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. However, 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 prophesied warnings were
never given to dissuade him but to gird him for what was to come.
When Paul arrives, everything plays out just as he had been
told and has anticipated (Acts 21:27-22:29). The net result is Paul is taken to
see the provincial governor, Felix in Acts 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.
It's important to understand that 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!
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