When the hotel fire alarm goes off in the middle of the night, it takes you a few moments to realize where you are and what you need to do.  Quickly!  Already the smoke is starting to seep from the elevator shaft.  Sensing heat, you turn away and rush to the nearest fire exit. Flames block your way.  Remembering another exit on the far end of the corridor, you turn around, knowing it is the only way out.

As you run, people emerging from their rooms are surging toward the elevators, unaware they are death traps. It is how they have always exited the hotel. Plus, since everyone is going that way they think it must be safe.  You try your best to turn them around.  Some listen; some don’t.  It is frustrating but you’ve done your best.

That is how Paul felt as he wrote these words:

Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.  (Acts 20:26-27)

He knew how serious the “whole counsel” about Jesus was.  Jesus said it succinctly as He spoke these words to the most religious people of His day:

He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.” (John 8:23-24)