2022_10_14 Insight Post- Emma Keeton
This week’s reading- 2 Corinthians 13 & Acts 21
In our reading of Acts 21 this week, Luke gives an account of Paul’s journey to Jerusalem. Paul sails from Ephesus to Kos, from Kos to Rhodes, and then onto Tyre. Here Paul finds disciples to stay with for a week, and these believers urge Paul through the Holy Spirit not to go on to Jerusalem. They are concerned for his safety, but Paul is determined to continue with his journey. The Holy Spirit had also warned Paul that prison and hardships were waiting for him. Even so, Acts 20:16 tells us that Paul “was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem,” and verse 22 says that Paul is “compelled by the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit was preparing Paul for what was to come.
More confirmation of future events was given to Paul by a prophet named Agabus. Agabus demonstrates with Paul’s own belt how he with be bound and then handed over to the Gentiles. Again, Paul’s friends pleaded with him not to go to Jerusalem, but eventually, they gave up trying to dissuade Paul and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” Acts 21:14b
I am moved this week by the details of Paul’s story.
I am moved by Paul’s self-sacrifice for the sake of the gospel. I can only imagine what lasting impression was made when Paul encountered Jesus on the Road to Emmaus.
I am moved by Paul’s devoted friends who know hardships and prison are waiting for him. How can they let Paul go knowing his fate? How will they continue without Paul as their leader?
I am moved by our faithful God, who was so kind to prepare Paul for what he must face. God speaks to Paul directly and through others, leaving no doubt as to what will happen next. This foreknowledge must have given Paul courage as the events in Jerusalem played out.
My faith is built by reading these accounts- God is alive and active for us each day. He knows our future and prepares us for all that we will face. There is comfort and assurance in knowing the one who knows all things cares for us as his treasured possession.
“All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.” ~Julian of Norwich
Emma Keeton
Prayer Team Lead