GRACE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP | 恩道堂

Scripture Reading        : Acts 21:27 – 22:30

Theme                         : Serving God in Adversity

1. The reasons for Paul’s arrest. The leaders of the Jerusalem church anticipated the false accusations and tried to avoid unnecessary conflict by instructing Paul to join in the purification rites of 4 men, and Paul submitted to them. However, this did not prevent the Jews from stirring up a riot with the false accusations. The Jews did not have authority to make any arrests, so they simply tried to kill Paul by mob-action. Because of the riot, the Romans came and arrested Paul.

2. The response of Paul to the arrest. Paul took the opportunity while he was under Roman custody to preach the Gospel to the Jews in the mob. He did not place a higher priority on his own safety than to serve God by preaching the Gospel.

3. The result of Paul’s arrest. Paul was a Roman citizen by birth, and he was under the protection of Roman law. He made use of his right to a legal trial and was thus protected by the Roman soldiers from being attacked and killed by a mob.

Praying the Scripture

1. Often in life, we may be doing the right things but still get false accusations. Pray that we will be faithful to God and obey His Word, and may God protect us from false accusations.

2. After Paul was arrested, he did not make a defence for himself, but took the opportunity to preach the Gospel. Pray that we will serve God in adversity, just like Paul.

3. The biblical teaching that Christians should submit to the authorities does not mean that Christians cannot exercise their right as citizens. Pray that God will use the local government to protect Christians and the church from persecution.