And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there…
Acts 20:22

Two Phrases. Both easily understood. The first maybe a bit dangerous.

Phrase One: Paul was being compelled by the Spirit of God (ESV). He was not saying that it was his own spirit that was directing him. It was the Spirit of God. Why would I say this may be dangerous? I have heard so many people over the years insist that the Spirit of God was directing them to do things that were unbiblical—and therefore not the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is very dangerous. The only time we dare say the Spirit of God is compelling me is if we are obeying the clear teaching of scripture. Otherwise we may be simply following our own often misguided hearts.

It is one thing to say “I think the Lord would have me do this or that.” By saying that, we are at least leaving the door open if we are wrong—WE (not the Holy Spirit) are the ones in error.

Paul was an Apostle. Like the Old Testament prophets, Apostles were supernaturally chosen, called and gifted to have spiritual insights that are beyond what we are accustomed to.

Phrase Two: When we are being led by the Spirit of God, it is true that we frequently do not know what is up ahead. How can we? We cannot see the future! Following the leading of the Holy Spirit is not so much a supernatural matter as it is a matter of obeying what God has clearly revealed in the Bible, along with the flexibility to face the unforeseen that we cannot control, trusting that God most certainly is in control of all things.

And as we’ll see next time, sometimes He leads us not only “besides still waters,” but into difficulties and even persecution.