Between A Rock and a Stoning

The obstacle course of the Christian journeyPeaks and valleys, joys and challenges, favor and persecution A warm receptionWhen we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. Acts 21:17-20Persecution…some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place… The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. …the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!” Acts 21:27-28, 30-32, 35-36The mark of persecutionMisunderstood, criticized, harassed, oppressed, lies & violenceFaith revealed“Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” John 15:20In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12The hurting and wounded Finishing the race