Go To Rome

That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.” [Acts 23.11]

Mind you that the verse above is following Paul's incarceration in Jerusalem.

While it was, no doubt, good that Paul was a witness in Jerusalem, it is worth noting that the Holy Spirit, directly to Paul and through at least two other witnesses, had previously warned Paul about going to Jerusalem and the incarceration awaiting him there.

So, I think it is significant that the Lord appeared to Paul, yet again, letting him know that His will was for him to go to Rome. Obviously, Jerusalem was not the ultimate destination God intended for Paul. Whether Jerusalem was intended as a destination at all is something we may never know - but the three warnings may offer a clue!

I am not trying to start something, but could it be that Paul's intent to go to Jerusalem was in contrast to the Spirit's will for him to go to Rome?

We see, by the story line, that the Lord got His way ultimately.

Just sayin'...

Father, I think sometimes you let us make some decisions on our own, but, even then, You still get Your way. Help us to see that Your way the first time is always best.