How can we apply Paul's courage in Acts 21:35 to our daily lives? Setting the Scene Paul has just returned to Jerusalem. A misunderstanding about his ministry to the Gentiles sparks a riot. The crowd seizes him, the Roman commander intervenes, and Acts 21:35 records the tense moment: “When Paul reached the steps, he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob.” (Acts 21:35) Paul is battered, bound, and surrounded by rage—yet moments later (v. 37–40) he calmly asks to speak to the very crowd trying to kill him. That’s courage in real time. Courage on the Steps What do we see in Paul? • He stands firm in truth, even when misunderstood. • He refuses to let fear silence his witness. • He uses every circumstance—even forced imprisonment—as a platform for the gospel. • He remains respectful to authority (v. 39) while uncompromising about his mission. Principles for Our Daily Lives 1. Expect opposition. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). Courage grows when opposition doesn’t surprise us. 2. Anchor identity in Christ, not public approval. Paul’s worth wasn’t tied to the crowd’s applause but to Christ’s call (Galatians 2:20). 3. View every setting as a pulpit. Whether in a boardroom or a hospital room, God can use us as He used Paul on those steps (Philippians 1:12–14). 4. Let Scripture shape reactions, not emotions. Paul’s immediate impulse was to testify, echoing Jeremiah 20:9: “His word is in my heart like a fire.” 5. Trust God with outcomes. Paul couldn’t control the mob, but he could obey (Proverbs 3:5–6). Practical Steps Today • Start the day in the Word; courage flows from knowing God’s promises (Joshua 1:8–9). • Pray for boldness before tough conversations (Acts 4:29). • Speak truth graciously—tone matters (Colossians 4:6). • Keep a “steps” journal. Record moments when circumstances feel hostile; note how God carries you, as soldiers carried Paul. • Celebrate small acts of bravery. Sharing a testimony at lunch may feel minor, but God uses mustard-seed courage (Matthew 13:31–32). Encouragement from Other Scriptures • 2 Timothy 1:7—“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Psalm 27:1—“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” • Acts 23:11—Jesus reassures Paul the night after this riot, showing He stands with the courageous. Living It Out Paul’s resolve on those stone steps isn’t distant history; it’s a template. When criticism rises, when culture misreads our convictions, or when personal trials press hard, we can stand—eyes fixed on Christ, words seasoned with grace, hearts ablaze with truth. The same God who steadied Paul steadies us today. |
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