Joel M Bradshaw

23I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.–Acts 20

Should we expect the same Holy Spirit warnings like Paul received? No. The book of Acts is describing, not prescribing. You have more of a complete Bible than Paul did. The Holy Spirit uses Scripture to “speak” to us. The Holy Spirit does lead and guide us, but Paul was getting direct messages. We can’t expect that to be the norm for today when we have the entire Bible.

Was Paul suicidal? No. He was making a point about the prisons and hardships he was facing. If that was what would happen, then he wouldn’t shy away from his mission.

What did Paul focus on instead? Two words: finish, complete.

What was Paul’s task? Paul was to testify about the Gospel and about God’s grace. Remember Paul’s story. He literally was a living reminder of the grace of God, which is never earned or deserved. If God could save and use a Paul, He can save and use you.

What changes about your perspective this morning?–JMB