Nothing Like Late Pasta...

Wow. Busy week. And, I am afraid it may not get any better for a couple of weeks. Anyway, let's squeeze in a few bites of pasta before we get together again for another round...

Last week, because of some stellar group work, we summarized chapters 22-26. In case you were not there, we split up, took chapters, and worked on summaries, key verses, and important teaching points from each of the chapters. Remember that this is the part of the book where things turn pretty narrative in nature and the book of Acts becomes much more like a "story".

The big thing we find in these chapters is the account of Paul being "on trial" or at least in a "hearing"- making his case for the gospel and for his actions over and over again. This series of trials and hearings gives Paul the chance to testify about the truth of the gospel to a number of audiences, all of which include some powerful people. Hmm... think God had His hand in this? I think so!

It is interesting to note that in chapter 24 we find that Paul has been referred to Felix in Caesarea, and that whole change of venue and the ensuing proceedings lasted for 2 years! When Paul was promised that he would make it to Rome, I am guessing that he did not think it would take place exactly like this. Then again, maybe he was smarter than me, (well, ok- I know he was WAY smarter than me), and did not really develop any expectations about exactly how God would get him to Rome. Darn those expectations!! They are the source of all of our disappointments!

I just like the way God continues to show himself as sovereign through all of the process that we read about. I guess some people might read that account and say, "Gee, God sure had trouble getting Paul to Rome! What did it take- like three years or something?" I look at it and say, "Paul got to Rome just the way God intended for Paul to get to Rome." And, because Paul did not get focused on circumstances, but rather stayed focused on the gospel, all kinds of people heard about Jesus on the way. Hmmm.... anyone else seeing a bit of a lesson for all of us here?

Just Keep Swimming...

Jon