NT Fire Starters – Day 193: Acts 21:37-22:21
READ: Acts 21:37–22:21
THINK: Have you ever had to defend yourself against false accusations? As a Christian, you’ll be misjudged and unfairly confronted at times. When you are, resist the tendency to get overly defensive. In most cases, the best thing to do is keep quiet and let your gracious actions speak for themselves. But sometimes you can’t back away and you must speak up in your own defense. That’s when it pays to be close to God and to know His Word so you can stand confident, responding with His wisdom and character. In doing so, you allow Jesus to be your heavenly Defender, making your case, proving your innocence and giving you favor with those who witness your response.
RESPOND: In what ways did Paul–because of his background–relate to the crowd? What distinct privileges and responsibilities had Jesus given to Paul (vv. 14-15)? What’s the significance of baptism in water as it relates to spiritual salvation through Jesus? (See 22:16 note.) What does baptism demonstrate and symbolize? At what point should a person be baptized in water? How does water baptism specifically relate to Jesus’ life and work? Does baptism save people spiritually or remove sins? Why or why not? (See 22:16 note.) What does it mean that Paul “fell into a trance”? (See 22:17 note.) Why did Paul leave Jerusalem in the first place, and how did his predicament in this passage confirm the Lord’s warning? To whom did the Lord send Paul with His message (v. 21)?
PRAY: Express your gratitude to Jesus for allowing you to identify with Him and to spread His message.
ACT: If you’ve not yet been baptized in water since receiving Christ and entrusting your life to Him, follow this Biblical directive and identify with Jesus in this way. Talk to your pastor or a church leader about arranging to be baptized. Many churches regularly schedule baptisms into particular services. Don’t put this off any longer, regardless of how long ago you entered a personal relationship with Jesus. If you’ve already been baptized, encourage Christian friends who have not been baptized to do so without further delay as a public testimony of their faith in Jesus.