There is no Acts 29, but that’s the great name of a church planting network that continues the Acts journey. Here’s a message by Tim Keller who was speaking at one of the a29 network events on “Being the church in our culture”
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acts
You can read the passage here
v2 “The islanders showed us unusual kindness” – what would it look like if followers of Jesus were known for ‘unusual kindness’?
v3-10 It’s amazing how quickly people’s responses change. They’re perception of Paul went from a guest, to a murderer, to a god. How do we stay resolutely faithful to Christ in the midst of people’s changing views of us?
v11-16 Paul finally arrives in Rome. “Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him” House arrest doesn’t sound so bad.
v17-30 He had to pay rent, and many came to visit him. He explains and declares the “kingdom of God”. Which I find fascinating because the book of Acts begins with Jesus and the disciples using the statement ‘kingdom of god’, but i’m not sure i hear it much after in Acts. It seems to be something lived out. And yet the book of Acts ends on this note as well.
The book of Acts is book-ended by this pronouncement of the “Kingdom of God” and it’s King. That concludes our journey through Acts. What did you learn? What were you surprised to find out? Were you surprised by anything that wasn’t mentioned in the early church? What does it all say about how we ought to be living out the kingdom as a community?
You can read the passage here
v1-3 It still amazes me how this is real history that we’re reading about and it’s not some imaginary fairy world. The places mentioned are real tangible locations that are around today… italy, asia, cypress, etc.
v9 Why had sailing become difficult because it was ‘after the Fast’? Were they drained of energy or was something else going on?
v10 “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” Probably not what you want to hear. Do you see signs of pending disaster in your life, our community, our city?
v21 Paul says I told you so.
v30 In an attempt to escape the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down… how often have you wanted to escape from God’s plans for you… especially when there are difficulties ahead?
v43 Why is it that after they had landed – the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life?
Read the passage here
- Paul takes another opportunity to share his story
- Paul – “Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?” – I find philosophically believing this an obvious conclusion – seeing the miraculous is a completely different story.
- On his road to Damascus story – ‘everyone ‘fell to the ground’ – I wonder if this will be akin to what it says in Philippians about how every knee shall bow?
- Festus – “Your great learning is driving you insane” – Has anyone ever said this to you?
- v28-29 – Paul does not stop short of desiring the King to follow Christ, but goes on to declare his hope for all people
What conversations about your life and faith have you had lately with others?
What are your hopes and intentions when you engage others?
Read the passage here
Paul is found on trial here before governor Felix. The high priest and his lawyer (already an interesting combination) are accusing Paul of stirring up riots. Paul loosely defends himself, and stays centered on the opportunity of sharing his faith in Christ and his hope in the resurrection.
It’s interesting how he states that he has ‘the same hope in God as these men’. There’s something Christ-like about being able to find common ground.
But as the story goes, sometimes you’re just left hanging. Paul is left in prison as Felix stalls on a decision for two years. No release. No resolution. Just left waiting.
What about you?
read the passage here
v1-5 Everyone seems to be swinging between emotions, including Paul. Shows the value of understanding one another before lashing out.
v6 It sounds ridiculous in our age to be on trial because of ‘hope in the resurrection of the dead’ – there might be disputes and disagreements on it today -but does anyone really fight over it?
v14 vowing to not eat meat till Paul is killed – that would be a lot to ask of some people – what made them so passionate for another man’s death?
Read the passage here
Paul shares his testimony again. He’s well acquainted with articulating his own story.
I find this line fascinating, the Lord said to him “‘Quick!’ he said to me. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’” – as if there wasn’t something divine he could do to change all of that.
Did the centurion ask for ID from Paul when he said he was a roman citizen, or did he just take him at his word?
They thought twice about ‘flogging’ Paul when they discovered more of who he was… would that change for those we despise and punish – even if secretly?
Read the entire passage here
- the spirit of God urged others to tell Paul not to go to Jerusalem – Paul chose to disagree with their pleas… interesting.
- “there on the beach we knelt to pray” – i never noticed this before – what a beautiful scene
- Paul might be ‘free in christ’ but he still adapted himself to customs and traditions
- Paul says he is ‘a citizen of no ordinary city’ – another phrase that fascinates me for some reason…
