Acts 20:17-21:36 Running the race amidst hardship and opposition

20:17-27  Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders

Paul points out:

His integrity & honesty - he has lived openly in front of them
His humility and tears, despite severe testing
His lack of hesitation to preach anything that would be helpful & his public teaching
His inclusivity in his message
His frankness about uncertainty for the future
His overwhelming desire to run the race and complete the task Jesus has given him
His innocence in terms of the blood of others
His certainty of opposition and attack in the future
His absolute confidence in God's care

All of these ask questions of me as to whether I am able to do the same?

20:28-35

Paul tells the leaders:

Keep watch over yourselves and the flock
Be shepherds - wolves will come to attack
Be on your guard
You are committed to God and His word of grace
Gospel ministry is hard work, but we give rather than receive

21:5

The Christian home can be a significant influence on visitors and children.  Throughout, Paul is dealing with families - our ministry is not just to key leaders, but to whole families and people committed to serving God together.

Paul had clear warnings that the way ahead for him would include imprisonment and suffering.  (cf 20:23-24) - Suffering is to be a part of the Christian's life & we should never shy away from it.

21:17-26

James saw that the Jews who have believed have been informed to turn away from Moses' law and that this could be a problem to him being welcomed among them.  Paul is advised to show that he has said no such thing (by shaving his head and joining in the purification rites), but that he is still living in obedience to the law.  Paul does not want to put any obstacle in their way and so agrees to this.  He follows 1 Cor 9:20-23 and 1 Cor 10:31-33 to avoid any stumbling block to others.  He goes out of his way to ensure there is no hindrance in the gospel going forward.

21:27-36

Paul is arrested at Jerusalem  - it is a parallel of Jesus' arrest and crucifixion:

It was a crowd versus an individual
There were false accusations
They seized him
It was taken to a higher authority
He was bound
The commander could not get to the truth
He paused to bide himself time
They cried "Away with him"

I need to ask myself whether I am willing to suffer and respond in the way my Lord was, or whether I ask for and expect better treatment?