The Apostle Paul resolved to go to Jerusalem to deliver the collection to the church. This is despite the Holy Spirit testifying to him, in every city, that imprisonment and afflictions awaited (20:22-23). Moreover, the churches of Tyre and Caesarea, as well as his followers, sought to convince him not to go to Jerusalem due to the danger. They couldn’t fathom that God’s will often includes suffering. Therefore, they interpreted the prediction of suffering as a prohibition. Paul’s resolve to go to Jerusalem highlights the importance of obedience to the will of God and the cost of Christian discipleship. In this lesson we learn that believers must seek to walk so closely with Christ that they can discern and follow His will, even if it means suffering.
Divisions:
- Constrained toward Jerusalem (vv. 1-3)
- Pressured in Tyre and Caesarea (vv. 4-11)
- Resolved in Christ (vv. 12-16)
Principles for following Christ:
- Know Christ intimately
- Listen to and evaluate the counsel of others
- Love obedience more than your life
- Don’t hinder the Spirit’s will in another
- Obey Christ when you know what He wants you to do