Acts 20:22-24 – “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” It is thought by some that by Paul here saying “not knowing what will happen to me there” that he did not know that going to Jerusalem would lead to his death. What he is saying that he was compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. He, a man guided by the Holy Spirit, knew that He was called to go to Jerusalem and so nothing could sway him from going. If God said it, he did it. To obey God, no matter the consequence, was a simple fact that Paul lived by. Paul may not know that he will be bound and ultimately lead to his death. Or, he may know of his impending death but not know exactly how everything will transpire. After all, he will not die in Jerusalem, but in Rome.
“I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.” How did the Holy Spirit warn him? Certainly by speaking directly to him. But also the Spirit spoke to Paul and confirmed this message by using those with a prophetic gift (Acts 21:10-14). In fact when Paul was originally commissioned by Jesus he had been warned that he would suffer in the name of Jesus (Acts 9:15-16). Paul knew he was headed for great hardship in Jerusalem, but he also knew that the Holy Spirit had directed him to go there. So yes, the Spirit may send us somewhere where we will suffer for the Gospel of Christ. Those who love the Lord and are grateful for what Jesus has done for us are ready to suffer and even die for Christ if that is God’s will (Luke 9:24).
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Paul’s primary reason for life was to share the good news of God’s grace that comes only through Jesus. His life meant nothing if it was not to share the Gospel as he had been called to do. Perhaps it helps to compare his purpose to the love of a parent for their children. If a child is about to be run over by a truck and the only way for the father to save the child is to run and push the child out of the way, while not having the time to also save himself, the father would do it, without thought of the sacrifice his own life. To a mother or father, the child’s life is most important. That act is not a matter of duty, but is a pure reaction of love. Paul had been called to follow where God would lead him to share the Gospel. If that lead to harm, or even death, Paul had already showed he was willing to risk all to share the gospel to save the lives of the unsaved.
Jesus said “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” (Luke 9:24-25) Family and Friends, there is nothing on this earth worth our spiritual lives. Paul’s physical life would be taken, but his spiritual life was being fully kept by the Lord Jesus Himself. Of suffering, and even death for the glory of Christ, Paul said “That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12). May we understand what Paul did, that this earthly life is nothing compared with walking in God’s love and grace. This earthly life we live is the outer and lesser life. The greater life we have is our eternal spiritual life. Our earthly life is phase one. It is temporary and short lived. Our spiritual lives are phase two and are eternal. Phase two is what is most important. We can live for Jesus now and live forever with Him, or we can reject Jesus now and live forever without Him. To be with Him is to live with Him forever. To live without Him is to be in eternal torment. Really, the correct choice is obvious and the one who rejects Jesus chooses eternal torment and separation from God with no hope of redemption (after death). For those who know Jesus as Savior and Lord, it is our calling from Jesus to spread the Good News. Actually, not spreading the Gospel is selfish and even hateful. Let us live in love and in obedience to God and share the Gospel. Like Paul, it is our calling (Matthew 28:18-20). And we are honored to be able to do so. Thank you Lord! Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”