Paul’s personal reversal takes an ironic twist when he stays with Philip, shortly before making his return to Jerusalem to be persecuted and imprisoned himself as a Hellenist believer! ‘By enmeshing Paul with Philip, Luke reminds the reader that Paul and the narrative are completing a full circle. It was Paul who ultimately drove them beyond Jerusalem and to Caesarea to plant and cultivate these very congregations he now visits. In particular, Luke’s careful titling of Philip as both ‘evangelist’ and ‘one of the seven’ and a companion of Stephen (Acts 6:3-6) recalls the chain of circumstance following Stephen’s death that led Paul to persecute Philip and commit other Hellenist believers to prison. Vv.7-9: “Much has happened since Philip founded the Samaritan church and settled in Caesarea to raise a family, including ‘four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy’. All agreed on the meaning of the prophecy, but they disagreed about the correct response.” The prophecy, however, did not tell Paul not to go it was simply a warning to let him know that would happen when he did go. The people, out of concern for him because of what they had learned through the Spirit, urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Paul was compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem (20:22). Vv.4, 11-12: “Did Paul disobey the Holy Spirit? No. Vv.3-4: “The traveling group makes contact with the church in Tyre (v.4)-a church probably founded by Christians who ‘had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen…’ Paul is not acquainted with this church, for the word translated ‘finding’ means ‘to learn the location of something by intentional searching.’” Here are some tools to help you with the devotionals:.Recall a significant reaction, conversation or event.List out all that you are grateful for. ![]() Write about a relational conflict you are experiencing.Explore your fears and what’s behind them.Please use one of the prompts below to get your journaling started.
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