After Paul left the Ephesian elders, he traveled on towards Jerusalem. His tremendous love for his people, the Jews, caused him to disregard the warning that the Lord sent to him concerning Jerusalem.
It was evident that the Spirit of God was using various individuals to warn Paul not to go to the city. But finally we read that those who tried to keep him from this stopped and left the beloved Apostle to the will of God.
Paul continued on his way and when at Jerusalem he was placed in a situation which made him appear to take up with the Jewish religion. In order not to offend the multitudes of Jews who were visiting in Jerusalem, Paul took a Jewish vow and shaved his head. However, a tumult was still raised against him and he was taken prisoner by the Roman soldiers.
1. It was no doubt Paul’s intense love for his brethren in the flesh, the Jews, which caused him to disregard the warnings of the Spirit against his trip to Jerusalem. Paul was ready to die at Jerusalem if some of his brethren could be saved. What makes one willing to “endure all things”?
1 Corinthians 13:___
2. Paul’s intense love for the Jews is but a reflection of the love of the Lord Jesus for the nation of Israel. How was the Lord’s love graphically demonstrated on one visit to the city of Jerusalem? Luke 19:___
3. What was the standard by which the Lord wanted His disciples to love each other? John 13:___
4. What is the greatest measure of love that can be shown by one to another? John 15:___
5. The love of God in our hearts will cause us to “lay down our lives” for our brethren. Perhaps our service for our brethren is more the thought here than physically dying for them. 1 John 3:___