The Book of Acts

 

Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem

“After saying farewell to the Ephesian elders, we sailed straight to the island of Cos. The next day we reached Rhodes and then went to Patara.” (Acts 21:1 NLT)

                  Paul was now on his way to Jerusalem. He wished to celebrate the day of Pentecost there. As was Paul’s practice, he visited with the local believers at every stop he made. In many cases he only stayed one day, but when the ship he was on landed at the Syrian harbor of Tyre, Paul ended up staying for one week. Everywhere the apostle travelled he was known and greeted warmly by the local believers. Being relatively new believers, they had much to learn.  They welcomed Paul, eagerly anticipating his sharing of great wisdom and God’s word with them.

                  During his travels, there were those with the gift of prophecy that warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem, for they foresaw him bound in chains.  Their vision saw him turned over to the gentile authorities by the Jews who considered him to be a troublemaking heretic. However, Paul was undaunted, saying that he would gladly allow himself to be thrown in jail or even killed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  [An interesting note to mention is that proof lies in verse 9 of this chapter that women were also given the gift of prophecy. Philip the Evangelist, who lived in Caesarea, had 4 unwed daughters who had this gift.]                 

                  Paul was set on going to Jerusalem even though he knew in his heart and spirit that he would be imprisoned there. It was more important to fulfill God’s will for him than to avoid the imminent, unpleasant & even painful set of circumstances that he was foretold awaited him at his destination. When we are faced with a set of circumstances that seem uninviting and yet seemingly unavoidable, remember, obedience to God is far greater than selfish disobedience. God is watching over us all, just as He was with the apostle Paul. Paul’s faith and trust in God was so great that he was willing to go wherever the Lord would lead him. That’s an example of supreme faith. Regardless of what we are confronted with, we need to say as Paul did, “The Lord’s will be done.” Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries 

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.