take it too seriously if someone is offended by you, or if some do not care either way. That is just the way it is.

Acts 15:7-10
God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.

I am so thankful this morning the God who knows the heart is not nearly as selective as I am at times. Perhaps if He made the same distinctions as we men do about accepting others, I may not even be included in His Kingdom. But thankfully He looks into the very heart of men everywhere and sees the sincerity and overlooks the actions we take out of ignorance. Oh yes when we choose to deliberately disobey that is one thing but to act out of innocence or ignorance His love so envelopes us we are made pure in His sight and He accepts us as we are. He also knows our hearts well enough to know if we are sincere or if we are playing games with Him. When my heart aches within me to know Him more, He shows me who He is more. As I choose to grow into His ways, He shows me more of them. No physical act in it self can ever take the place of a pure heart. He will give us what we need at the time we need it because we seek truth with a desire to do His will, not because we make a new rule or meet some criteria set by man.

vs. 36-41

What would life be like today if everyone agreed on everything? Rather dull and boring and useless would be my answer. We often feel out of sorts or guilty or some other negative emotion if we disagree with our peers or even our leaders on issues of the spirit and Christianity. Sometimes we think we are the difficult one and sometimes we feel the other person is the difficult one. Our basic Christian teachings constantly tell us to be of one accord, to live in unity, to get along even when we disagree. This is a good thing most of the time. Yet I am convinced there are times when disagreements are from the Holy Spirit of God. Even if that is not true still when they come He can and often does use it to further His Kingdom.

This is evident in the dispute between Paul and Barnabas. First there was only one missionary group traveling about sharing the gospel of the Christ. After the disagreement the number doubled, now there are two groups going about encouraging the brethren and sharing the Gospel.

When you are troubled if and when families move about from your church to another, think in those terms. Wherever that family goes they will take with them attitudes, principles, values, disciplines and so much more they learned while there. Give thanks to the Lord God for those who will move on carrying the message with them. It is a way to spread the gospel of Christ. It worked for the early church and most likely it will work in this century as well.

Acts 16:4-5
As they went through the cities, they told people about the decisions that the apostles and spiritual leaders in Jerusalem had made for the people. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew in numbers every day.

As we go through life we make decisions, that is a given. It is completely necessary in our daily living to make decisions in order for us to move along the road of life. Sometimes those decisions prove to be right-on and other times they seem to be so far off we wonder how we could have made them in the first place.

I would think most decisions could be put into two categories--selfish or selfless. How do we know or decide which is which? Look at the results of the decisions made by the spiritual leaders in the early church. Verse five says, "so the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew in numbers every day."

Of course when we think about church related decisions we must always think in those terms. Will my church become more faith oriented and will it bring growth both in numbers and in spiritual depth? Is this decision based on advancing the Kingdom of God through faith in Jesus or is it based on some goal sought in order to raise the prestige of the institution or to become like one in another location? Selfless or selfish?

The same could be said for decisions made in the home. Is this a decision to increase the faith and strength of our family or is it a decision to reach some goal projected on us by the society in which we live? It is far easier to get caught up in societie’s goals (actually we are into it before we even realize it) than it is to live by faith in Jesus and decide to seek His goals. Careful considerations and motive checks must always be made when we are thinking about making a life changing decision.

Perhaps asking the question--selfish or selfless in too simple, but it is a start. Is this what I want or is this what the Lord God wants?

Acts 16:25-26
These verses tell us again how prayer and praise bring about answers to needs. If I sound repetitious so be it, this is the way the Spirit inspired the writers--probably so we would get it eventually. If He tells us the same thing over and over surely it is important that we recognize it.

So many different things happen when we come before the Lord singing, praying and worshiping. One would think we would always take that route in order to hear from Him. The truth is we tend to follow our own desires or those of someone else into worship or prayer then question why the Spirit doesn't move for us or within us or why answers fail to come.

This is truth for us individually, for family situations, and for corporate situations. Many an issue could be easily solved if we would but follow the patterns of the early church as they followed the Spirit of the Lord God

Acts 17:1-15
Here we again see the Gospel spreading. Those who were opposed to the teachings of Paul and tried to silence him were unwittingly helping to spread the gospel they were trying to dispel. When Paul's life was threatened he was sent on by the brethren to another city. Once there Paul could not remain silent, he did the thing God had called him to do--preach the Gospel of Truth. Everywhere Paul went people were hearing something new, yet exciting and could be proven by the scriptures and it was a welcomed message by most.

Even when the jealous leaders stirred up the common people with lies and accusations the message was pure and strong enough to make converts. Those who (Bereans) took the time to search for truth found it and they became even more zealous for the gospel message.

Peoples change, times change, but the message remains the same. It still brings salvation to some and jealousy to others and the results of either remain the same. Some who hear it will accept it and will make changes in their life that reflect the Message, others who hear it will try to destroy the Message and the messenger with lies, reflecting their father's image. Consider it an honor if lies are being spread about you because of your belief and voice.
Be a good Berean and search the scriptures!

