Church leaders should be open to Christians raising concerns with them. Paul has shown himself to be like that on the way to Jerusalem (Ac 21:4). But if the leaders feel they must continue with a path despite advice, then
Igniting anger
Certain words, phrases or ideas can get us excited. Public speakers know this and make use of the trait. With a weak speaker that may be their way of masking the poverty of their words. The trait can also be
Have you washed?
Rituals are found in human societies across the world and often come with a strong pressure to conform. First century Judaism had quite a few, developed from the Old Testament (Mk 7:1-13). However, the reason for them is not always
Why do you persecute me?
In the 1st century, Israel was a nation with a long history, embedded customs, strong bonds and great pride. To see such a nation radically changed is hard work; to see such a nation changed when all you can do
True justice
If the material universe is the ultimate reality, then our concerns about right, wrong and justice are simply human inventions to make life more bearable; they have no bigger meaning since the universe ‘doesn’t care.’ We, however, cannot treat them
All for nothing?
‘I did all that for nothing?’ Do you ever find yourself asking that? Some 1st century Jews felt that Paul led them to do so. They heard that he now taught Jewish culture was dead and Israel’s past was worthless
Misunderstood at home
Returning to our childhood home can be hard, especially if we have changed in ways which are not clear to those still there. Paul has this on a grand scale as he returns to Israel’s capital, Jerusalem, where he spent
Stop and listen
Moments come in life when we need to listen to others, even when we would prefer not to do so. Many factors about us may hinder that from happening. But we need the humility to remove the blocks and hear
Serious, self-denying service
The New Testament is very aware that churches can end up with leaders who abuse their position. Paul reflects on this topic in our verses, as he gives his final speech to the elders from the church in Ephesus (Ac
Pulling down walls
‘It is finished’ said the Saviour as he closed his eyes in death (Jo 19:30). To reach the point at which a task is done can be precious to us, especially if it is on our conscience as a duty