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).

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.

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.

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.

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?

Psalm 68 is a long psalm which gives us a wide range of praise experiences. Through it we sense David’s conflicts and challenges, are drawn into some of the many reasons to praise God in the midst of opposition, and get a glimpse of our ascended Lord Jesus and his victory.

When I was still in my teens I had the misfortune of learning up close and personal just how evil humans could truly be. I witnessed a random murder of a young father at the hands of three young men over a senseless squabble at the bus stop.