Can a Guy (or Girl) Get a Break?

In Acts 21 Paul is on his way to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem he gets beaten and arrested once again; not for doing anything wrong, but for simply teaching about Jesus. It appears that every place that Paul goes the pattern repeats. He begins to teach about Jesus and then the Jews in that particular city get upset and either beat and arrest him themselves or get someone else to do it. Then Paul moves onto another city and the same thing happens. Can he not get a break? Can he not simply arrive someplace and receive a nice welcome and then teach about Jesus without controversy? The answer is no. There are two thoughts that I have about this chapter and Paul’s ministry and life. First, there will always be opposition to the truth about Jesus. Some in the world face the physical violence that Paul faced but those of us in the West will face opposition as well, if we are truly teaching about Jesus. If we stay in the shadows we can avoid this, but Paul was not one to stay in the shadows. And since we are called to be “light” in this world, we are not to stay in the shadows either. Are you facing any opposition regarding your beliefs about Jesus? If not, then you’re probably not being very vocal with your words or with your deeds. Second, I’m impressed by Paul’s consistency. He “knows” what is going to happen each place he goes, but he goes through it anyway. I am amazed by the conviction that Paul has…to continue the message despite the persecution. I believe this conviction comes from the Holy Spirit. Remember how God had called Paul and given him this mission…a mission from God. And Paul took it seriously. This mission, to teach others about Jesus…to make disciples…is a mission that all of Jesus’ followers agree to engage in. I hope that we all take it as seriously as Paul…even if we don’t get a break from the world!