The Story - Chapter 30 - Paul's Final Days

When Paul arrived in Jerusalem he was greeted warmly by his Brothers in Christ; they celebrated all those who had come to believe. Then he went to the temple as would be his custom, only to be accused falsely. His accusers attempted to kill him.

Acts 21:236 (NIV) "The crowd that followed kept shouting, 'Away with him!'"

This is beginning to sound too familiar.  Isn't this the same type of experience Jesus encountered not so long ago?  Persecution, false claims, shouts of hatred -- why do we fear those who are different?  Jesus and Paul were after the same thing, pointing the way to eternal life.  Jesus changed Paul's life in an instant and Paul was attempted to tell everyone he could about this wonderful change.

But (and there is always a but), the people did not want to hear.  Sound familiar?  How many times did someone have to tell us there was a better way to live? How often were we face to face with opportunity to change, but we rejected it?  I know that I am my own worst enemy at times. Are we destined to repeat our mistakes over and over?

“In a futile attempt to erase our past, we deprive the community of our healing gift. If we conceal our wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a light for others.”
― Brennan Manning, Abba's Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging

Read Acts 21:27-36 here

Listen Acts 21:27-36 here