The David Spoon Experience 12-28-23 part 2

1) As we resume the Book of Acts in chapter 21:1, Luke writes the details of their travel itinerary. They arrive at Tyre and go ashore to connect with the local believers. What is amazing to me as I read this is how interconnected the church was. Whenever they arrived in a new place, they would seek out people of the same faith. They did this because people of the same faith tend to be encouraging.

2) Once they find the believers, they spend about a week with them. It turns out that some of these disciples were prophesying through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go to Jerusalem. This wasn't so much a prediction of the future as it was a warning of danger. As they conclude this visit with the other believers, everyone - children, men, and women from the entire group of believers - goes down to the shore to bid Paul farewell. They end their time together with prayer, reminding us that when someone shares something from the Lord with you, you still need to bring it before Him in prayer.

3) After leaving Tyre, they travel to Caesarea. Waiting for them in Caesarea is Philip the Evangelist, 28 years after he ministered to the Ethiopian who was head of the Treasury in Acts 8. He's in Caesarea, serving the Lord. He has four unmarried daughters who all have the gift of prophecy. I feel sorry for Philip because having four unmarried daughters at home with the gift of prophecy against one deacon of the church is a significant mismatch for verbal space. Get it?

4) While they're hanging out, another person with the gift of prophecy arrives. That's three groups in a row, so perhaps we should understand that prophecy should be a very active gift in the church. Another person named Agabus arrives from Judea. He binds Paul and says that this is what the Holy Spirit says: The owner of this belt will be bound by Jewish leaders and sent to Rome. Many people then encouraged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. That sounds graceful, but Jerusalem is where he was headed, and while the people would be grieved, it is only God who knows the full plan.