SEPTEMBER 11 - PAUL ARRESTED
READ Acts 21
After Paul’s travels, he preaches in Jerusalem and is arrested for violating the Law.
INSIGHT
When Paul preaches, either a riot or a revival usually occurs. When he goes to Jerusalem for the last time, a riot breaks out. Having been told beforehand by the Holy Spirit, Paul is aware that he will be imprisoned and handed over to the Gentiles. Even though his friends beg him to avoid Jerusalem, Paul “would not be persuaded” and his friends give up and say, “The will of the Lord be done” (v. 14). Paul views himself as a sojourner on this earth, for his true citizenship is in heaven. He is to be simply a steward, an ambassador of Christ while his time lasts. What power and vision that outlook gives Paul to avoid the entanglements of this world! How much more completely would we realize our calling if we saw ourselves in the same way.
PRAYER
Give praise and thanks to the Lord for giving us citizenship in heaven:
May the name of God
Be praised forever and ever,
For wisdom and power belong to him.
He changes the times and seasons;
He removes kings and establishes kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those
Who have understanding.
He reveals the deep and hidden things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with him (Daniel 2:20-22).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
But you, Lord, be gracious to me and raise me up;
Then I will repay them.
You supported me because of my integrity
And set me in your presence forever
(Psalm 41:10, 12).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Bless the Lord, all his armies,
His servants who do his will.
Bless the Lord, all his works
In all the places where he rules.
My soul, bless the Lord!
(Psalm 103:21-22).
After Paul’s travels, he preaches in Jerusalem and is arrested for violating the Law.
INSIGHT
When Paul preaches, either a riot or a revival usually occurs. When he goes to Jerusalem for the last time, a riot breaks out. Having been told beforehand by the Holy Spirit, Paul is aware that he will be imprisoned and handed over to the Gentiles. Even though his friends beg him to avoid Jerusalem, Paul “would not be persuaded” and his friends give up and say, “The will of the Lord be done” (v. 14). Paul views himself as a sojourner on this earth, for his true citizenship is in heaven. He is to be simply a steward, an ambassador of Christ while his time lasts. What power and vision that outlook gives Paul to avoid the entanglements of this world! How much more completely would we realize our calling if we saw ourselves in the same way.
PRAYER
Give praise and thanks to the Lord for giving us citizenship in heaven:
May the name of God
Be praised forever and ever,
For wisdom and power belong to him.
He changes the times and seasons;
He removes kings and establishes kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those
Who have understanding.
He reveals the deep and hidden things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with him (Daniel 2:20-22).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
But you, Lord, be gracious to me and raise me up;
Then I will repay them.
You supported me because of my integrity
And set me in your presence forever
(Psalm 41:10, 12).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- Wisdom for your country´s leaders
- Faithfulness with your talents
- Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Bless the Lord, all his armies,
His servants who do his will.
Bless the Lord, all his works
In all the places where he rules.
My soul, bless the Lord!
(Psalm 103:21-22).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2025.