Context: Paul is traveling to Jerusalem, knowing that imprisonment and possibly death await him.

Acts 21:4 – “We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.”

Observations:

• Disciples
• Urged Paul through the Spirit
• Not go on to Jerusalem

Yet, Paul goes to Jerusalem.  The Holy Spirit has shown them (see also verse 12) what Paul already knows – pain, imprisonment and possibly death await him.

Apply: I must be close enough to God that I am following His direction in my life, not someone else’s words.  I also must lead those in my ministry to be close enough to God that they are following the Spirit’s direction in their lives and not just my words.

Do you have enough confidence in the Spirit’s direction in your personal life to go against the grain?