We are in a bloody battle with the Devil and the world. We will face trials and difficulties. We need to learn to live above our trials and difficulties. Paul is an example of giving God glory despite what is going on around you. You can press on despite of pressing problems.

1 – A conspiracy (vs. 19-20)

There are groups of people who come together. Notice three things:-

• The slander. They persuaded the people to conspire against Paul. Paul was followed by those who opposed him. You can see how fickle the people are. They are now turning against Paul. Jesus had to face the fickle crowd. One day they are praising him and a few days later they are crying “Crucify Him!” One day they will hail you and the next day nail you!
• The stoning. They stone Paul and threw him out of the city and thought him dead. It is an act of violence. They left his body for the vultures.
• The surprise. As the disciples stood around him, Paul got up. Some people think that Paul actually did die here and that God performed a miracle by resurrecting him from the dead. It is impossible to be dogmatic. They “supposed” him to be dead. It seems more likely that he had not actually died. God was not finished with Paul yet! The next day he is on a 40 day journey with Barnabas.

Trials do not stop the true child of God. Difficulties do not deter the Christian.

2 – Courage (vs. 21-26)

Paul goes back to the same places he had preached before.

• The gospel. (vs. 21). He goes there to preach the Gospel. It was never easy to do but he still did it. The flock needed the Gospel. Paul strengthened the souls of the Church. See also Acts 15:32, 40-41. This was part of the ministry of Paul. Your faith is built up by hearing the Word of God. You have to eat spiritually. Stay in the faith – We all know people who have drifted from the faith. If it is real they will continue in the faith.
• The grief (vs. 22). You get to heaven through much tribulation. See John 16:33. Why do Christians fall apart when they suffer? It is through grief and pain that we make it to heaven. It is not a life of ease on this earth. We will not have to endure this grief in Heaven! We are all soldiers in the army of the Lord. We are to stay in the battle.
• The grace (vs. 26). Paul worked under the flag of the grace of God. We have nothing to be cocky about. It is by the grace of God that we are where we are.

3 – Communion (vs. 27-28)

What a time it is when God’s people get together!

• The obstacles of the past. (vs. 27). They were telling about the things that God had done with them. Have you ever thought about the things God has already done for you? Can you see the good things that He has done in your life? Have you forgotten where God has brought you to? We can quickly forget where we were when God found us and saved us. We tend to complain and pout when we get in a problem. God has brought us this far in his goodness.
• The opportunities of the present. (vs. 27). God has not only been good, he is still doing good things! You don’t keep looking at the obstacles of the past. You need to look at the opportunities of the present. The same God who brought me this far is going to lead me to the end.

Categories: Acts