As Paul is falsely accused before the governor Felix and then given the opportunity to speak for himself, we observe that he chooses some words that are clear, concise and honorably presented to the governor.  At the end of his speech it is unmistakably clear that there are no substantive charges against him whatsoever.  And yet Paul continues to submit to the authorities and remains in captivity.  Our response to this story is to take a challenge from the example of Paul who always, and especially in this situation, was ready to give a clear answer for the hope that he had because of his relationship with Jesus.  So we too, as followers of Jesus ought always to be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have and to do it with gentleness and respect for those with whom we speak.  Secondly we note Paul's claim to do everything he can to live with a clear conscience before God and man.  He lived what he spoke about.  He was, or at least sought to be authentic so that his actions matched his words.  This does not happen by means of 'trying harder to be a better person' but rather by hearing and applying the words of Jesus who called us to 'love the Lord your God with all you heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself'.  May it be!
Listen below or click here to download

As we continue to follow Paul following his arrest in Jerusalem, we see him displaying great courage and passion.  What we discover though, is that his courage and passion is not enough.  If it were not for the gracious intervention of Jesus, Paul's life would certain have been taken from him.  We respond to this story by first of all taking courage from Paul's example.  His passion and courage come from the deepest part of his being - he is fully convinced of the life-changing power of Jesus.  And so we seek to know God more through his Word so that we too might be deeply and fully convinced of our faith.  At the same time we give praise to God for the gracious intervention of Jesus in this story and give thanks to Him for the times in our experience when Jesus has also come close to us!
Listen below or click here to download

As predicted by his friends, Paul encounters significant opposition as he enters the city of Jerusalem.  As the story unfolds, we observe Paul engaging some shrewd tactics which seem to be designed primarily to gain him the attention of his Jewish opponents so that he would have the opportunity to speak.  In the midst of significant opposition we see him boldly proclaiming the clear testimony of his life-changing experience of meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus.  We respond to this story by hearing and seeking to apply the words of Jesus who encourages his followers to be 'shrewd and snakes and innocent as doves'. 
Listen below or click here to download

We notice a change of tone and emphasis in this 3rd Journey of Paul.  Last week we paid attention to the variety of people whose lives were transformed by the Good News of Jesus.  This week we see Paul take time to invest deeply in people, particularly in the city of Ephesus where he spends more than 2 years building up the believers and ensuring that all the Jews and Greeks in the province of Asia have the opportunity to hear the word of the Lord.  His emphasis is to teach the whole message of Jesus to the believers and equip them (especially the elders of the church) to be 'equippers' of others.  We respond to this story by noticing Paul's particular instructions to these elders that they should 1) 'Keep watch over yourselves'  and 2) 'all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.'  Though he is speaking directly to elders here, we may apply it to all of us - we have all received the commission from Jesus - our first responsibility is to guard our own hearts, but then also to intentionally invest in the people around us so that they heard the whole word of God. 
Listen below or click here to downloard

We listen together to a large portion of Scripture today as we follow Paul and his friends for the entire length of this 2nd journey.  In particular we are paying attention to the people in the story.   We look for those who are influenced by and respond to the Good News about Jesus.  Some of those people also become key 'influencers' for the kingdom of God as it grows and expands!  How do we respond to such a story?  We celebrate once again the transforming power of the simple story of Jesus as we see it taking effect in such a diverse group of people; we challenge our own hearts to know that we have responded to this Good News; and we also challenge ourselves to be carriers of this message to others in our own circle of influence!
Listen below or click here to download