Overview
Paul was going to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1-16)

On the way, people tried to persuade Paul not to go to Jerusalem due to a trouble that would come to him if he went. (Acts 21: 4, 10-12)

Yet Paul was set on going to Jerusalem as he was bringing the offerings from the various places he went to the poor in Jerusalem.

Paul met the leaders of the first church in Jerusalem and they had a wrong perception of him and heard wrong things about him. They had him do purification rights though he did no wrong. He complied nonetheless.

He even was slandered against and beaten (Acts 21:27). The Roman centurions heard of this uproar and he was arrested, just as was prophesied.

Paul’s response, even though he knew what was coming, was to stay the course.

“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭20:22-24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.””
‭‭Acts‬ ‭21:13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Paul stayed the course because he knew his calling. He was called not just to do things for God but to be a follower of Christ.

Staying the Course

1. We are called to be… (Acts 22:14, 1 Corinthians 15: 9-10) The encounter with Jesus changed Paul to be one called to be a follower of Jesus and be in relationship with Him.

While this is the main calling, like Paul we are called to be other things as well. Paul was called from birth to be a Roman citizen and Jew to reach the people he did. God has called each of us to be something.

2. We are then called to do…(Acts 22:15) Paul was called to be a follower of Christ and then the doing was being a witness of Christ. (Acts 9:15-16) This was so firmly established in Paul that even under arrest, he bore witness to those who arrested him and were trying to kill him. The expression of what each person is called to do may not be the same or like anyone else.

The expression of this is then to share Christ with others.

The plan of God is seldom ever straightforward. In order to stay the course, it may challenge us and stretch us, calling us to let go of things, full of ups and downs and choices.

Paul’s plans to go to Rome went differently than what he expected and he went as a prisoner. Yet he stayed the course and was a witness to Christ.

Who has God called you to be in this season? As a result what has God called you to do?

Don’t forget what God has called you to and stay the course.