Key Texts: Acts 20: 17 – 38; Acts 21: 10 – 14
Additional Texts: Proverbs 3: 5 – 6; Psalm 119: 105; Philippians 3: 12 – 14; Acts 9 – 20
As usual, it is helpful to read the Key and Additional texts prior to reading the article. If you are unable to do this, continue to read and aim to grasp the main points. Either way, be encouraged in your faith in Jesus.
You may be familiar with the apostle Paul’s miraculous conversion as detailed in Acts 9. Chapters 8 – 9 include descriptions of his resentment and approval of violence against the Church, but his experience on the road to Damascus transformed his life. The same innate zeal with which he opposed the work of the Holy Spirit, when channelled for a greater cause, underpinned his actions when he met the Lord. Instead of continuing his trajectory of maliciousness, his transformed life became one that was compelled to spread the gospel, regardless of the implications. (Footnote: leave your loved ones’ conversation to God’s timing; if He changed Paul, you and I, He is able to lead them to submission to Him too).
In light of this, Chapters 9 – 20 (and beyond!), include accounts of the trials and opportunities to rejoice, that he and the other disciples encountered during their ministry. Passionate teaching. Growth of the Church. Persecution (including James’ martyrdom). Movement across cities despite opposition from the authorities. A refusal to be hindered. Paul had one mission: share the gospel.
Naturally, he became a source of comfort and inspiration to many, as he, with the Lord’s guidance, became a model of relentless service. I am unsure of the duration of his ministry between Chapters 9 – 20, but several years had passed as he had spent time in a plethora of locations. He stayed for two years in one location, a year and a half in another and three months each in two separate locations; these were only a handful of travels for his ministry. Regardless, it was enough time for him to grow accustomed to the healing/miracles/signs that God used him to convey, and the testimonies that accompanied his ministry (Acts 19: 11). He could have perhaps even become comfortable with his status as one respected for his teaching and successes, despite the fact that many ‘laid wait’ to harm him (Acts 20: 3).
As the early Church grew, this must have been encouraging, but Paul did not settle – he continued under the Holy Spirit’s compulsion, even if he faced uncertainty. As he met with the elders from Ephesus in Chapter 20, there were many tears and emotional farewells. With God’s help, Paul found the balance between knowledge and ignorance; he expressed the area in which he had assurance, but also acknowledged an area in which he was ignorant. He was confident that he had aptly taught them in obedience to God and in spite of persecution, but fully aware that the same obedience (with which he was preparing to go to Jerusalem for the Passover), brought no guarantees of success, support or safety. In his emotional farewell, he told the elders he knew he would not see them again. Even worse, he had no idea what awaited him in Jerusalem: Paul knew he would face trouble, but was still determined to go ‘bound in the Spirit’. Compelled.
Instead of a pity party, he was prepared to face the worst – being sentenced to death because of his faith and ministry. He encouraged the elders to stand when persecution arose (including opposition within their circles), commended them to God and prayed for them. Later, in Acts 21, both the disciples and the prophet Agabus pleaded with Paul to avoid travelling to Jerusalem. Agabus even gave him the unpleasant prophesy that in Jerusalem, he would be bound and handed over to the Gentiles. Despite this, Paul expressed his determination and readiness to be bound and persecuted to the point of death if needed, for the sake of the gospel. In the modern Church, unfortunately, similar persecution still exists, though most of us may not presently face such a dilemma. Despite the varieties of our struggles, Paul’s resolve encourages us to consider whether we are prepared to sacrifice comfort for our faith.
As I’ve said before, these articles challenge me to grow too. How many of us may honestly say we would gladly offer ourselves to die for our faith? I do not suggest that we all embark on strenuous journeys of uncertainty merely to prove our faith (or be like Paul), but do encourage that we aim to imitate this level of obedience as seen in Paul, a key builder of the early church. The only way in which he could have known that he was compelled by the Holy Spirit was by having a relationship with Him. Prayer and time in the Word facilitates that intimacy. If the Holy Spirit prompts you as a follower of Jesus to do something, step out in faith and do it (a challenge to me as well!). Obedience was Paul’s motivation. Not money. Not fame. Not ‘likes’, man’s approval, or a platform for self—aggrandisement. Like Paul, be obedient, trust God, and He will be take care of the rest.
I strongly believe you will know you have found your calling when like Paul and others in the early (or modern) Church, you do it for free and despite opposition; no perks are guaranteed, but that inner compulsion does not leave you, and the lack of immediate or tangible rewards does not deter you from using your God-given gift for His glory. Paul sowed seeds which encouraged others to faith, and those seeds still germinate today. Our small deeds, when done for the Lord, have far-reaching effects which may outlive our short life spans.
What is that inner compulsion for you? Is it a ministry that you need to start or a relationship you must work at? Is it a career opportunity or challenge to return to studies? God has diverse means of using us: for some, like Paul, it is in a way that overtly builds His kingdom, but for others, it is the seemingly mundane (and even secular) areas of life. He may use you in any area of life to build others and work to glorify Him. Seek Him and follow the compulsion.
As usual, you may be indifferent towards God, this article and faith in general for various reasons. God can handle that. If it is your desire to do so, talk to Him for a few seconds, a minute or five today about discovering what you He wants for you, something you feel compelled to do with your life, or any other matter. He hears.
Heartfelt Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for Paul’s example of obedience to step into the unknown, based on a Word from You. He was very determined and focused to glorify You through his life. I sometimes lack in these areas; please help me to grow in confidence to get to the point that Paul was in Acts 20 – ready for the imminent challenges involved in the pursuit of divine purpose. I ask these mercies in Your Son’s – Jesus’ name. Amen.
