Lesson Forty Eight
ALMOST PERSUADED
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Memory Verse: Psalm 91:15
Further Study: Acts 24:24-28:11; The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 422-446; The Bible Story, vol. 10, pp. 114-122
Ever had a trip go wrong? A family was limited in their funds and when they could go on vacation because of their work. They decided to book a one-room cabin in the Allegheny National Forest. Excited, they called to book their vacation only to find no cabins available the only week they could go. Disappointed, they thought all was lost until two weeks later, they received a call. Someone had canceled!
They arrived at the cabin and began to unload their things. While in the process it started to rain. Not a sprinkle but pouring rain. It rained continuously for three days. The cabin only had an outhouse, and the rain made that difficult. They made the mistake of feeding the raccoons, so going outside in the rain to go to the bathroom at night became dangerous, as the raccoons bent on finding food, became aggressive.
On the third day one of them slipped on the steps and bruised their back causing a lot of pain. The next day they were warned by park police that two convicts in a nearby prison had escaped and everyone in the park should think about evacuating. Wanting at least one more day that might have sunshine, they stayed only to find they were the only ones in a dark woods with two potential prisoners, aggressive raccoons, and no inside toilet. They left the next morning. It was a vacation that never should have happened.
It was a vacation that never should have happened.
Paul had a trip that might be similar. During this voyage to Rome, hurricane force winds assaulted the ship. Sailors frantically began tossing cargo, including the food. This went on for days. The ship finally was destroyed by the storm, landing the passengers on an island beach. Paul began to help gather wood for the fire and was bitten by a snake. Clearly not a good week for Paul.
But here’s the take-away. This isn’t recorded in the Bible to help us feel better about vacations that don’t go well. It’s about how Paul reacted to it. In the midst of it all we learn: Paul was counseling frightened passengers (Acts 27:9-10); he offered warnings to the crew (27:30-31); he encouraged others (27:34); he shook off a snake off holding onto his hand and continued with his work (28:5-6); and healed someone (28:8). For me, I would have lost it at the storm, but if I made it through that, it would definitely have been at the snake. But Paul was calm amidst the storm as well as the snake. Why?
Because God had promised him safe arrival in Rome. God didn’t promise an easy journey, but Paul knew he was going to Rome. And if that’s what God said, it’s what He meant despite the circumstances.
If that’s what God said, it’s what He meant, despite the circumstances.
God calls each of us to service. We don’t know for how long or where or when something might happen while we’re working for Him. Your service may be staying home with your children. Or it may be the job you have. Or the volunteer assignment at your church. Perhaps you’re a missionary. But whatever it is, it’s being done for God. He promises us that He has a place for us in heaven. Our job is to work for Him here, knowing that Jesus is coming again. It’s the ultimate trip destination.
So, keep calm and carry on despite your circumstances. God’s got this. We will be renewed.
Digging Deeper
When Paul stood before King Agrippa, he was standing before the man whose great-grandfather had tried to kill Jesus as a baby. Agrippa’s grandfather had John the Baptist beheaded and his father killed the first disciple, James. But Agrippa had an understanding of Judaism. Once again Paul tells his story but considered his audience.
This is the most detailed and comprehensive telling of Paul’s conversion experience. He tells of his experience prior to his conversion, then his conversion, explains his calling as well as his mission. Before he emphasized Ananias’s involvement as a devout Jew, but this time he leaves him out of the story and instead talks about his background as a Pharisee.
One important point Paul brought out in his defense is his commissioning by Jesus Himself. This allowed Paul to be called an apostle like the other 12 disciples because he had 1) seen the resurrected Jesus and 2) Jesus had personally appointed him as a witness for Him.
Making it Real
While none of us have seen Jesus directly we are still considered witnesses on His behalf. In what way are you a witness for Jesus?
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Merle Poirier writes from Silver Spring, Maryland, where she works as the operation manager for Adventist Review and Adventist World magazines as well as the designer for KidsView, a magazine for 8-12-year-olds. She enjoys spending time with her family including being a grandmother to two active little boys, who greatly enjoy Starting With Jesus, and a granddaughter, who’s delighting everyone with her smiles. She is blessed to have all three living close by, continually bringing joy and delight.
