AWAKE BIBLE IN A YEAR DECEMBER 7
Read Acts 20:4-38, Acts 21-22, 23:1-35
Jesus is building his church⛪️ (Matthew 16:18). Don’t forget JESUS is the vine, and the church his called out, born again people are the branches. He is the root and the source. The Ekklesia are in many cities, founded and stalwart in the communities everywhere Paul went as a missionary.
Paul in Miletus has a meeting with leaders from Ephesus in AD 57. The church is a mighty bulwark of defense from the weariness of the world and the deception of the wolves. It won’t be until AD 62 Paul composes his letter to the Ephesians, probably from imprisonment in Rome.
And the words, echo — watch and remember for three years I did not stop to warn everyone night and day with tears! 😭
Sopater is a man of noble character who likely studies scripture, ahh yes he is a Berean. (Acts 17:10-12)
Trychicus will become Paul’s messenger. Ephesians 6:21, Titus 3:12 and in Colossians 4:7, 2 Timothy 4:12 all mention him. Paul is regularly catching flack from the Jews and it’s the same again from the Jews from Asia. When they see Trophimus with Paul they make an assumption — Paul took a Gentile in to the holy place. (Acts 21:27-36) Perhaps is was easy yo identity gentiles from Asia for these Jews? Also from Asia Trophimus and Trychicus.
Timothy is still traveling with Paul. They had met on the tail end of his second journey. (Acts 16:1) And he is there when Paul’s 5 year imprisonment/house arrest ordeal begins.
We see Philip again from acts 6:1–6, and here they are has Christian Brothers after Paul had murdered one of the seven Stephen. Agape is undefeated.
Agabus warns Paul. I think it’s fitting that Philip hears Paul say I am ready to die in the name of the Lord Jesus.
I note how much hospitality plays a role, and I pray that we can show the same.
