Acts 20:22-24

THE CHRISTIAN COURSE

‘And now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy.’

Acts 20:22

St. Paul is here under the influence of a resistless power. As we look into the narrative we see gathering round this conviction of necessity, elements of uncertainty, of conflict, of difficulty, of peril, of possible death.

I. Things that hinder.

(a) At Miletus the farewell to the Ephesian elders. The sorrow of a great love to be no hindrance in Christ’s work.

(b) At Tyre certain disciples who told him ‘by the Spirit’ that he should not go up to Jerusalem. Contradictory voices and perplexities. The ultimate decision is thrown on a man’s own responsibility.

(c) At Cæsarea ‘a certain prophet named Agabus took Paul’s girdle.’ A Divine prophecy of danger is to be of less force than a Divine inspiration to duty.

(d) Intense emotion to be no restraint in the activities of service. ‘What, mean ye to weep and break my heart?’

II. Uncertainty of the future.—‘Not knowing,’ etc. The next step is in shadow. To-morrow is behind the veil.

III. Knowledge of the future.—We know not and yet we know. He who takes service with Christ may see in the light cast on life by His prophetic words, outlines of the narrow way. Whatever there is not, there will be a fellowship of suffering with the Master; and the closer the companionship, the more severe the suffering may be.

IV. A controlling principle.

(a) Following the spiritual lead the Christian is able to deal with unexpected events. The man under spiritual subjection has sovereignty over the varying events of life, and uses them as helps to the right course.

(b) In this experience faith must follow where reason can but dimly see. The Spirit of God is an all-sufficient guide to the spiritual man.

(c) In this experience the Right will become clearer in the progressive Light. Nor will the right be determined by the removal of difficulties; ‘bonds and afflictions’ may come, but in them and with them the inner peace.

(d) The consistency of St. Paul’s course. This is the outcome of the initial act consecrating the new life—‘Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?’ (Acts 9:6.)

(e) The bondage of the Spirit is the truest liberty.

V. The glorious end.—‘That I may finish my course with joy.’ Every man’s course will finish, but will he finish it having power then or helplessness? Under subjection to death or triumphing over it? Spiritual dominion results from the completeness of spiritual service.

(SECOND OUTLINE)

THE FUTURE

Let us think of the future as something to be faced under the binding power of an inexorable necessity. ‘Behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem.’ There was no physical pressure, yet St. Paul had to ‘go.’

I. All men are under this necessity.—No man can stand still or retrace his steps; whether he will or no, the law of progression is written on his life, and by virtue of that he is bound in the Spirit to go on.

(a) Many would like to be stationary, to fix in permanence momentary enjoyment, and, like children, wish their holidays last for ever.

(b) Many would like to go back and live life over again. What would not some men give to recall the past, to enjoy its happy hours, to correct its mistakes, to embrace its lost opportunities, and to avoid its sins!

II. This necessity is qualified by the freedom of the will.—It is not left to us to decide whether or not we shall have a future; but it is left to us largely to determine what that future is to be. We cannot resist the current of time, but we can choose our position in it and our destination. How are we going to shape our conduct in the near future? Two courses are open to us.

(a) To let the will have its own way. Some men mark out their future with sole reference to self. We may be what we will to be. What is to be the governing principle for the coming year? Power, pleasure, wealth? If so, what shall it profit a man?

(b) To subordinate the will to God’s will. St. Paul does not say, ‘I go bound by the Spirit of God,’ but, looking at all the circumstances in connection with the principles on which his whole life was based, we are led to the conclusion that he means that. For some time past Divine indications had pointed to Rome, and the road to Rome (providentially) lay through Jerusalem. His business (being bearer of Gentile contributions) took him to Jerusalem; his religious duties would take him to Rome. Happy the man who yields to the constraint of the Spirit in both business and religion! Let that be your future course.