Good morning. Remember that Paul’s destination was Jerusalem. To get there within any reasonable amount of time, he would have to go by boat. Just like buses and trains today make stops that you don’t want to make, boats also made stops that the travelers might not want to make. Paul decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. Pentecost is 50 days after Passover, and my Bible says that he had already spent 16 days of that 50. Instead of going to Ephesus himself, he called for the elders of the church there to come to him. He reminds them of how he preached the gospel there despite the plots of the Jews. I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there; except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. My Bible says that Paul did not go to Jerusalem against the direction of the Holy Spirit, but because of the guidance of the Spirit. He was just confirming to Paul what would happen to him when he went. Father thank You that You warn us of dangers to come. Help us to heed those warnings without hesitation, even when they go against what we want to do.

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