The Pilgrim Path---Acts 21: 27—22: 1

When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” For they had previously seen Trophimus and the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. Then all the city was stirred up. And the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!”

As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek?” Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:

“Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you…”

“AWAY WITH HIM”

---Paul went to the temple with the “four men under the vow.” He knew he was known---and as a Soldier of The Savior---that soul conflict was ahead. He was a brave man (he was sure In Jesus Christ the LORD).

---Paul would have had to make an offering when the days of purification were complete. The LORD---in HIS wise arranging took care of that---with some “business” of HIS Own…

---Paul’s enemies (unconverted Jews from Asia) stirred up the crowd. They accused Paul of bringing Gentiles into areas of the temple “only” designated for Jews (he had not done this).

---Paul was given a real physical beating by his enemies. Reminding us---that the “way” may be difficult for the disciple of Christ! The Jews (no doubt the temple police) dragged Paul from the temple---note the text: they sought to kill him. Had not the Roman soldiers and centurions arrived---with the Tribune---and arrested Paul---he would have been slain. Interestingly, the Roman Tribune attempts to ascertain who Paul is---and what he is doing. Some in the crowd say one thing, “Others shout---another” (verse 34). Hmmm---Anger, bitterness---and rage, rob you of all objectivity…

---Paul is providentially protected by the Roman authorities---and the Tribune paves the way for Paul’s public testimony!

---Paul reveals life: each of us, in our own personal way---speak to how the God-Man Jesus has intervened in our existence---So we have our horrible and vile transgressions covered by HIS blood forever---thus being reconciled to God. Not only this---we are enabled by the Living Christ to begin to Live the Gospel. We will “hear” more from Paul on these significant matters! What a passage!

From Simon Kistemaker: The multitude screamed, “Away with him! Crucify him!” (John 19: 15; and see Luke 23: 18; Acts 22: 22). Indeed Paul could affirm the truth of Jesus’ words that no servant is greater than his master (Matthew 10: 24; John 13: 16).

From John Duncan: Love them that are in the world, that they may be brought out of it.

From Augustine: The happy life is this---to rejoice to Thee, in Thee, and for Thee.

From Charles Spurgeon: Jesus kept not back, imitate Him by being foremost in self-denials and self-sacrifices.

PRAYER:

Dear Father of time and eternity, mercy and might. You know we struggle with the events in Texas yesterday. We had barely begun to catch our breath from the Buffalo grocery store shootings. The young man entering the school---to take the lives of so many---especially children. LORD, we feel so many emotions, even anger. But when we calm ourselves---we know You are not the author of sin. This is the creature’s problem---But we know You use sin to accomplish your holy ends. You did it with the Cross of your Own Son (Acts 2: 23). King David says every one of our days were written in your book---before we were even born (Psalm 139: 16). It is hard for us in our mere finiteness to put it “all” together. But You are “truth itself.” The LORD Jesus while hearing his disciples recount Pilate’s murder of Galileans at the temple asked them, “Do you think they were the worst sinners from Galilee---because of the way they suffered? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will likewise perish”(Luke 13: 2, 3). We acknowledge Master--- we are not really an “eternity-minded” people. A host of things get in our way---and tend to separate us from You. Pour out your Spirit upon us---so this will begin to change. We are grateful LORD---that You understand our grief---and the deep hurt and pain of these precious families. You “sent” your only perfect and holy Son to die for our sins and shed his blood of redeeming power---that any who run from their sins---to him in faith believing might have eternal life---and receive a new heart that yearns for your Ways! My—My, LORD, if anyone understands what it is like---to “suffer loss”----if any ask, “Where were you when my child died?” You may say---"the same place---as when my Only Begotten hung upon the Cross…the Sinless One----for sinners…We love them this much.”

May Your Sweet Holy Spirit of Life minister through your Word and through your loving people to these distraught and grieving families. In the Name of Jesus Christ, the Only Savior---and Shepherd of Souls. Amen.

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason