I was struck today by the words of prophecy. Some of the prophets in Caesarea warned Paul of the coming persecution he would face in Jerusalem. And he decided to go anyway.
I find this an interesting contrast to the works of Jesus. He knew he was headed to persecution in Jerusalem, and also went anyway...but the people around him had no understanding. Jesus' persecution and crucifixion had a point and a purpose. Paul's heading directly into persecution doesn't make much sense to me. He doesn't need to spread the word in Jerusalem - Peter and the church are already there. I don't really understand why he feels the need to continue this path.
But I'm heartened by the end of the chapter and eager to read tomorrow's words. Paul stands up and asks to defend himself. Jesus kept repeating the ambiguous "You say that I am" and Stephen also seems to have taken the abuse lying down. Paul steps up and speaks out on his own behalf - - I hope he lives up to the image he's established in my mind of his gumption.
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