The Story - Chapter 29 - Paul's Mission

Go back and read the last part of Chapter 19 if you have not already read it.  The disciples are in trouble.  It seems their preaching and telling people about Jesus and the Good News of salvation is hitting the people where it hurts--their bank accounts.

Acts 20:1 (NIV)
When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said good-by and set out for Macedonia. 

The demand for various crafts of idols was waning. Some folks were starting to doubt the value of worshiping lifeless gods.  Eyes and hearts were opening to The Way. A few of the local tradesmen were rioting over the loss of income and blaming Paul and his people.

The followers and preachers of The Way were gaining a reputation.  Some wanted to find them, to get their hands on them to do harm.  Others wanted to find them and hang on their words, ask questions and learn about Jesus.

Paul's popularity grew and people would listen to him preach far into the night.  There was an incidence when Paul kept talking late into the night, as he was leaving in the morning.  A young man was seated in a window and fell asleep.  He fell from his perch in the second story window.

Acts 20:10 (NIV)
Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He's alive!"

What a story that young man had to tell his children and grandchildren.  Is there a story you have to tell? Has God's Word changed your life?  Have you experienced miracles; has Jesus' life changed your life? We are called to share The Good News and our stories are part of that Good News.

Read Acts 20:1-12

Listen to Acts 20:1-12