Acts 19:1- 23:22

These chapters in Acts are filled with stories of Paul's travels. In chapter 19 Paul is in Ephesus. First Paul is doing fine sharing the gospel, then he gets the silversmiths upset. They are losing money, because Paul tells people that 'gods made with hands are not gods' 19.26 Good teaching then and now. A riot ensues and Paul leaves town.

In chapter 20 there is a great story about Eutychus in Troas. Eutychus is a young man who attends a meeting with Paul. Eutychus is sitting in the window and Paul continues to talk for a long time. Poor Eutychus falls out the window and appears dead. I can not help wondering how many young people are put to sleep or become dead tired in worship or church meetings. Fortunately for Eutychus, Paul revives him, but Paul goes right back to teaching. There are so many lessons in this story. Don't make sermons too long or atleast not really boring. Be aware of your young listeners if their eyes glaze over. Watch out that the young people don't fall out of church because of what is happening in church. Don't have meetings go too long that people fall asleep. The story is worth reading and pondering what the 21st cent. church learn from it.

Paul talks and writes about his calling and the joy of telling the message of Jesus. He reminds us of Jesus' words, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' Given the context of Paul's words, I wonder if Paul is telling the listener it is more blessed to give the message of Jesus to others than to just receive it?

Chapter 21 Paul declares, 'I am ready not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.' His companions pray, 'The Lord's will be done." Praying God's will be done can be releasing. Praying God's will be done can be difficult. For me not only do I need to let go and pray God's will be done, but pray that God provide me the grace to accept it.

Chapter 22-23 finds Paul in trouble with the Sadduces, Pharisees, and other Jewish leaders. God reminds him to "Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jeruslem, so you must bear witness also in Rome." We like Paul need to remember that God will always protect us if we are doing God's work.