What can we learn from Paul's travel choices in Acts 20:13? Setting the Scene: Acts 20:13 “We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul on board. Paul had arranged it this way because he was going there on foot.” Why Did Paul Choose to Walk? Four Likely Motives • Personal communion with the Lord – Jesus often withdrew alone to pray (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16). – Walking allowed Paul unhurried time for worship, reflection, and intercession before continuing his demanding schedule. • Pastoral follow-up along the road – Acts 18:23 shows Paul revisiting churches “strengthening all the disciples.” – A land route let him stop in villages the ship would bypass, encouraging believers one last time. • Safety and stewardship – Sea travel carried risks (2 Corinthians 11:25). – By splitting the group, Paul reduced the chance that a single attack or shipwreck would cripple the mission team. • Strategic timing toward Jerusalem – Acts 20:16 notes his desire to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost; walking could keep him on schedule if winds delayed the ship. Lessons for Our Journey Today • Seek purposeful solitude with God – Intentional quiet refuels us for ministry (Matthew 14:23). • Plan wisely, yet hold plans loosely – “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). – Paul arranged details, yet stayed sensitive to the Spirit’s leading (Acts 16:6-10). • Value people over convenience – Walking miles just to strengthen believers shows relationships matter more than comfort (Galatians 6:2). • Embrace hardship when it advances the gospel – “Endure hardship…do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5). – Paul’s sore feet were a small price for eternal fruit. • Redeem the time – “Make the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:16). – Whether walking or sailing, Paul leveraged each moment for kingdom purposes. Supporting Scriptures to Explore Acts 19:21; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27; 2 Corinthians 1:15-17; Philippians 3:17; Colossians 4:5. Key Takeaways • Solitude strengthens service. • Spirit-led planning blends strategy with flexibility. • Gospel love willingly chooses the harder road. |
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