Sermon Tone Analysis

Reading of Scripture

Introduction to Theme

Acts 21 draws our attention to times in which we have experienced conflicts of course.

That is, disagreements about direction.

When our intentions to do something are at odds with the counsel of those whom we love and respect.

When our God-given impressions and leadings of the spirit are at odds with those whom we also consider to be godly and led by the Spirit.

I’m talking about major decisions you have to make in life.

Decisions that will alter the course of your life.

Where to go to school.

Who or IF to marry.

What job to take.

Whether to start a family.

Whether to buy a house.

Whether to join or associate with a church.

Whether to put in for or take a promotion.

Where to invest and how much to invest.

Whether or not to retire and when.

What to do in retirement.

Whether or not to seek treatment for an illness, and what treatment to undertake.

How to appropriately care for parents or spouses or children who need special care.

We believe God cares about these things.

We believe God guides us in these things.

But how can we have a confidence that God is guiding us — when what we believe is at odds with the counsel of family, friends and even mentors who ALSO love the Lord, and join their voices in a chorus that tries to persuade us to take a different path, or make a different decisions than what we believe is of the Lord.

Who is right in knowing what is the Lord’s way?

Doesn’t God guide through the counsel of others?

Isn’t it God’s word that says “in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Prov 11:14) and “without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed” (Prov 15:22)?

Are we not to listen to the counsel of others?

Does the larger consensus win?

Is God’s will only found with the largest group that agrees the most?

Can we be in God’s will and at the same time, be in disagreement on what that will is with others we love?

Introduction to Text

For Paul, this type of conflict begins in Acts 19:21.

A time came during Paul’s ministry in Asia when, after certain events had taken place, Paul “resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” (Acts 19:21).

This was the setting of Paul’s course to first go to Jerusalem, and then ultimately to Rome.

This matter of Paul going to Jerusalem creates quite a stir.

It leaves us hearers of God’s word, wondering —

Was this “resolving in the Spirit” the guidance of the Holy Spirit, sending Paul on this course?

Or was this “resolving in the spirit” a common idiom or an expression understood to mean that Paul “purposed in his spirit,” — he made up his mind, he decided or resolved to go to Rome by way of Jerusalem?

The English translates takes a side, but the original text is not clear as to whether it was the Holy Spirit guiding Paul to Jerusalem, or whether Paul was resolved to go there in his own spirit.

And this creates the challenge of the way of faith.

The way we are called to live as followers of God.

The way that guides us not by what we can see, but by what we believe.

It is not always clear whether our desires, our intentions, what we purpose to do in our spirit — whether it is our will, or God’s will.

It is not always clear whether that desire is given to us by God, or only permitted by God.

The lines of distinction between God’s guidance and God’s permission may not be so clear.

Later in his travels, in Acts 20:16, Luke records Paul again as “hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.”

(Acts 20:16).

Paul is in a hurry to get to Jerusalem, “if possible” to be there on the day of Pentecost.

He has no clear vision or assurance from the Lord that he would be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

As hearers and readers we don’t know if he’ll make it in time or not!

Instead, Paul is making whatever decisions he is able to make to reach this goal that is on his heart.

While stopped at Miletus en route, Paul reveals to the Ephesian elders the developments concerning his intended destination.

Now Paul is “constrained by the Spirit.”

He is “bound by the Spirit,” knowing that bonds and persecutions await him in Jerusalem.

The same spirit in which he had purpose and resolve, now also binds him.

“O soul are you weary and troubled, no light in the darkness you see?”

This is the first record of the Holy Spirit having testified to Paul in every city — of the things that he will face in Jerusalem.

Is the Holy Spirit warning Paul to set a different course?

To not go to Jerusalem?

Or is the Holy Spirit guiding Paul to Jerusalem while at the same time, preparing him for what he will endure?

What do we make of this?

We know Paul has a mission and a ministry that the Lord Jesus has given to him to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Nowhere in that clarity of mission does Paul indicate that God requires him to go to Jerusalem to do that.

Indeed Paul has already proclaimed God’s grace in many other places, and there are many other places yet to go — other than Jerusalem.

Why is Paul so set on going there?

Especially being warned already about what will take place?

Acts 21 reveals the continuation of Paul’s journey to Jerusalem.

I. Acts 21:1-4

Verse 1 begins by saying:

Acts 21:1 (ESV)

“And when we had parted from them.”

This speaks of Paul and his companion’s departure from the Ephesian elders.

It was a prayerful departure.

They had knelt down and prayed.

There was much weeping on the part of all.

They embraced Paul and kissed him, and were sorrowful that they would not see his face again.

And they had accompanied him to the ship.

(Acts 20:36-38).

And then Luke writes “we had parted from.”

That word “we had parted” means “we tore ourselves away” (LN/BDAG).

This was not an easy departure.

We can understand this when we depart from family that lives far away after visiting for a short time.

When it is time to leave, we hug at the door.

We say goodbye.

We load up the car.

And say goodbye.

We get in the car and turn it on, rolling down the window to say goodbye.

We drive down the driveway, stop, and look back — to wave again and say goodbye.

And then the moment comes when we have to tear ourselves away — when we have to turn out of the driveway and depart, knowing that we will not see them again for some time.

This description of travel was enjoyed by the ancient readers but for us it highlights the obvious — this was a journey.

A process.

Travel took time.

Travelers found, waited for, and joined whatever ship was heading in the direction they needed to go.

At times the course was straight.

At times they experienced delays.

At times they had to stop and stay at points along the way.

Lest we be too quick to arrive where we believe God would have us to go --- take note — this life of faith is like a JOURNEY.

Though the desires of our heart may compel us to hurry, though God may give us glimpses of what is to come, we must wait, and embrace God’s process and journey.

Even the journey of our salvation — We know, on the authority and promise of God’s Word — what we will be.

—- But what we WILL BE we are NOT YET.