Paul Seized in the Temple

Reference

Acts 21:17-40

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Sermon Notes

QUESTIONS RAISED BY THE NARRATIVE
Why were these Jewish believers in Jesus still practicing the Law?
Galatians 3:10-11 For all who _____ on the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written, Everyone who does not do everything written in the book of the law is cursed. 11 Now it is clear that no one is __________ before God by the law, because the righteous will live by _______.
Why did Paul join in and seemingly also practice the Jewish Law?
1 Corinthians 9:20-22 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the ___, like one under the ____ though I myself am not under the ___ to win those under the ____. 21 To those who are without the law, like one without the law though I am not without God’s law but under the law of Christ to win those without the law.

APPLICATION

Are there situations where you are a pair of Brown Shoes in a Black Tuxedo World misunderstood, misrepresented, different because of what you believe? Work, school, family, neighborhood, something you are part of?
How should we handle these situations? I Peter 3:14-16

Do not _______them or be __________, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy,
Be ready at any time to give a _________ to anyone who asks you for
A __________ for the ________ that is in you.
Do this with ___________ and __________, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.

Going Deeper

These are some questions that arise from this Acts 21 text.
- Why were these Jewish believers in Jesus keeping the Old Testament law?
- Why did Paul join in and seemingly also keep the Jewish law? Do these verses fully explain that?
- 1 Corinthians 9: 19-21 Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law — though I myself am not under the law — to win those under the law. 21 To those who are without the law, like one without the law — though I am not without God’s law but under the law of Christ — to win those without the law.
Dr. Richard Averbeck approaches these questions from the perspective of the different Covenants (see his diagram below). Listen to his lecture on this You-tube presentation: Richard Averbeck - Israel, the Jewish People, and God's Covenants https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9SmRd8vlww
What then is our New Testament believer’s relationship to the Jewish Old Testament law? Listen to this Q&A interview done with him on this topic. Is the Old Testament for Christians? featuring Dr. Richard Averbeck https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqaJ_0H6Zk
For an even deeper study into the previous question consider his book: “The Old Testament Law for the Life of the Church”
Scriptures to consider about this topic:
o Genesis 12:1-3 In Abraham all of the families of the earth would be blessed.
o Jeremiah 31:31-33 The Law to be written on Israel’s hearts.
o Matthew 5:17-18 Jesus says He did not come to abolish the law but fulfill it.
o Matthew 22:36-40 Jesus sums up the law and the prophets.

1 Peter 3:14-16 (CSB) Do not fear them or be intimidated, 15 but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as
holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.
16 Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused,
those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.

Contagious Faith
By Mark Mittelburg

Be Prepared to Give Sound Answer and Evidence: All of us need to be ready, according to Peter, to give an answer. We need to prepare for this. To study up. Because people ask hard questions these days.
What would be an example of a hard question that is asked in a challenging skeptical tone as to why you are a Christian?
Respond to questions with Gentleness and Respect: At the end of this verse he explains these attributes are vital. When we’re answering someone’s questions or objections as to why we believe, this compelling attitude and approach is attractive and helps the hearer consider what is being said.
Move from Good Answers to the Good News. We need to discern how much information to give before getting back to the central message of the Gospel. Your goal is not to win arguments but to win people to Jesus. Peter says we should be ready to give reasons “for the hope that is in you”. Tell them the Good News of the Gospel.
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EXAMPLES OF QUESTIONS TO BE PREPARED FOR

Why trust the Bible a book full of contradictions and inaccuracies written by men?
Even if Jesus really did walk the earth, why do you have to make Jesus out to be the Son of God? He was just a good man and teacher, wasn’t He?
There are many ways to heaven, surely just not one.
What’s the big deal? If there’s a heaven all you have to do is live a good life?
How could a good God allow so much suffering? Is He really in control or does He just not care?
If heaven really exists, why would God send people to hell?
What makes you sure God exists at all when you can’t see, hear or touch Him?
Why would the God of the Old Testament tell Israel to kill every man woman and child?
Doesn’t God just want me to be happy?
What’s the point of going to church?
Jesus never condemned homosexuality, did He?
Why do Christians care so much about sex? Abortion, transgenderism, homosexuality, sex between consenting adults, etc.
What about the Crusades? Why is Christianity such a violent religion?
The church is full of hypocrites. If that’s what Christians are like I don’t want to be one.