Acts #86 Paul Loves the Church More Than His Own Name

The Lord Jesus emphasized a particular characteristic of those who are the children of God: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Likewise one of the fruit of the Spirit that Jesus has purchased for all whom He has redeemed and that He has implanted in them when they are brought to faith by the Holy Spirit is peace (“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace” Galatians 5:22). Because God whom we have offended by our sin more greatly than anyone could ever offend us has graciously in everlasting love sent His only begotten Son to remove the sinful offenses we have committed against Him in order to establish peace with us (which the Scripture calls reconciliation), we must likewise do all within our power to remove those offenses that separate us from those within our family, church, and work.

Paul was falsely accused of causing division in the Church of Jerusalem, but though he was not at fault, he was willing to humble himself and take steps to cover the offense, because unity within the Church was of greater value to Paul’s than his need to be vindicated. The main points from our text are these: (1) A False Report Is Brought to Paul’s Attention (Acts 21:17-21); (2) Paul Submits to Remove the False Report and Promote Unity
(Acts 21:22-26).