Two Small Fish
April 10, 2006
Bible Study: Acts Chapter 21
Prophecies Fulfilled
Introduction:
Our society seems to lack devotion and commitment. People no longer set themselves as a flint (Isaiah 50:7) to accomplish the task in the face of adversity. How many Christian soldiers have left their posts because of stress? Yet, few have resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin as the author of Hebrews declares in chapter 12 verse 4. When the going gets rough and our disciples fail to meet our expectations, we quit.Core of the Lesson:
Many adjectives describe Paul, but quitter is not one of them. The first half of chapter 21 records the end Paul third missionary journey. When he arrived at Caesarea, Paul and his companions stayed with Philip the evangelist (mentioned in Acts 8). Philip had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
Women’s place in the New Testament:
The reference to Philip’s daughter in our text clarifies that the Holy Spirit empowered women to speak God’s word
Their ministry was fully accepted in the early church
First Corinthians states that women may prophesy, but they must be properly "covered" (the covering Paul refers to in this text is a respectable relationship with all spiritual authority as well as husbands if married. This is not a reference to women’s attire although Paul does mention that Christian women should dress modestly)
First Timothy 3:1-13 also addresses the issue of women holding authoritative positions within the church see Romans 16:1 – Phoebe was a deacon
Women were present in the upper room at Pentecost and received the Holy Spirit equally with the men (Acts 1:14)
Peter affirmed the Old Testament prophecy that stated "your daughters" and "maidservants" would share equally with men in effective service for the spreading of the gospel.
John addressed an "elect lady" in his second epistle instructing her on the administration within her "house" (a designation for early church fellowship)
First Corinthians 1:11 and Philippians 4:2 mention Chloe and Euodia. These women opened their homes to believers and the Scripture imply that they were the appointed leaders in their respective fellowships.
I am by no means a feminist. I have mentioned these points as an observation. Women have had and still have significant roles in God’s plan to spread the gospel message.
God’s plan to spread the gospel included personal prophecy. Agabus went to Caesarea to prophesy over Paul. This is a gift of the Holy Spirit and should not be confused with fortune telling which the Bible strictly forbids. Seldom does anybody seek to be prophesied over. We can learn several important lessons about the matter from this text:
The "word" usually confirms something that God has already revealed to you
Consider the character of the person bringing the "word." Agabus was trustworthy.
The "word" should not be the controlling factor of your decision. It should not dominate your free will. Paul graciously received Agabus’s word, but it did not sway him from following the path the Holy Spirit set out for him.
All prophecy is in part. Agabus’s prophecy was true – the Jews bound Paul and delivered him into the Gentiles’ hands in Jerusalem. It was in part because Paul’s arrest led to the bigger picture – his ministry in Rome.
Prayerfully consider the prophecy and patiently wait on God to reveal the time and place. True prophecy will unfold as we go about our regular activities.
Upon arriving at Jerusalem, the elders cautioned Paul to purify himself as was the Jewish custom to prove that he walked orderly and kept the law. Paul courteously conceded to the request. However, it did not keep him from his predicted end.
Conclusion and Challenge:
Although God allowed the enemy to capture and beat Paul, He spared his life. Amazingly, the Lord used the commander of the Roman garrison to rescue Paul from the hands of the riotous Jews.
It is difficult to understand what we consider pointless and ruthless suffering. Nevertheless, we can trust God to take care of us and to use these events in our lives for good.
As Paul’s comrades prayed for him, let us pray for one another.
Prayer Requests:
Melinda & Barry and family, Jenn, Jordan, Joey, Phyllis and husband, Barb, J.J., Nora, Ann, Trinity, Wyatt, Johanna, Irene, Enos, Jace, Sam, Joe, Mona, Emma, Samantha, Ray, Wyoming Ave. Baptist Church, offenses received from fellow "Soldiers," our Monday Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.
Praise Report:
Jace, a thirteen-year-old who recently had surgery to remove a tumor between his eyes, is recovering. The doctors are very please at the results of his surgery and were able to do far more than they thought they’d be able to do. We are looking forward to your praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
Next Weeks Study:
Read Acts 22. Paul’s personal testimony
Invitation:
Although we have not chosen to be, we are all born into sin because of the fall of man. Sounds hopeless and unfair, but God in His infinite wisdom and abundant love has provided a choice for us. We can choose to repent of our sinful nature and believe in Jesus Christ. He is faithful and will cleanse us from sin and give us His Holy Spirit to equip us to live for Him. If you’ve made your choice to repent and believe in Jesus, we’d like to hear about it.If you are free in Christ Jesus, pray for those who remain captive. And tell others, Christians as well as non-believers, what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony will benefit them and help you to strengthen your confidence in Christ’s work in your life and in the future.
If you’d like to participate in our Monday Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests or at twosmallfish@twosmallfish.org.
A special reminder: to find out what other readers have to say check out the comment page.
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Brenda Hendricks