Acts 20:22-24

Being compelled against your will is horrible.  On a dark city street, in Nashville TN, a man wanted my stuff.  I did not want to give it to him, but he compelled me.  He did this by telling me, “it’s real” and then he fired a shot over my shoulder with his revolver.  I gave him my stuff, and afterwards the emotions I experienced were intense.

Paul was compelled to go to Jerusalem; on that, all translations agree.  However, there is not total agreement on what compelled him.  Paul said that he was compelled by “ruach.” “Ruach” is a Hebrew word that can be translated as breath, wind or spirit.  In scripture, the word is applied both to humans and to God.  Depending upon the context it can be used to refer to a person’s “emotional state of being” or “spirit”.  In the Old Testament, when used to refer to the Spirit of God, “ruach” is coupled with “Elohim” or another Hebrew word for God.

In verse 23, Paul used the Hebrew phrase “Ruach HaKo’desh” and all translations agree in translating that phrase as “Holy Spirit”.  The Holy Spirit warned Paul that he faced the danger of prison and hardships in every city; that was also true of Jerusalem.  In spite of the dangers, Paul felt compelled to go to Jerusalem.

When Paul said he was compelled by spirit, what does he mean?  Having been compelled, against my will, I am convinced, with no doubt whatsoever, that the Holy Spirit does not compel us against our will.  The translations that change “spirit” into “the Holy Spirit” miss the mark.  The NIV with “… compelled by the Spirit… ” is closer, but the best translation would be “… compelled by my spirit…” Paul was compelled by his desire to finish the race and complete the task that Jesus had given.

God will not compel us to do what is right.  However, when our desire to please Jesus is what compels us, the Holy Spirit will prompt to do what is right.