Acts 24 begins with the Jewish elders presenting their charges against Paul before the governor, Felix. They proclaimed, "We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect and even tried to desecrate the temple.” Several days later, Felix sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." Many people today, unfortunately, react the same way to the gospel message. They think they can keep postponing making things right with God, but only God knows how many days they have left. That's a risky gamble!

In Acts 23, Paul is on trial before the Sanhedrin and knows He will likely face persecution, even death. Despite these circumstances, Paul declares confidently "I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day." They accused Paul of speaking against the teachings of the high priests, but Paul clarifies that he "stand(s) on trial because of his hope in the resurrection (of Jesus)". The teachers of the law argued vigorously and there was a great uproar. The dispute became violent and the Roman commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces. Though Paul was confident in God's omniscience and good purposes, he most likely was feeling a little less than peaceful during this time. Then, it says in v.11, "the Lord stood near Paul and said, 'Take courage!'. Just as God gracefully comforted Paul and provided him with encouragement, we can trust Him to "stand near to us" when we are in fearful circumstances.

Acts 22 recounts how God chose Paul and called him to be a witness to all men. I can't imagine what Paul must have been thinking when the Lord said to him so plainly to "Get up.. I'm going to tell you all that you have been assigned to do". Paul was told next, "the God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Lord and to hear words from his mouth. You will be a witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. What are you waiting for?" When Paul was praying at the temple, he fell into a trance and saw the Lord speaking. "Quick", he said to Paul. "Leave Jerusalem immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me". God was sending Paul away to the Gentiles. Paul didn't seem to understand and thought he was best qualified to be used to preach to the Jews instead. God didn't discuss it, but simply said "Go". Do we ever find ourselves thinking that we know what we should be doing, rather than what God is calling us to do? Our "qualifications" are not needed by God. In fact, maybe Paul's story is yet another example of how God's power works best in our weakness. We need to stop limiting ourselves to what we believe we are "qualified" to do for God, and fully trust in Him to gracefully provide sufficient strength and gifts we need to exercise His will. In other words, we need to stop making excuses and just obey and "Go".

In Acts 21, Paul receives more "warnings" from the brethren and also from the prophet Agabus about the significant danger he risks in traveling to Jerusalem. However, these warnings (even when from the Spirit v.4) can be viewed instead as a means of preparing Paul , rather than to hinder his plans to journey to Jerusalem. The believers "begged Paul not to go on"; but, when he said to them, "I am ready ... (even) to die for the sake of the Lord jesus", they conceded , "The will of the Lord be done". Interestingly, there is much resemblance to the last days of Jesus before his crucifixion. Like Jesus, Paul had faced the same repeated opposition from hostile Jews who plotted against him, received many warnings about the danger of proceeding to Jerusalem, declared his readiness to lay down his life, was unjustly arrested on the basis of a false accusation. When Paul was arrested in Jerusalem , the Roman guard gave him an opportunity to address the people. This was an incredible opportunity for Paul to preach before a huge mass of Jews. God had drawn together all the events leading up to this point for a special occasion. Acts says "a deep silence enveloped the crowd, and (Paul) addressed them in their own language" v.40 , sharing his personal testimony.

Acts 20 provides a biographical overview of the life and work of Paul in serving the Lord and His church. At least six times in v. 17-35 , the phrase "You know" or "I know" is used to make declarations of facts regarding Paul's life of service. Summarizing the key points: 1) Paul was with the brethren constantly 2) served with humility and endured much opposition 3) preached to both Jews and Gentiles 4) "completed" the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace 5) innocent of the blood of all men, since he did not hesitate to proclaim the whole will of God to all everywhere 6) warned of "savage wolves" that may infiltrate and draw believers away 7) supplied for his own needs and those of his companions 8) by working hard, was able to help others in need. There are also at least three challenges that Paul gave to the church leaders before his departure : 1) Keep watch over yourselves and the flock 2) Be shepherds of the church 3) Be on your guard and remember his many repeated warnings. The final quote in v.35 of Jesus is a fitting summary of Paul's life of self-less giving in the work of sharing the good news. "It is more blessed to give than to receive".

In Acts 19, Paul arrives in Ephesus and teaches the new "believers" more adequately about the message and ministry of Jesus. They had learned from John the Baptist about repentance and believing in Jesus, but had apparently not received complete instruction. Evidence of this is seen in their response to Paul's introductory question to them. They were not aware of whether the Holy Spirit had been given to them. It may have been that Paul noticed something not quite right about these "believers" in their outward demonstration of their faithful commitment to Jesus. After Paul's more adequate explanation and public baptism in the name of Jesus (v.5), they received the Holy Spirit when he laid his hands on them. Now satisfied with their complete conversion, Paul then went to the synagogue to proclaim again to the Jews the message of Jesus Christ. Maybe one lesson from Paul in this chapter can be applied for the benefit of the church today. Are there regular-attending "believers" in the church who lack an adequate understanding of the message and ministry of Jesus? If they have not moved on to faithful commitment to Jesus, maybe some need to be "re-baptized" and receive the Holy Spirit, truly completing their conversion. Interestingly, Paul took time to do this on arrival in Ephesus before proclaiming Christ in the synagogue.

In Acts 18, Paul visits Corinth and Ephesus, where he continues to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. He is again opposed and insulted by some Jews in Corinth and was ready to dust off his sandals and move on to Ephesus. But, then the Lord spoke to him in a vision, "Do not fear, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you. No one will harm you because many people in this city belong to me". That must have been quite the timely encouragement that Paul needed, for he stayed in Corinth another 18 months teaching the word of God. Then Paul left Corinth for a short stay in Ephesus, debating again with the Jews in their synagogue. He told them when it was time for him to move on, "I will return again , God willing". This phrase, "God willing" is a favorite phrase of mine that appears a few times in scripture. Someone once said that one sure way to make God laugh is to tell Him your plans for the future. At the end of Acts 18, a man named Apollos is introduced. He is described as an "eloquent speaker who knew the scriptures well". It also says that Apollos "talked with great enthusiasm and accuracy about Jesus", though he apparently was only familiar with the teachings of John the Baptist. When he was confronted with the knowledge of Jesus' life, crucifixion, and resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, he humbly listened and learned. This eloquent orator and scholar did not hesitate to become the student in order to explain the ways of God more completely and accurately. Acts 18 ends by characterizing Apollos as having "proved to be a great benefit to those who, by God's grace, had believed".

Pride is a side-thorn for many of us who desire complete knowledge and ability to speak eloquently. I pray that the desires and motivations of my heart would be purely for God's glory and his purposes; and, if God willing , He would allow me to "speak with great enthusiasm and accuracy" for the benefit of those he has gracefully called to Himself.