What is the theme of this chapter?
Greece, Troas and the elders of Ephesus.
What is the key verse(s) of this chapter? Verses 26-27
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.
What can I apply to my life from this chapter (things to do/avoid)?
It really struck me that Paul knew that after his departure, savage wolves would come in among them, not sparing the flock; and from among them men would arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them (vs 29-30). It's so important to not be carried away by false doctrine. I can't even trust myself because none of us are immune. Instead, I must be on the alert and look to God continually for grace to remain true (v 31).
I wonder why the Church today doesn't take this more seriously? Everything is acceptable now, as long as the very basic truths are believed. It seems that in order to keep the peace, we've decided not to talk about the things on which we disagree, even to the point of avoiding certain portions — and whole books! — of Scripture.
Additional observations/questions:
I have now read Stam's perspective regarding whether or not Paul was following God's will in going to Jerusalem. He agrees with Gaebelein, but stresses that it "is by no means easy to determine and, depend upon it: those who deal with the subject as though it were a simple matter have given serious consideration to only one side of it—their side." He even went so far to as list the arguments for each side, which I have included in my notes. I'm still leaning toward the Holy Spirit leading Paul to Jerusalem — capital "s" for Spirit — but will continue to keep an open mind about it as we go forward into chapter 21.
Greece, Troas and the elders of Ephesus.
What is the key verse(s) of this chapter? Verses 26-27
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.
What can I apply to my life from this chapter (things to do/avoid)?
It really struck me that Paul knew that after his departure, savage wolves would come in among them, not sparing the flock; and from among them men would arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them (vs 29-30). It's so important to not be carried away by false doctrine. I can't even trust myself because none of us are immune. Instead, I must be on the alert and look to God continually for grace to remain true (v 31).
I wonder why the Church today doesn't take this more seriously? Everything is acceptable now, as long as the very basic truths are believed. It seems that in order to keep the peace, we've decided not to talk about the things on which we disagree, even to the point of avoiding certain portions — and whole books! — of Scripture.
Additional observations/questions:
I have now read Stam's perspective regarding whether or not Paul was following God's will in going to Jerusalem. He agrees with Gaebelein, but stresses that it "is by no means easy to determine and, depend upon it: those who deal with the subject as though it were a simple matter have given serious consideration to only one side of it—their side." He even went so far to as list the arguments for each side, which I have included in my notes. I'm still leaning toward the Holy Spirit leading Paul to Jerusalem — capital "s" for Spirit — but will continue to keep an open mind about it as we go forward into chapter 21.
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