Note for 20250806

Acts

Twenty

Part 20 - Acts 20 - When You Know

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The House of Bread · Note for 20250806 - Acts - Part 20 - Acts 20 - When You Know

Acts 20:1-38 KJV

[1] And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. [2] And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, [3] and there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. [4] And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. [5] These going before tarried for us at Troas. [6] And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. [7] And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. [8] And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. [9] And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. [10] And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. [11] When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. [12] And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. [13] And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. [14] And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. [15] And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. [16] For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. [17] And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. [18] And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, [19] serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: [20] and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, [21] testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. [22] And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: [23] save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. [24] But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. [25] And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. [26] Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. [27] For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. [28] Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. [29] For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. [30] Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. [31] Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. [32] And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. [33] I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. [34] Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. [35] I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. [36] And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. [37] And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, [38] sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.20.1-38.KJV

Just as easily, this chapter could have been called, "The Last Time." While there was still much more left for Paul to do, including that he should testify for Jesus Christ in Rome, he knew it was the last time he would see this breather of his. It almost seems like he is wanting to see everyone and every church before he reaches Jerusalem. The section where he goes for a bit of a "walk-about" specifically caught my attention, because I can relate to the peace that may bring.

Once more, a chapter that has much to do with travelling and yet, not void in miracle, since he brings back the young man back to life who fell from the third loft. Remarkable, that even after that, he still speaks on unto morning light. He was not wasting any time, taking full advantage of every moment he had left unbound.

Acts 20:24 KJV

[24] But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.20.24.KJV

Yesterday, we looked at, "What motivates you," and here you see Paul's motivation. It is still connected to that moment in the Light on his way to Damascus, where he was changed forever by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Yesterday, we saw the "negative" side in motivation, how money and greed can often be found at the root of the movements of mankind, but here is a better motivation. To walk in "The Way" of Jesus Christ, to do His will, not our own. How does one fully describe the freedom we have, while maybe even sitting in chains for Christ?

I have been somewhat bound for 5 years now, not by chains, but by my duties to which I was called. My soul has never been more free at any time, than what it is now. It does not come without weeping, but the weeping is not for myself. My weeping is brought on by what I have come to know, what will befall mankind in this generation.

It is as if the destination has been punched in now. We are en route, even though we might be slow in moving now. The destination is known, and all walking is done towards that which will come, more so even, because there is no "escape" from Prophecy coming into full fulfillment. What was written will come to be, just as it was given. And we are sojourners on that Way.

While man boasts about his advancements in technology, we see the undoing of basic morality. We see man take up all those things that will ultimately enslave him. We see man walking in a false sense of freedom, directed by the hands of influence, wanting more now than ever before in personal greed for abundance. Oh, we see Matthew 24 playing out in real time, even as mankind sounds for peace and responds in war. The earth is moving, as if in labour pains, and those contractions are getting more intense day-to-day, while, the average man on the street thinks, it will be a day like any other, until calamity comes for him. "And they repented not..."

When you know, you cannot unsee it. You see people as if they are almost dancing to the flame, following the enchantments of some piper. "Be all you can be" and "have all you want," sold as guidance by yet one more guru. Man truly has become lovers of self. And when we shout an alarm, then we have somehow become "the crazy ones." Oh! "And they repented not..." Each thinking it is "my way or the highway," right?

This I know too, that if you don't make the choice to walk in the right way, that nobody will convince you any other way, it is the nature of man at this time. They only walk in the ways that please them. But, how might you prepare your soul to meet the eventuality of all flesh? When Prophecy comes into full effect at this time, hearts will be troubled and fear will kill. How else do you make peace with what man calls death? Yesterday there was a flash flood that came down from the mountains on a village in India, while the sun was shining. I saw people walk in the town square, surprised as water swept multi-storey buildings on top of them. Yes, it was like a broom. Doubtfully time to say a quick prayer. This happens when nature drops wrath on you, while you are walking with your thoughts in your head. No escaping that. But, how do you see that in any way, while you are scrolling on TikTok?

How do you share with people, that of all we have seen these past few months, that it is just the beginning? "And they repented not of their iniquities..."

Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ, we are living in a different time than our parents did, and our children are like slow moving snails on a route they refuse to leave. Parent's houses have become like a "bed and breakfast." But, at least they are still at home and not living in sin, right? So many are living in sin right there in virtual reality where they have escaped from the harshness of this world.

"When you know," you cannot unsee it, and the believer walks towards the One that is coming to Judge this world. We make our peace with Christ, while we are here.

Selah, Shalom.

www.thehouseofbread.co.za

Verse of The Day

From the YouVersion Bible App

John 3:17 KJV

[17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.3.17.KJV

Quick Note:

And by the Holy Spirit, this is still true in us. But also know, when Christ returns, it is to judge the World. Yes, they will hide in caves and call on mountains to fall on them and hide them from the wrath of the Lamb. (Does this sound familiar?)

Additional Scripture

Revelation 6:15-17 KJV

[15] And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; [16] and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: [17] For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

https://bible.com/bible/1/rev.6.15-17.KJV

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