Acts 20:16 (NKJV) “For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.”
Did you know that Paul the Apostle traveled over 10,000 miles in his 3 missionary journeys and voyage to Rome? This is all before, trains, planes, and automobiles. Not a simple safari by any means, keep in mind back then the roads were bumpy, and the oceans were wild (still are)!
Did you know that this would be a minimum of 281 travel days? (And I thought a 14-hour flight to Cambodia was a lot!)
Paul’s journeys would cost at least 1,731 denarii (a denarii was a day’s wages). When you do the math (include 1 day off each week), this would be the equivalent of what a working man would earn in 5.5 years, somewhere around $302,500 in the year 2024.
If you’re interested in an article on this, shoot me an email; all this is according to a study conducted by Harvard University. (manny@calvarychapelelmonte.com)
Why would Paul go so far? Why would he risk his life, time and time again? So many days, weeks, and months in hazardous conditions. Most of us can only handle a short vacation, much less long missions. We want to enjoy the creature comforts and familiarly of home.
And so much money! Think of the fancy clothes, gold bling, choice chariots, or even the mansion Paul could have secured in Tarsus or Rome with that amount of money!
The answer to all these questions of why, is primarily Who? Jesus!
Jesus led Paul…all the days of his life. Jesus really was His Lord, for Paul had embraced Him – loved Him as Savior.
In our text for today, we read that Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus. It would have been much easier to stay in Ephesus, rest a while, he had plenty of friends there. But Jesus wanted him to keep the feast in Jerusalem. So, he kept it. I’ve definitely discovered over the years that obedience and inconvenience are often siamese twins. (Selah)
Let’s learn from Paul, the bondservant of Jesus Christ. Let’s be willing to surrender time and treasure, to sacrifice comfort when He calls, and pleasure to please Him. As we are dispatched at times to sail past our own personal desires, to do His will, I promise you, so many will be blessed…even you.
Safe travels my friend!
Your brother in Christ,
– Manny