From town to town and synagogue to synagogue, Paul reasoned with Jews and Gentiles alike. He has suffered in the name of Jesus Christ and he has witnessed the beatings of his own friends. What inclined this man to keep reasoning with people after receiving such threats and abuse?

The Spirit of God has continually directed Paul to different places and different people. Earlier in Acts 18 we see a glimpse of Paul’s interaction with the Lord through a vision. This vision from the Lord proves itself true when Paul is shielded from attacks by certain Jews in Corinth. From the very first time when Paul truly saw the Lord in Acts 9, his dependence and trust in Jesus has intensified. In the passage today, we see him adjust his answer to Jews in Ephesus from “I will not return to you” to “I will return to you if God wills.”

If God Wills it, Paul will go. If God Wills it, *insert name* will go. God led Paul to some seemingly scary experiences, and some miraculous ones. Through it all, it was God who was driving the decisions and it was God who provided for Paul. This same principle reigns true in our lives. We must be a people ready to go if God wills it. We must be listening to hear his Will, and we must know our Father’s character to believe his Will as good. Go in humble estate, believing that our path has been crafted long ago by a gracious and glorious savior.

[Acts 18.18-23]

18.18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus. 22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What vow was Paul under that caused him to cut his hair?

+ Why did Paul leave the church of Ephesus when they requested him to stay?

+ How do you think Paul “strengthened all the disciples” in various regions?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How can I stay in communication with God, awaiting his Will?

+ What can I remember when faced with the choice to follow the Will of God or follow my own path?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Once you are listening to the Lord, where and to whom is he leading you to?