Paul's Journey to Jerusalem - Pt. 1: Uproars Do Cease
- Baptist Daily Devotional
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Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | November 19 2025 | Acts 20:1
KEY VERSE: “After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia.” (Acts 20:1, ESV)
MESSAGE:
Paul’s journey toward Jerusalem, introduced in Acts 19:21-22, was not spontaneous. It was a mission he resolved to undertake in the Spirit. Yet before he moved forward, a major uproar erupted in Ephesus. This pattern was familiar to the early Church. Throughout Acts—chapters 4, 5, 16, 17, and 19—the proclamation of the Gospel often drew resistance, agitation, and loud public conflict.
A dictionary defines an uproar as a loud, confused noise arising from many voices or strong protests. By that understanding, the early believers faced many uproars. But here lies the truth this passage highlights: no uproar can overturn God’s agenda. They rise, they roar, and eventually, they cease—while God’s purpose continues.
In Acts 4, opposition could not deny the miracle done through the apostles, and the disciples responded with a prayer that shook the place. In Acts 5, the wisdom of Gamaliel quieted the Sanhedrin and preserved the movement. In Acts 16, an earthquake opened prison doors in Philippi, turning confusion into salvation. In Acts 17, in Thessalonica, the posting of bonds diffused the uproar and allowed the work to continue.
These accounts remind us that human noise cannot interrupt divine purpose. Uproars may challenge the Church, but they cannot break her. They may shake the mission, but they cannot stop it. God always provides a way for His agenda to move forward.
When the riot in Ephesus finally quieted, Paul encouraged the disciples and continued his mission. That is the pattern: God ends the uproar, strengthens His people, and moves them on to the next assignment.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Uproars will always arise, but they are temporary. God’s call is enduring. Remain faithful. Hold your ground. Encourage others. And trust that God Himself will settle every uproar in His time so you can continue the mission He has entrusted to you.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for Your abiding presence with Your people through every storm. Strengthen our confidence in Your ability to quiet every uproar and move Your mission forward. Help us to stand firm, encourage one another, and remain faithful to Your call. For Your dear Name’s sake. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: UPROAR The word UPROAR is translated in the Greek text as θόρυβος (thorubos), which describes commotion, disturbance, or public disorder. It captures the intensity of the chaos that had filled Ephesus in the previous chapter.
When Acts 20:1 says “the uproar ceased,” it signals a turning point—the atmosphere of confusion gave way to calm, making room for Paul to gather the disciples, encourage them, and continue his mission.
In Acts, every thorubos eventually ends, but God’s work continues.
Reflect on this:
Where has life felt unsettled for you? Trust that every uproar has an end, and God’s purpose will still stand.
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