July 13-July 19

REFLECTIONS ON ACTS 20-23
Dr. Shelton "Butch" Smith
St. Louis, Missouri

These chapters clearly reflect the determination of Paul and others to spread the “good news” throughout Greece and the areas around that part of the known world. In Acts 20, Paul had been threatened in Macedonia and decided to return to Greece. During his preparation to return, we have the account of Paul and the disciples meeting on the first day of the week to “break bread.” This demonstrates their obedience to what Christ had taught them about meeting on the Lord’s Day to pay respect for Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. It was during this occasion that we have the “humorous” account of Eutychus not only falling asleep during Paul’s sermon but falling three floors. Later, in verses 17-24, we read that Paul reminded the “overseers” that he had taught them the Lord’s work and that the Holy Spirit had even testified from house to house that this teaching of the Truth would cause Paul to suffer. Paul clearly points out that he is willing to preach Christ no matter what the earthly cost might be. This should be our attitude as well. We should not compromise Christ’s instructions to believers for the sake of convenience here on earth. We should be willing to set the standard in which others see Christ living in us. Paul further states that we must be willing to work to set an example that others may see that we do nothing for our own glory. All glory and honor must be given to Christ.

In Acts 21, we see that Paul did not want to leave friends and family, but to continue what he knew to be the cause of Christ, he departed. He wanted to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost, which occurred 50 days after the Passover. The Holy Spirit warned Paul of what awaited him in Jerusalem: suffering, even death. But, Paul was determined to go. Paul made it to Jerusalem and met with the elders. He told them of the great things that God had done through his (Paul’s) efforts. What does God see being accomplished through our works? Would we be able to give a good report? Paul preached Jesus. This caused the people to become upset. Paul was arrested, but he requested and was allowed to speak to the mob that was ready to kill him.

Chapter 22 of Acts is Paul’s reaction to the mob. This was his first of five defenses that he would make. Paul uses their language to speak. They realize that he is a Jew, like them. Paul used what today would be called reverse psychology to appeal to them. He said that he understood why they were upset. He showed compassion for them. He shared his testimony with them of how he had been one of the persecutors of those teaching Jesus’ Way. He also told them of how he had been blinded by a great light. The people cried out to have Paul scourged. Paul reminded the commander that he was Roman that he deserved a trial.

Paul’s appearance before the council is told in Acts chapter 23. Paul recognized that part of the council was Sadducees (did not believe in the resurrection) and the other part was Pharisees (believed in the resurrection). Paul used this division to remind them that he was the son of a Pharisee. The council became divided because of this news about Paul. A plot to kill Paul developed. However, Paul was cheered by Christ to not be afraid. All of us need to remember this when we face trials and tribulations. We have God on our side. While we may suffer here on earth, the rewards in Heaven will be worth any earthly pain. We will live eternally. The council agreed to cooperate with the assassination of Paul. However, the scriptures tell us that because of Paul’s heritage and the conviction of the commander to help Paul, Paul was escorted by soldiers to safety. The next chapters tell of what happened to Paul.

These chapters should serve as a reminder that if we turn our focus to Jesus’ that even if we suffer on earth, the rewards of an eternal life will be the reward for doing what is right.

[A lifelong career educator, Dr. Shelton "Butch" Smith currently is the Director of Educational Leadership Programs for Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis. Prior to this position, Dr. Smith served as teacher, high school principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent of schools in the St. Louis area. He also served as associate dean of students at Southeast Missouri State University. He is a military veteran of the Vietnam era; he loves music, golf, and travel; he and his wife, along with their daughters, their husbands, and their two grandkids, all attend the McKnight Church of Christ.]