An Unstoppable Pursuit

Oct 26, 2025    Dr. Chuck Gililland

This powerful message takes us deep into Acts 21, where we witness Paul's unwavering commitment to the gospel despite knowing that suffering awaits him in Jerusalem. The central theme revolves around what it means to have an 'unstoppable pursuit' - a singular focus so consuming that it shapes every decision we make. For Paul, this pursuit wasn't career advancement, personal comfort, or even self-preservation. It was the proclamation of Christ's gospel to everyone he encountered. What makes this passage particularly striking is the tension Paul navigates: he seeks unity with the Jerusalem church leaders while remaining true to his calling among the Gentiles. When accused of teaching against Jewish law, Paul participates in a purification ritual - not compromising the gospel, but becoming 'all things to all people' so that some might be saved. The passage challenges us to examine our own lives: What is our unstoppable pursuit? Are we willing to suffer well for Christ, knowing that our faithful endurance in persecution becomes the very means by which God opens blind eyes to the gospel? This isn't just ancient history - it's a blueprint for how we navigate our own cultural tensions, maintain unity in the body of Christ, and remain faithful when suffering comes.