Acts 17:16-34
As we continue to read about the early church in Acts we see patterns beginning to form from those who hear the gospel. Some believed and were converted to Christianity. Some heard the message and became outraged because of the claim that Jesus was the Christ who God had promised. Some saw the following Paul and some of the others were realizing and were jealous. Some saw the power of the Holy Spirit and wanted to use if for personal gain. Some saw the results but ignored the whole thing and went on living like always.

These patterns seemingly have kept up through the ages. We still see them today in every denomination out there and even in the so-called Bible Churches.

One pattern in the original church then and now we want to overlook and deny especially in today's modern Christianity is the life of a Christian is not one of ease.

Nearly every body of believers is taught, either subtly or otherwise, if you will believe in Jesus, if you will accept Him as Lord, if you will do all the "Christian" things, then your life will be one of constant ease. Jesus will take care of everything for you. This has become such a strong belief system men are somewhat reluctant to admit any problem exist in their life. They may be suffering through all kinds of hardships, or lusts of the flesh such as addictions, lying, stealing, and boasting, perverted sexual activity, failing as a husband or a parent and so many more. However men cannot express or confess these in order to get help simply because, as a believer, their life is supposed to be perfect. This does not even include the fact if one even tries to follow the Holy Spirit that one will be treated in much the way Paul was.

If you want a life of ease go out and get the best job available, make all the money you can, win the lottery, or swindle you fellowman out of their money, do what ever it takes to get rich, then go and buy everything you need for an easy life...................(money is the god of this world and if you can accumulate enough and keep it you might live easy in some sense)........NOT.....but if you want a life that is complete regardless of what worldly possessions you may gather, then life in the Spirit is what you are looking for. Will it be one of ease----not all, will it be rewarding and fulfilling----by all means. Just because you may be going through some tough times does not mean you are a heathen and by the same token if you are realizing some great times doesn't mean you are some spiritual giant. The key is, as Paul will state later, I know who
I am in Jesus and I know who Jesus is in me, regardless of the circumstances going on around me. This is what makes my life easy. (complete)

Acts 18
The 18th Chapter shows us again how Paul and his group were led by the Holy Spirit. They moved about as the Spirit directed and the stayed put when He directed. While doing so the church and the brethren were strengthened and encouraged and also Paul was becoming more and bold and more and more satisfied he was in the right place at the right time. This was a faith builder for the new converts and Paul as well. A win--win situation. I like those times.

I see from this a truth that rings true to me over and over throughout the whole Bible. When we allow the Spirit to lead us, He may take us into uncharted waters physically, but at the same time He also brings us deeper and deeper into the Scriptures. We begin to see and feel things new to us. Living becomes an exciting adventure because day by day we are confronted with something new to discover and to deal with. We learn just how much God loves us and cares for us. We become more and more aware of the living Word and we are able to know what to believe and why. Sometimes it may not be written in black and white, yet because of our experiences with the Holy One and the written Word working together, we know what and who we are and who we can depend on.

No one, even the great Jewish leaders of the times could quiet Paul. He could prove from the Scriptures what he believed and why and if you can do that---what difference does it make what others may think, say, or act out.

Paul was told, "Go for it", and he did. Is it possible we could do the same?

Acts 19:19-20
....................................They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out."

One most troubling spiritual condition for me is when I see someone with limited personal knowledge or experience with the Holy Spirit trying to take on the power of someone who is confident and bold in their relationship with Him. More times than not this will lead to all sorts of trouble for the impersonator and the recipient.

For me this is a precarious thought situation and is not too easily understood but I do believe some things.

When we try to get involved in spiritual matters that are of a holy nature is one thing. The grace of God will cover for our lack of knowledge when we are trying to do well. But when it comes to dealing with the evil spirits our ineptness is totally uncovered and Satan will take every advantage of our lack of power.

It is never strong enough to say with authority, "My church believes---- or my pastor believes-----and they teach about deliverance, so Satan must obey me!" The same can be said of some phony TV preacher's claims. Those claims cannot be used to cast out the devil, Unless the authority of Jesus and His Holy Spirit within a person is a reality, that person is subject to being "beat-up" by the devil in more ways than can be imagined. It’s a dangerous thing so be very careful about how knowledge is used, especially if there is no power to back it up.

Yes I believe the power is a gift from God, but I also believe the gift is in direct correlation with the relationship. I happen to believe you can't have one without the other. If you relationship is strong then your gifts are strong and visa versa. .

While there may not be an exact scripture to back up the above statements one can look at the progression of Paul's life and the life of the early church. The thread that runs through their history is the power they had. The power came with the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit came with obedience. As the power grew so did their obedience and so did their boldness.
As they exercised the power in a bold nature right in front of their opponents the people were astonished and at the same time were frightened. The name of Jesus was both feared and respected and people repented.

