Here in Acts are the final chapters dedicated to Paul's final trip to Jerusalem and his final persecution by the Jews that lead him to appeal to Rome.
What I learned...
1. About God: OK, here's an odd one to wrestle with —
During the last supper, Jesus prepares his disciples for his persecution (and theirs) by washing their feet and teaching them about love and obedience, and about their next advocate - the Holy Spirit.
1. About God. Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as "another advocate (paraclete)." Thus, the Holy Spirit advocates for us in the same manner which Jesus does. Moreover, Jesus tells his disciples that it's to their advantage that he departs so that he can send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). Why? Because when the Spirit comes he will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). Conviction or exposure (elencho) precedes repentance. Jesus exposed the woman at the well, bringing her to repentance.
As I continue reading through the NT, I marvel daily how each day seems to be the "greatest section of the NT"! And so I again marvel at John chapters 5 and 6. Here's one conviction for each of our reflections:
1. About God: In John 6:42 the Jews complain, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he say, 'I came down from heaven?'
We are capturing one conviction each day in these three areas (and doing it in the third):
- About God: In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed to have the "this cup taken from me. Yet not as I will but as you will." Mark 14.36 We have a long and storied history of Christian martyrs who face their death with absolute resolve (Polycarp: "Why do you delay (to his executioner)? Come do what you will." Ignatius: "I am writing to all the Churches and I enjoin all, that I am dying willingly for God's sake, if only you do not prevent it. I beg you, do not do me an untimely kindness. Allow me to be eaten by the beasts, which are my way of reaching to God. I am God's wheat, and I am to be ground by the teeth of wild beasts, so that I may become the pure bread of Christ.") So why does Jesus pray for a change of plans?