I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Acts 21-22

Today’s passage continues with Luke recounting how the Holy Spirit inspired someone at almost every stop on Paul’s journey back to Jerusalem to prophecy that he would be arrested if he returned there.  Some years ago I became convinced that the Holy Spirit was warning Paul to not go to Jerusalem, that God gave Paul the choice to avoid the persecution he suffered after arriving there.  I, also, believe that Paul knew he had that choice.  Nevertheless, he chose to go to Jerusalem.  Paul did not go to Jerusalem, knowing he would face suffering if he did so, because God directed him to go there.  He went to Jerusalem because he embraced suffering for serving Jesus.  Paul could have remained faithful to Christ and avoided the suffering he experienced, but his faith was such that he embraced the suffering in service to Christ.  We may be given similar choices.  The greatest joy will come to those who, like Paul, embrace the suffering.