Was it or was it not God's will for Paul to go up to Jerusalem?
Paul said, "And now I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem."
I take that to mean that Paul felt he had no choice - it was God's will.
Paul said he didn't know what would happen to him there. Everywhere he went, however, the Holy Spirit was indicating that he was headed for some troubles.
He was in a hurry, hoping to be there for Pentecost. But on the way, he was told through the Holy Spirit that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
I take this to mean that Paul was to delay his journey. He did end-up staying somewhere for "many days" after this prophecy.
But Paul still felt constrained to go to Jerusalem eventually. Finally it was indicated by a prophet that the Jews in Jerusalem would tie Paul up when he goes there. This time there was no instruction that he should not go - he was told only what would happen when he arrives there.
When Paul's acquaintances heard this, they tried to persuade him not to go up to Jerualem, but Paul wouldn't be moved. He was ready. So his colleagues ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be done". They had attempted to dissuade him not because it wasn't God's will that he go, but out of concern, knowing what would happen to him once he arrived. So they packed up their things and went to Jerusalem with him.
So apparently although God had His proper timing, it was after all God's will for Paul to go to Jerusalem despite what would befall him there.
That is the manner in which my friend Jolon understood the will of God in the matter of the two prophecies about Paul's journey to Jerusalem.
Paul said, "And now I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem."
I take that to mean that Paul felt he had no choice - it was God's will.
Paul said he didn't know what would happen to him there. Everywhere he went, however, the Holy Spirit was indicating that he was headed for some troubles.
He was in a hurry, hoping to be there for Pentecost. But on the way, he was told through the Holy Spirit that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
I take this to mean that Paul was to delay his journey. He did end-up staying somewhere for "many days" after this prophecy.
But Paul still felt constrained to go to Jerusalem eventually. Finally it was indicated by a prophet that the Jews in Jerusalem would tie Paul up when he goes there. This time there was no instruction that he should not go - he was told only what would happen when he arrives there.
When Paul's acquaintances heard this, they tried to persuade him not to go up to Jerualem, but Paul wouldn't be moved. He was ready. So his colleagues ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be done". They had attempted to dissuade him not because it wasn't God's will that he go, but out of concern, knowing what would happen to him once he arrived. So they packed up their things and went to Jerusalem with him.
So apparently although God had His proper timing, it was after all God's will for Paul to go to Jerusalem despite what would befall him there.
That is the manner in which my friend Jolon understood the will of God in the matter of the two prophecies about Paul's journey to Jerusalem.
No comments:
Post a Comment