I. The Joy Of Serving God Vs. 15-20a
Paul returns to Jerusalem after three years. Reports on the salvation of the Gentiles.
The church at Jerusalem rejoiced re. God’s grace to the Gentiles.
The joy would be short-lived. A new challenge awaited Paul.
II. The Challenge Of Serving God
A. The Challenge From Legalists Vs. 20b-21
1. Who They Were- Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. 23 years since Pentecost
2. What They Believed
a. Law of Moses was still binding. Zealous for the Law.
b. They believed Paul was rejecting that Law
3. They weren’t concerned about the Gentile Christians V. 25
4. That issue had been settled 6 years earlier.
B. Paul’s Struggle With The Legalists
1. He loved these Jewish Christians deeply
2. He understood Christianity much better than they did
3. He did not want to alienate himself from them
4. He knew that he was right and that they were wrong
C. The Issue: The Law Of Moses Vs. Faith In Christ
1. These Jews had accepted Jesus as Messiah. They were saved.
2. They were entrenched in the Law of Moses, which was no longer necessary or appropriate for them as Christians.
3. Galatians 3:23, 24 23But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
4. Hebrews 10:1 The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming–not the realities themselves.
5. Law- Shows right & wrong. Jesus forgives that wrong.
6. Law- given to restrain man from evil. Jesus does that internally in man.
7. Law- shows what a holy life looks like. Jesus gives power for holiness.
8. Law-convicts man of sin. Jesus- forgiveness & assurance when we repent.
9. Law- sacrifice for your sins. Jesus was THE sacrifice for man’s sins.
10. Legalist- Law equal to Law Giver.
11. Shadow (law) as important as the substance (Jesus)
12. Man’s works as important as Jesus’ work.
13. Law- holiness through external works. Jesus- holiness fro the inside out.
D. The Effort To Maintain Fellowship Vs. 22-24, 26
1. Church leaders suggest that Paul participate in a Jewish ceremony
2. These men had taken a vow, probably a Nazarite vow. This is from Numbers 6.
No cutting of the hair, no wine, grapes, for a season.
They would not work for a time; a season of unusual dedication to God.
Catholic Lent or Muslim Ramadan would be modern day equivalents.
After the vow, they would cut their hair, and offer it on a fire to the Lord.
They would also make sacrifices to God of sheep, goats, or birds.
This would involve a cost, and the men would be sponsored.
E. Paul’s Response-Compromise W/O Compromising
1 Cor. 9:19-23 19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
QUESTIONS FOR US-
How motivated are you to share Jesus with people?
How flexible are you with your lifestyle?
Have you become rigid in your lifestyle of faith?
Have you wrongly emphasized traditions, styles, preferences.
Are you willing to struggle through issues internally in order to share Christ?
Are you willing to be misunderstood as you compromise w/o compromising?
III. The Results Of Paul’s Efforts Vs. 27-40
A. Slander & False Accusations Vs. 27-29
1. Jews from Asia- these men were constantly against Paul
2. False accusations against Paul-brig a Gentile into the Temple area
3. Gentiles were forbidden to enter the Temple Courts- penalty of death
B. Physical Attack Vs. 30-31
1. The Jews has their own Temple police within the Temple compound
2. The mob judged Paul instantly guilty.
3. These were the very ones he loved & sought to reach
C. Illegal Arrest, Mistreatment, Bad Reputation Vs. 32-35
1. Rome ruled over Israel at this time
2. Antonia Fortress overlooked the Temple courts
3. The soldiers came to break up the riot
4. They didn’t care about Paul or the Jews
5. “A riot was an unforgivable sin both for the populace who started it & the commander who allowed it.”
6. Paul accused of being an Egyptian rebel & insurrectionist
D. The Cost Paul Paid To Speak To Them Vs. 37-40
1. After years of longing & praying, Paul gets his opportunity to speak the Jews.
2. Willingness to struggle thru spiritual compromise brought him to this moment.
3. After being wrongly blamed and beaten, he still loves these people.
4. He will be rejected by them.
5. Paul’s motivation…
Romans 10:1-4 1Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.