Unity and Personal Responsibility (Acts 21:1-14) - a podcast by Don Shoemaker, Steve Williams, and Bob Wriedt
from 2022-10-30T15:00
How can we be unified with other Christians when we disagree with their choices? If we're convinced that they are ignoring what is the best path forward, can we (and should we) move forward together?
This week at Grace, we'll be in Acts 21:1-14. In this passage, Paul is confronted by Christians (some he knows well, some he's just met) who warn him that his path toward Jerusalem will lead to his demise. They have good reason to be concerned, and the rest of Acts prove them to be right. Paul, however, refuses their warnings. They agree about the risk; they disagree on what the risks mean.
I've wondered what would have happened if Paul had given in to the expectations, fears, and warnings of his friends by dodging trouble. Would they have ended up more unified if Paul had given in to what other people wanted for him? Or would the resentment that followed have destroyed the very unity they thought they were protecting?
Looking forward to looking at this with you all on Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.
7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
- Acts 21:1-14
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