Acts 20:18-36
Saying goodbye----Saying goodbye is never an easy task. I have made several moves in my lifetime and each time I leave friends and acquaintances behind I never see again. This is the sad part, but the joyous part comes with knowing I have, for the most part, never sought anyone's "gold or silver". I have not failed to tell others of the Kingdom of God or to encourage those who would listen.

Paul knew what his future was and it was not a pleasant one, yet his main goal was to finish the task the Lord Jesus gave him to do. At this moment I do not know what the future holds for me. I do know my goal is to continue to be me, with the knowledge the Holy Spirit is in control. One thing I know for sure, being a grandpa is serious business and that is my immediate task. When my day is finished and I lay down to sleep I can look into the face of the Lord Jesus and know this day I have obeyed your command, I have been the best I can be to the children You have placed in our family.

My prayer for each of you is you will continue on with your life allowing the Holy Spirit to teach, lead, and empower you to be all you can be regardless of your vocation or your beliefs. Jesus is the only real life's Treasure to seek. Obedience to the Holy Spirit is the path to Him.

Acts 21:14
When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done." That men and women---leaders and lay-persons alike, everyone, everywhere who accepts the love and grace of the Lord would also say, "The Lord's will be done" in my life regardless where it takes me or under what circumstances I find myself.

Acts 21:21-40
These actions here against Paul sound much like the actions taken against Jesus that eventually led to his crucifixion. Paul was being beaten by the same people who crucified Jesus. (religious leaders)

When anyone tells you the Christian life is one of luxury and ease be very cautious of their teachings. None of the early church leaders could make those claims. Their life was anything but.

Of course in the long term there is no other way but the way of Jesus. A troubled life with Him is far greater than any so-called easy life without Him.

Acts 23:1-11
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."
Two things stand out to in these verses.
Paul was obedient to his calling and was standing in front of a group who wanted him gone. He had no qualms about telling his story, about telling his mission or speaking boldly in front of this court that actually could sentence him to death. Regardless of their threats or actions Paul knew who he was and what the Holy Spirit had directed him to do. He was okay with that no matter where he was or who questioned him about it.

Secondly, Paul's reward for his loyalty to Jesus was more of the same treatment. V. 11. This should once and for all time put away the idea Christianity is a life on easy street. It was not so for Jesus, it was not so for Paul, nor was it so for the other disciples and teachers. Still, standing there midst of those who hated him, Paul was a free man with power to look beyond his circumstances and recognize who is in control. What would seem to us something horrible, Paul was very comfortable with. For him it was a "life-of-ease." Could we say the same under the circumstance we find ourselves in today regardless of what they may be?

Acts 25 and 26
Paul stands before the most powerful leaders of the country and the church in order to take a stand for Jesus because the Holy Spirit led him to do so.

Paul seemed delighted to share his experiences both about his conversion and the details of the results. He was ready to defend to death what he believed, what he had experienced, and how he interpreted the ancient writings with what was happening to him at the present. In other words the Word had become alive for him and it changed his life.

I have written before about personal experiences with Jesus. There is nothing as powerful as that experience of face to face with Jesus. One's life is never the same afterward. This is so different than reading about Jesus, or listening as someone else tells about Him. Once that experience takes place personally and a person begins to live a life filled with a desire to follow the Spirit at any cost, then that life takes on a power and voice than cannot be silenced. This is not to say that same person is perfect--it is to say that person's desire is to become all God has created them to be and it is the desire, obedience and commitment that brings God's nature into them. I have come to the conclusion it may easier for someone to die for Jesus than to live for Him.

Acts 27
Here is one of those accounts of Paul's life the Holy Spirit inspired the writer to share with the church then and now which is a mystery to me as to why. Have you ever asked the question Why? Why is this story told to us? What benefit are we to gain from reading it? What lesson is in it for us today? The questions could be many and perhaps we don't know or need to know the answer however I believe every account given us is in some way meant to encourage us in our daily living.

With that thought in mind let me share a thought with you.

We have seen time and time again the great faith Paul exhibited. Regardless of what was going on around him or what was happening to him personally his faith never seemed to waiver. This incident is no exception. He had heard from the Lord and he was steadfast in his faith. Even though all earthly knowledge and experience was saying this ship and its passengers are doomed, Paul knew better his faith was in the Holy Spirit's words to him.

Quite a lesson for us today. Anyone who has lived a few years in this world already knows there are times when the vessel in which we are riding is sinking. "Our ship is sinking" so to speak.

This could be our job, it might be our marriage, and it could even be the church we attend. Our family may seem on the verge of complete disarray. However when we have heard from the Lord on a personal level and we know we are in the right place at the right time even though the immediate future looks very bleak and the obstacles seem insurmountable, "the ship is sinking"---we can still hold on to the truth of God's Word. The ship may indeed go down---the job may be lost etc.--but when you are in
Him and He is in you, you will be saved regardless of any other losses you may sustain. His plan for you will succeed.
You can count on the Lord God to be there with you and for you, nothing changes that.