Homiletics

 Acts 21:1-40

Content:

1. Paul and companions begin travel sailing to Cos, Rhodes, Padara, Phoenicia and on to Syria landing in Tyre. 1-3
2. A week with disciples at Tyre, Paul is urged not to go to Jerusalem but he continues on determined. 4-6
3. travel continued to Plolemais and Caesarea where they stayed at Phillips. 7-9
4. Prophet Agabus prophesized with Paul's belt that Paul will be imprisoned in Jerusalem. 10-11
5. Friends plead with Paul not to go to Jerusalem and Paul said he was committed to the Lord Jesus even if it meant imprisonment. 12-14
6. Paul and companions traveled to Jerusalem staying with Mnason. 15-16
7. Paul and companions received by Jerusalem brothers, they go to James and elders sharing testimonies. 17-19
8. Jerusalem elders explain why Jewish believers would have conflict with Paul. 20-21
9. Elders propose action for Paul - participating in a purification rite to demonstrate he is not turning away from the law of Moses. 22-24
10. They confirm their encouragement letter to gentile believers. 25
11. Paul did purification rite as encouraged to do. 26
12. Jews from Asia seeing Paul at Temple stir up crowd against him based on assumption 27-29
13. Paul is seized, crowd tries to kill him, Roman commander steps in to stop beating. 30-32
14. Commander arrest and bounds Paul as crowd shouts so loud commander cant get truth. 33-34
15. Solders carry Paul because of chaotic mob. 35-36
16. Paul ask to address crowd clarifying who he was and is granted permission to address the crowd in Aramaic. 

Divisions:

1. Paul and companions determinedly journey to Jerusalem even though many worried friends discourage him to do so. 1-16
2. In Jerusalem, Paul warmly received by elders where Paul takes action to encourage unity. 17-26
3. Asian Jews stir up crowd against Paul resulting in attack, detainment and Paul's attempt to address the crowd.

Subject Sentence:

• Determined Paul reaches Jerusalem fellowshipping with elders and facing attack.

Aim:

• TCMT be so committed to the Lord Jesus that I am willing to sacrifice safety and comfort for his name's sake.

Application:

1. Do I seek God's word and his leading when friends concerns for me lead to them to discourage my plans? Am I willing to say with Paul that I committed to Christ no matter the cost?
2. What uncomfortable or seemingly unnecessary actions is God leading me to do for the sake of unity in the body of Christ?
3. Do I seek to hide from opposition or speak truth for the sake of Jesus Christ?