Every Hindrance Aside

Acts 20:1-16

Paul is going on his third missionary journey, led by the Spirit, to Jerusalem. On the way to Jerusalem, he said many goodbyes and received many warnings. Which reminded him of when Jesus went to Jerusalem years ago.

Many of the places that Paul passed through begged him not to go to Jerusalem. Why? Because there was such an opposition to Christianity. After all, Jerusalem was the holy city for Jews. They were not going to let Paul go to such a place where he was going to face intense persecution.

In verse 4 it says, “through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.” Wait what? Isn't Paul being led by the Spirit? Then why is the Spirit being split in two different directions? One direction telling Paul to go to Jerusalem, and one direction telling Paul to stop his journey. The fact is, the Spirit isn't being split in two directions. Even though those people telling Paul not to go had the gift of prophecy, there are two possible problems. Paul reasoned that either their prophecy was wrong, or the prophet's interpretation was wrong. But that's not the point.

The first point is that when we are doing God's work, we should first pray like in verse 5.

“When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed...”

The second point is that when we are doing God's work, we should be led by the Spirit very strongly. Paul had a clear vision from the Spirit that could not be deterred by others who were also led by the Spirit. Why? Because this was God's work at stake, a perfect opportunity to share His love.

“For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

And that is also the third point. When we are doing God's work, we should have our hearts open to anything. For Paul, he was willing to go to Jerusalem even though he knew that he would be persecuted very strongly.

“And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said...‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”

So... what are you going to do for God?

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