“And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem” (Ac 21:4).
The beauty of being part of the charismatic community is the opportunity to receive the Spirit’s guidance through fellow believers. In this case, the saints accurately discern what lies ahead for Paul in Jerusalem. What’s debatable is their interpretation of the visions they receive from the Spirit. That is why Paul, in spite of the accurate predictions, insists on going on still to Jerusalem. The prophecies of trouble in the Holy City awaiting the apostle in this case served the principle “forewarned is forearmed”. So the apostle was spiritually and psychologically well-prepared to face the challenges ahead.
Compare also how our Lord was led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan (Mat 4:1). No wonder He was ready for whatever temptation the fiend threw at Him. May you be forewarned and forearmed by the Paraclete this week and beyond!
Pastor Josh