Quagmire
by the Rev. AJ Ochart
Sermon Notes
This week we meet back up with Saul from last week’s story, who is now known by his more Roman name, Paul. Paul has been engaged in many years of ministry, primarily shifting to ministry with the non-Jewish gentiles, which has caused “no little debate”. He has recently met with the Apostles in Jerusalem for a council to decide whether the gentiles need to fully take on Torah observance, specifically circumcision, or not. We talked last year about how important a debate that was. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and the council, that the gentiles were not obligated to follow the whole Torah but were saved by belief in Jesus Christ just as the Jewish believers were. After the council Paul and Barnabas (Paul’s long-time ministry partner) separated, and Paul, Silas, and Timothy have headed north. Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading that he bring the gospel to them. Paul, Silas, and Timothy have now traveled to Macedonia, and set up in the city of Philippi. Lydia, a merchant of fine fabrics, has become their patron in Philippi, and they are working to assemble a community of Jesus followers there.
This week’s almost comedic story shows some of the ups and downs of Paul’s ministry, and how rash decisions can have significant consequences.
It is important to note that this community of Philippi is the same one that Paul will eventually write a letter to, which we will be hearing from in a couple of weeks. An older (and maybe even wiser) Paul will send them encouragement as he sits in another prison in Rome.
Questions to Consider
– Have you ever reacted to something and then had to deal with the consequences?
– What is the value of the enslaved girl and guard in their community, and what does that tell us?
– Why does Paul refuse to be released twice?
