BibleProject | Upside-Down Kingdom / Part 2 - ActsSample

After the uproar in Ephesus was over, Paul leaves to make his way back to Jerusalem in time for the annual Pentecost festival. On his way, he travels to many cities to preach the good news and encourage Jesus’ followers. In this, we see a parallel between Paul and Jesus’ ministry. Jesus also set off for Jerusalem in time for an annual Jewish festival (in his case, Passover) and preached the good news of his Kingdom along the way. And just as Jesus knew the cross was waiting for him, Paul also knows that hardship and affliction await him in the capital city. So with this knowledge, he plans a farewell gathering. He invites the pastors from Ephesus to meet him in a nearby city, where he warns them that things will get tougher while he’s gone. He tells them they should be careful to generously help the needy and diligently protect and nurture their churches. Everyone is crushed to have to say goodbye to Paul. They weep, hug and kiss him, and refuse to leave his side until he’s aboard his departing ship.

Read, Reflect, and Respond:

• Compare Paul’s words in Acts 20:23 with the words the Holy Spirit spoke to Ananias around the time Paul first encountered the risen Jesus (see Acts 9:15-16). What questions, insights, or conclusions do you have as you compare and contrast these two passages?
• Read Paul’s farewell words (see 20:18-35). What do you observe? How does he encourage, warn, and instruct the leaders of the early churches? What do you think would happen if all leaders led as Paul instructed? How can you practically respond to Paul’s instructions today?
• When Jesus began his journey to Jerusalem, the disciples did not understand the sufferings that awaited him there and were distant when his afflictions became known. But when Paul began his travels to the capital city, everyone knew what was coming and supported him wholeheartedly. How do you think Paul was impacted by the disciples’ affection and support? Who can you support today?
• Let your reading and reflections prompt a prayer. Express your gratitude to Jesus for going to Jerusalem and suffering for your sake. Pray for yourself and the church leaders in your city to join him in his generous self-sacrificial ways. Ask him to give you an idea for how you can practically share his grace and support with your community this week. Jot down ideas that come to mind and live it out.