4 We sought out the disciples there and stayed withthem seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paulnot to go on to Jerusalem. - P74
8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayedat the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven.
9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. - P75
11 Coming over to us, he took Paul‘s belt, tied his ownhands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says,
In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bindthe owner of this belt and will hand him over to theGentiles." - P75
12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleadedwith Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping andbreaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound,
but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the LordJesus."
- P75
14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave upsaid, "The Lord‘s will be done."
- P75
Paul continues his journey towards Jerusalem. At Tyre, some disciples urgehim to not go there. In Caesarea, a prophet from Judea says that Paul will bebound by the Jews and will be handed over to the Gentiles. - P75
Everyone pleadshim to not go, but Paul tells them he is ready to die for the name of Jesus.
Seeing that his mind is set, they let him go. - P75
Paul is ready to take the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever and to whom-ever, even if it entails jeopardizing his own safety. - P76
But his decision tocontinue on despite the warnings of his fellow believers is not merestubbornness. In Acts 20:22, we read that Paul presses on toward Jeru-salem being "compelled by the Spirit" and neither the uncertainty asto what will happen there nor the dissuasion of the disciples can stophim. - P76
We must be attentive to the Spirit and use discernment when wefeel He is compelling us to do something. - P76
But once God has madeHis orders clear, let us focus on obeying what we have heard, despiteuncertainties and obstacles. - P76
Agabus‘s prophecy confirms what the Holy Spirit has impressed uponPaul along his way to Jerusalem: that prison and hardships await him(20:23). - P76
Upon hearing this final confirmation, Paul‘s companions seekmore than ever to dissuade him from this path. Paul acknowledges !
their concerns but he also makes clear to them his firm resolve to fol-low where God leads. - P76
So, the other disciples, too, decide to entrust thematter to God‘s will. - P76
When we follow where the Lord leads, the peoplearound us may raise objections. We must address their concerns withgentleness and respect but also remain unwavering in our resolve to 2obey God, while hoping that in time, God would help them acceptHis plan. - P76
Lord, teach me to discern the way in which You are leading me. - P76
Give me clarityregarding the tasks that You have assigned to me, and help me remain firm in myresolve to obey You regardless of obstacles and objections. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P76
|