Man proposes, God disposes

Paul completed his mission of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the territories where he had ministered up to the present time. He now shares with the believers in Rome a project that he has on his heart, namely, that of preaching the Gospel in Spain – to the extreme western reaches of the Roman empire.

Expressing Appreciation

Paul names 26 people by name in this passage and alludes to many others. Why has the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to name each person individually? What do these personal greetings add anyway? It’s almost certain that the majority of people named here would have forever remained unknown had he not mentioned them in this letter.

Established, Unshakeable

Be careful, Paul says, and avoid those who would pervert the teaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, even if they call themselves God’s servants.

The apostle had seen churches that were troubled and divided by the work of such people.

Read More salvation, truth, warning, heresy

Finishing the Course Well

Paul leaves Greece and proceeds on his way to Jerusalem before the Feast of Pentecost. We learn from the book of Romans that Paul has an offering for the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. This financial aid had been collected from the Gentile churches in Macedonia and Achaia.

Follow My Example!

In his final meeting with the elders in Ephesus, Paul reminded them of the work that he had accomplished among them. He encouraged them saying, “follow my example and reflect on why and how I have served you!” (vv. 18-21).

Understanding God’s Will

As Paul journeys to Jerusalem there seems to be a discrepancy about the leading of the Holy Spirit. Paul declares that he is being led by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem. But the believers along the way strongly warn Paul by the Holy Spirit that he will face many dangers. They try to dissuade him from going.

That Which Unites Us/Unity in Diversity

Paul did everything humanly possible to maintain unity between Christians of Jewish origin and those who were of pagan (Gentile) origin. He respected each group and laboured unceasingly for toleration between both groups. In practical terms, that meant not asking Jews to live as Gentiles or Gentiles to live like Jews.

Read More doctrine, compromises, concession, law, Unity

A Manipulated Crowd

Two days ago we read about Agabus, the prophet who made it known to Paul that he would be delivered over to the Gentiles once he was in Jerusalem. It all happened exactly as Agabus had said.

Some Jews who had come from Asia and were hostile toward Paul recognized him in the temple.

I Was Like You. . . . .

The crowd is seething with anger and wants Paul dead! . . . . but there he is, safe and sound, thanks to the rescue of the Roman occupying forces. Can you imagine the hostility of the crowd when Paul asks his arresting officer for permission to speak to these people with closed ears?