Bible Study: August 6, 2020

Acts 21

Paul Heads for Jerusalem Despite Many Warnings

August, 2020

Our Weekly Bible Study begins with us reading the assigned scripture ahead of time and preparing our hearts for study and discussion. When we meet (virtually or in person) we first read the scripture as a group, and then take turns sharing and discussing what impacted us the most, and our general interpretation of what we read.

Making Notes as we go through Bible Study is always encouraged, as it helps to increase our understanding of what we have read, and also allows us to become more comfortable and familiar with the Bible.

To make participation easier and more memorable for our younger children, we will include a link to Storybook Bible images of the readings whenever these are available.

This week’s virtual Bible Study focused on Acts 21. After praying and reading through the chapters, we discussed the verses at length, and shared our personal views on what we had read.

Highlights:

Verse 12: More people are warning Paul not to go to Jerusalem; Luke and the other disciples also begin to plead with Paul not to make the journey.

Verse 13-14: Paul’s complete dedication and commitment to Christ is once again clear. Paul’s reaction is a good reminder to us that we each have to make up our own minds about our commitment to Christ as we each will have to give our own account.

Although receiving Godly counsel from others is good, we must seek to understand what the Holy Spirit is saying to us personally, and then obey those instructions. We cannot just follow the instructions that others have received or that they give to us. We must all be ready to walk in complete obedience to Christ regardless of the consequences; each person’s call and walk will be different, and we all will be required one day to account for our actions and inaction.

Verse 18: James, Jesus’ brother, was the chief Apostle in Jerusalem at this time.

Verse 21-22: The Jews have been informed about Paul, and they have been waiting eagerly to attack him.

Verse 28: The Jews did not actually see Paul bringing Greeks into the Temple, they just heard that he did, and falsely accused him of the act without any evidence. It is interesting to note that his accusers were from the same group of people who, earlier in the Bible, were trading inside the temple which had greatly upset Jesus. (Ref. Matthew 21: 12-13-

Verse 34: The mob mentality is once again stirred up.

Verse 40: Paul speaks to the people in Hebrew, confirming without a doubt that he is not who they are accusing him of being.

As you read through this week’s Bible passage, ask yourself:

What are MY thoughts on what I am reading?

How can I apply this to MY life?

Blessings!