Exposition of Acts: Feeling of Humility & Joy
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A Sermon by Dr. Bob Griffin, Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church
I. CARE FROM GENTILE CHRISTIANS
A. MOVE
>>1. ARRIVAL
Acts 21:17 When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.
(also Acts 24:17; II Cor 8:20)
>>2. AUDIENCE
Acts 21:18 On the next day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
(also Acts 15:4, 12; Heb 11:2; Jas 5:14)
B. MEETING
>>1. ACCOUNT
Acts 21:19 After greeting them, he related in detail the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
>>2. APPRECIATE
Acts 21:20a And when they heard it, they glorified God.
II. CONFUSION OF JEWISH CHRISTIANS
A. MANNER
>>1. ARDENT
Acts 21:20b And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews who have believed. They all zealously keep the law,
(also Zech 12:10; Rom 14:1-4)
>>2. ALLUDE
Acts 21:21 and they’ve repeated rumors that you’re teaching all the Jews in Gentile lands to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs.
B. METHOD
>>1. APPEAL
Acts 21:22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you’ve arrived.
(also Rom 14:5-6)
>>2. ADVICE
Acts 21:23a Therefore, do what we advise you.
III. COMMAND FOR BOTH GENTILE/JEWISH CHRISTIANS
A. MENTION
>>1. ASSISTANCE
Acts 21:23b-24a We have four men who are under a vow; take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads.
(also Acts 18:18; Num 6:1-6; Judges 13)
>>2. ANSWER
Acts 21:24b Thus all will know that there is no substance in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law.
(also I Cor 9:19-20)
B. MOVEMENT
>>1. ABSTAIN
Acts 21:25 But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.”
(also Acts 15:19-29)
>>2. ACTION
Acts 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the Temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled, and the sacrifice offered for each one of them.
(also Ps 64:9-10)