What does Acts 20:14 teach about perseverance in fulfilling God's calling? The Setting: On the Move for the Gospel • Paul is on his third missionary journey, determined to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost (Acts 20:16). • To avoid a plot against him (Acts 20:3) and to gain needed solitude, he chooses the harder land route from Troas to Assos—about 20 miles on foot—while his companions sail ahead (Acts 20:13). A Snapshot of Steadfastness in One Verse “when he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene.” (Acts 20:14) Lessons on Perseverance from Acts 20:14 • Purposeful resolve – Paul refuses to let opposition or inconvenience derail his itinerary. – His feet keep moving toward the assignment God has given, mile after mile. • Willingness to embrace the hard path – The land trek required extra effort, yet Paul chooses it without complaint. – Perseverance often looks like selecting the route that best serves the mission, not personal comfort. • Flexibility without compromise – He adapts (walking alone, rejoining the team) yet never alters the goal. – Perseverance combines steady aim with adaptable methods. • Partnership in ministry – Once aboard, the team continues together. – Endurance thrives in community; we press on while supporting and being supported. • Continuous forward motion – The verse is framed by verbs of movement: “met… took… went on.” – Perseverance is measured by steady progress, not by standing still. Other Scriptures That Echo the Call to Endure • 1 Corinthians 15:58 — “be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord.” • Galatians 6:9 — “let us not grow weary in doing good.” • Hebrews 12:1–2 — “run with endurance the race set before us.” • 2 Timothy 4:7 — “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Putting It into Practice Today • Seek clear direction from God, then commit to it wholeheartedly. • Expect difficulties and choose faithfulness over convenience. • Stay flexible in method while immovable in purpose. • Cultivate supportive relationships that help you stay the course. • Keep taking the next step, trusting the Spirit to supply strength until the destination is reached. |
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