These notes accompany the sermon found here.

The Good News

• The Good News: Acts 21:19-20a “After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.  And when they heard it, they glorified God.”
• They glorified God. See Acts 4:21, 11:18; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; John 17:1-5, 17:22; Isaiah 43:7, 55:10-13.

The Bad News

• The elders received Paul, believed Paul, and have previously endorsed Paul. (Galatians 2:7-10) They did not believe the rumors.  And they shouldn’t.  For due process, see Dt. 19:15; Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Timothy 5:19.  For gossip, see Leviticus 19:6; Proverbs 16:28, 17:9, 20:19; Romans 1:29; 1 Timothy 5:13.
• The Bad News: Acts 21:21 “They have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs.” See Acts 6:11-13.
• In summary, what Paul really taught on the issue: As a Gentile convert, you were not under obligation to participate in the customs of Judaism.  As a Jew, you were not under obligation to stop participating in the customs of Judaism.  Acts 15; Galatians 4:1-11; Romans 14:1-15:7.

The Outreach

• Practicing what he preached: Paul taught that secondary issues involving the practice of our faith should not cause division among us, Romans 14:1-15:7; Numbers 6; Ephesians 4:1-3; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Romans 12:18.

Encouragements

• Maintain unity through humility.
• Do not compromise the Gospel message.
• Remember that it is the Lord Jesus Christ whom you serve.

How will I respond to today’s sermon?