“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy… It’s not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us.” (David Platt). Paul illustrates radical obedience to Christ in Acts 21-22. 

After landing by ship in Tyre, Paul stayed seven days with the disciples. He prayed with them, said goodbye and boarded the ship. In Caesarea, a prophet named Agabus predicted  that the Jews would bound Paul and deliver him to the Gentiles. Paul said he was ready to die in Jerusalem for the name of Christ. His friends said, “The will of the Lord be done!” (Acts 21:1-14). Deny yourself and take up your cross in spite of the consequences.

Paul related to James and the elders what God did among the Gentiles through his ministry. They said that the Jews coming to know Christ were told by Paul to forsake Moses and not circumcise their children. After Paul purified himself with four men as instructed by James and the elders, he went into the temple notifying them that his purification was complete until the sacrifice was offered (Acts 21:15-26). Become all things to all men so you can win them to Christ. 

The Jews from Asia stirred up the multitude and beat Paul until the commander and soldiers came. He told the commander that he was a Jew of Tarsus and asked if he could speak to the people (Acts 21:27-40). Persevere under persecution for the sake of Christ. 

Paul addressed the Jews in the Hebrew dialect and said he was brought up in Jerusalem educated under Gamaliel. put people to death and into prison. As he approached Damascus, a bright light flashed from heaven and a voice said to him, “Saul, Saul, why are persecuting Me?” He learned it was Jesus the Nazarene. Paul received his sight with Ananias present. He said Paul was appointed to know His will and be a witness to all men of what He saw and heard. After being baptized and having his sins washed away, Paul returned to Jerusalem. The Lord told him to leave since they would not accept his testimony as he approved of Stephen’s stoning. The Lord said he would send him far away to the Gentiles (Acts 22:1-21). Share your testimony boldly to those who need to hear the gospel message. 

People wanted to kill Paul and the commander brought him into the barracks. As they stretched him with thongs, Paul asked a centurion if it was lawful to scourge a Roman who was uncondemned.  The commander let him go after finding out he was a Roman. Wishing to know why had been accused by the Jews, he ordered the chief priest and Council to assemble before Paul (Acts 22:22-30). Stand up for your rights as a citizen to continue sharing the gospel. 

Repent of your lukewarmness and ask God to give you radical obedience to Him in sharing the gospel with others. 


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