Canonical Reading Plan for Nov 21, Act 21-23

Today's readings are Acts 21-23.

Here's Paul's Third Missionary Journey, the last half of which is detailed in Acts 20-21:

Acts 21:4 can be challenging. Luke seems to infer that the disciples at Tyre were, through the Spirit, telling Paul not to go to Jerusalem. What we've seen, from the beginning of Paul's journey back to Jerusalem that Paul is highly motivated, by the Spirit, to return regardless of prophetic warnings that he would suffer once he got there. Paul has been prophesied over and has, himself, admitted his time in Jerusalem would be most difficult. Either hearing from others that Paul was in danger, or by receiving a divine prophecy through the Spirit, some supporters in Tyre try to dissuade Paul from going. This is not the Spirit now telling Paul not to go. These are people who love Paul who, upon learning through the Spirit what will happen to him, imploring him not to go. Yet, Paul remains resolute (Acts 21:5-6). The closer he gets to Jerusalem, the more precise the warnings become, thoroughly preparing Paul for what is to come. The warnings were never there to dissuade him. They were to gird him for what was to come.

When Paul arrives, everything plays out just as he had been told and has anticipated (Act 21:27-22:29). The net result is Paul is taken to see the provincial governor, Felix in Act 23. Paul, quite clearly in trouble, will do what he always does, share the gospel. This is what he came to Jerusalem to do. Through divine providence, he will do it with the highest authorities in the land.

Paul was not blind-sided by his ordeal in Jerusalem. God prepared him for it every step of the way. Likewise, we should not be blind-sided by trials and ordeals. God not only prepares us for them but has meaning and purpose for them. Like Paul, the way we handle them, if we face them with faith, will give us an opportunity to share the gospel or put it on display for all to see!