But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the crowd, he withdrew from them and took the disciples, lecturing daily in the school of Tyrannus. Acts 19:9 MEV
The Way or Christian, whatever be the label, produce the fruit.
Then the man in whom the evil spirit was jumped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled from that house naked and wounded. Acts 19:16 MEV
This is the spiritual principle behind how martial arts, which is demonic in nature, works. This posession and the strength gained from it, is what every practitioner inadvertantly strives for. Plus there is an appearance of form, but this is often deceptive in that it true adherents have come to realize that while there is skill and dexterity involved, it is primarily form over function.
He gathered them together with the workmen of similar trades and said, “Men, you know that by this trade we have our wealth. Acts 19:25 MEV
Trade of money and/vs trade of “oil” in the parable of the virgins. Spiritual for the sake of monetary benefit. Selah!!!
On the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to leave the next day, preached to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7 MEV
It can be understood that the disciples gathered weekly to break bread. Contrast that with the initial daily gatherings. I’m not forming any conclusion but it is food for thought.
A young man named Eutychus sat in the window, falling into a deep sleep as Paul spoke for a longer time. Being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third floor and was taken up dead. Acts 20:9 MEV
Part of me thinks this is funny, part of me sees this kind of death amongst those who are overcome by sleep when and where we gather to study the word. Sad but true, this Eutychus syndrome exists. Brethren, where oh where art thou bound??? Either way, we speak, the Lord restores life.
Therefore take heed to yourselves and to the entire flock, over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28 MEV
Take heed indeed to know the condition of the Lord’s flock. To be a shepherd after the Lord’s own heart is the goal of my calling in Christ, for this I strive. Sometimes flesh get in the way, but most of the time, I let the Lord have His way; a struggle where sharpening my axe determines the outcome, and makes all the difference. Luke 14:28.
When we found the disciples, we remained there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. Acts 21:4 MEV
If they told Paul by the Spirit, was it disobedience or determination that led him to Jerusalem? Was it both? I don’t think the answer is simple, but from the nature of God, especially caring for our well being, we need to learn from this.
Take these men and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may have their heads shaved. Then all will know that what they were told concerning you is nothing, but that you yourself live in observance of the law. Acts 21:24 MEV
True I also live in observance of God’s laws, but I am not under the covenant given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt at Mount Sinai. Love and fear of God, not legalism and rituals of man.