Study Desk

Watch what's fixing to happen to you. The Lord is fixing to show you who's boss. He's jerking the sight right out of your head, and you won't even be able to see the sun for a while." Right then, something like a dark fog enveloped him, and he couldn't see. He started screaming and feeling around for someone to help him.

Paul and Barnabas lit into them and argued sternly with 'em. Finally, the local outfit decided to send Paul and Barnabas, along with a few other cowboys, to Jerusalem to see what the cowboys who rode with Jesus had to say about it.

After quite a while, Paul told Barnabas, "Let's head back to all those churches we started and see how them outfits are doing."

With these words, the city council and all those who had come to see this circus act were instantly thrown into mayhem.

But the folks in this town were different than those in Thessalonica. They listened to what Paul had to say. But the best part was that they themselves looked at the passages in the Good Book to see if what Paul and Silas said was the truth.

Paul stood up and said, "People of Athens, I have walked through your city, and I can see you are a very religious bunch.

"I see," said Paul. "John was baptizing folks to get 'em ready to ride for the Top Hand. John's baptism taught folks to turn away from their wicked ways and be ready to saddle up for the Boss."

"So, this is where I tell y'all, 'Adios.' We won't ever see each other again in this life. I have told y'all everything I could about God's outfit.

Paul's words echoed in their ears that they would never see him again. The range bosses from Ephesus escorted him to the boat, tipped their hats, and went out to do the job God had given them.

But listen to our plan and see if you like it. There are four men here who have completed a vow they made and now need to go get purified at the main church by getting their heads shaved. But these men don't have the money for it.

Join them, and then everyone will see you still hold to the Jewish laws.

He was a popular fellow there. When he came up to me, he said, 'Open your eyes and see for the first time.' And right then, my vision returned.

"Then Ananias said, 'God himself has handpicked you for an important mission. He let you see and hear from the Top Hand himself.

And when your cowboy Steve was killed, I held the jackets of the assassins and cheered them on. When they see my turn around, won't they see the truth?'

He adjourned the court and ordered Paul to be kept in custody, but he was free to come and go as he pleased. Felix also allowed Paul's friends to come and see him and care for his needs.

You will help them see with open eyes so they will no longer walk in darkness, but the light. You will help them turn from Satan and ride for God. Then they will be forgiven for their sorry ways and have a spot on God's outfit. And the only way you get there is through me.'

King Agrippa is familiar with everything I've said. Why would I be so bold as to risk my life for a fable? These things didn't take place in a dark alley, but right out in the open for everyone to see.

We docked at Sidon the next day, and Julius was kind enough to let Paul go see some friends and let them tend to him while they were there.

When daylight came, no one recognized the land around them. But they did see a sandy beach and decided to run the ship aground there.

The ranch owner's father was sick in bed. He had a bad case of the scours and a fever that wouldn't break. Paul went in to see him and put his hands on the sick man in prayer. Then the old boy got up as if nothing had ever been wrong.