THE LIVING CHURCH
Meditations in the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 20:22-27

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I SAID in our last meditation that it was not clear why Paul was in such a hurry to reach Jerusalem. In the light of these verses before us this is not entirely true. Paul did not know what the future held for him, but he did have a strong compulsion from the Holy Spirit that he had to go to Jerusalem, and though in this compulsion the Spirit indicated that prison and hardship awaited him he did not hold back but made all speed to go to Jerusalem. In spite of this premonition of suffering Paul did not hang back from obedience. How challenging this example is! But what are the lessons for us in these few verses?

Firstly we have example of guidance by the Holy Ghost. Paul had a strong compulsion from the Holy Spirit. Whatever this compulsion was and how it was given we are not told, however Paul was left in no doubt of what the Holy Spirit wanted him to do. No doubt Paul was in constant prayer for guidance from God concerning the next step in his life and ministry. This is essential if we are to know the guidance of God. Here the testimony Paul gives indicates some very positive and compelling action of the Holy Spirit which not only left him in no doubt as to the will of the Spirit but also strong influence to obey immediately. Guidance from God usually is of a quieter kind where in prayer and meditation in the Bible we reason out the way forward, always trusting God that if we are mistaken he will show us, and point the right or better way. Sometimes like here with Paul, there is a more direct, powerful and positive work of the Spirit in guidance. What we may be sure of is that when we are seeking to do the will of God with desire and sincerity, we will receive guidance and we will not be allowed to go astray.

Secondly we have the example of the obedience of the Apostle. Even though it was indicated to him by the Spirit that obedience would lead him into a very difficult and painful phase in his life, he did not hesitate to obey. The fact that he told the Ephesians that they would not see him again shows that Paul understood that the end of his life and ministry was drawing near. In spite of all this, although he could have hung back, he made haste to obey. Obedience is always the best thing to do. Jonah was disobedient and sought to run away from the will of God, but God would not let him run. Although the way forward in obedience may be difficult it is always the way of God's love for us so that he may bring us, with many others, to glory. Bunyan has the right perspective in Pilgrim's Progress. He tells of the motivation of Christian which was views of the Celestial City. Heaven is our home. We are travelling there, and to keep this glorious goal in view is the secret of willing obedience.

Thirdly Paul speaks of his great motivation in life. He says that his one great aim and desire in life was to 'testify the Gospel of God's grace'. For Paul the preservation of his life came a good second to this desire, and if giving his life was necessary to the fulfilling of this aim, then he would give his life gladly. How does he put it? "However I think my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race". This is a matter of perspective. The believer has eternal life through the grace of God. Glory awaits us. This life is nothing compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us in heaven. When this life is over we have an eternity of perfect life awaiting us. To hang on to this life is foolish. Further if the sharing of this glorious life in glory with others, so that they receive it, also shortens our life here on earth, isn't this worth the loss of a few hours more here on earth for ourselves. In any event our lives have been given to us from God to fulfil his will. We are not our own for we have been bought with the price of the blood of Jesus. If the Lord calls us to be spent in his service what greater and more fulfilling blessing can this be.

We need to have the understanding and perspective of the Apostle Paul. To Paul the 'Gospel of God's grace' was the most wonderful thing of all. God's grace had saved his soul. He had been redeemed from seeking to establish his own righteousness in his own pride. If he had not been redeemed he would have been lost, for even though he had progressed in righteousness by his own works more than most, he still had fallen short of the glory of God and was under condemnation. The Gospel had brought him a Saviour who had worked perfect righteousness for him, and bestowed it upon him without cost to himself, bearing all the terrible cost in his body on the cross. What grace he perceived in this gift. He was the sinner, yet God had born his guilt in his Son at Calvary. How he wanted to share this Gospel of God's grace to others.

Lastly let us learn the valuable lesson of Paul's ministry. He wanted above all else to testify to God's grace so that others may be brought into the knowledge and blessing of this grace. How was this to be done for the best. Paul tells us in v.27 "I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God". If we are to faithfully testify to God's grace in Christ, we must speak of all that God has spoken of in his Word and hold nothing back. We can't pick or chose. We sometimes feel that some doctrine or revelation will put people off; or that it is waste of time speaking of some truths until there is faith, and so we concentrate on only part of the Gospel - that which we feel is most likely to win people to faith. We are not wise enough to make these choices. God has given us his revelation, and we must testify to it all. All is the Gospel of his grace. We can only say that we are innocent of the blood of others if we hold nothing back of all that God has told us. Let us share with others everything God has shared and shown to us, holding nothing back. We must leave the result of such witness to him. However let us be sure what we speak is the witness from God, and not some ideas from our own imagination.