KEY SCRIPTURE: Acts 21:24. “Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law”.

In Jerusalem, the leaders of the church, aware of the Jewish animosity directed against Paul, suggested that he join some brethren who were going to perform the ordinance of purification, so that the Jews would be convinced that Paul was not opposed to the law of Moses, but rather observed it. This act was an attempt (well, not consciously) to change what the Holy Spirit has been saying throughout Paul’s journeys across the cities. Acts 20:23” Save that the Holy Ghost witnesses in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me”.

The brethren in Jerusalem were attempting to change the word of the Holy Ghost that He spoke concerning Paul’s persecution in Jerusalem. Please note: no human effort can change what the Spirit has said and confirmed. My question is, since Apostle Paul knew what the Spirit had been saying all through his travels, why did he accept the suggestion of the elders at Jerusalem? I don’t believe Paul agreed to do it to please the elders at Jerusalem. I believe that this is a case of human weakness that might have set in at that occasion. My next question is, why didn’t the elders who were the overall leaders of the church discern what the Spirit has been saying throughout his journeys? My answer is that God does not favour anyone. Everyone or anyone who avails himself to the Spirit could be used by the Spirit. God never dealt with people based on their titles. He always deals with people on their level of faith and submission to His word. On the flip side, the Holy Spirit might not have revealed it to them, because He just didn’t want to.

In Acts 21:27” the bible said and when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,” Despite Paul’s attempt to win the sympathy of the Jews they still laid hands on him and started beating him just as the prophecies said.No man can change the word of God. Paul had to stand before the emperor in Rome. The means was for Paul to appeal to Caesar during his trial by the governor. God’s word would always be fulfilled.

PRAYER

Dear heavenly father, I pray that I may daily be circumspect to walk according to the leading of the Spirit always. May I be alert to always hear the voice of the Spirit.

FURTHER STUDIES

John 4:24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Ephesians 5:18. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Holy Spirit