What can we learn from Paul's priorities in Acts 18:21 for our lives? Acts 18:21 Text “but as he left, he said, ‘I must by all means keep this feast that is coming up in Jerusalem; but I will return to you if God wills.’ And he set sail from Ephesus.” Paul’s Priorities on Display • Keep the upcoming feast in Jerusalem • Submit future plans to God’s will • Promise to return for continued ministry Timely Obedience to God-Given Appointments • “I must by all means keep this feast …” shows Paul treating sacred obligations as non-negotiable. • Scripture presents holy convocations as God’s appointments (Leviticus 23:1-2). Paul’s urgency underscores the value of meeting God’s timetable rather than his own. • Application: honor God’s appointed means of grace today—weekly worship, fellowship, ordinances—without casual postponement (Hebrews 10:24-25). Flexible Plans Held in God’s Sovereign Hand • “I will return to you if God wills.” Paul voices dependence on divine sovereignty, echoing James 4:15: “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’” • A yielded heart plans boldly yet holds every agenda loosely (Proverbs 16:9). • Application: organize life faithfully, but surrender every calendar entry, career goal, and ministry dream to God’s overruling authority. Honoring Heritage without Compromising Mission • By attending the feast, Paul affirms his Jewish roots while remaining the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:1; 1 Corinthians 9:20). • He bridges cultural worlds, showing that respect for heritage can coexist with gospel freedom (Acts 21:20-26). • Application: cherish godly traditions, yet keep Christ’s gospel central, ensuring customs serve the mission, not overshadow it. Commitment to Ongoing Ministry Relationships • “I will return to you …” reveals Paul’s pastoral heart toward the Ephesians he had just met (Acts 18:19-20). • Long-term discipleship requires enduring relationships; Paul’s later three-year stay in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-10) fulfills this promise. • Application: invest in sustained, face-to-face ministry rather than fleeting encounters (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Practical Takeaways for Today • Prioritize God-ordained gatherings and spiritual rhythms. • Make plans, yet speak and live with “if the Lord wills.” • Respect godly heritage while advancing the gospel to all peoples. • Value relationships over itineraries, committing to follow-up and depth. |
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