I recently read through a brochure for a guided trip through Europe, and, as is customary, each day had an itinerary. Potential travelers on this trip were given a clear idea of where they would be when and what they would expect to see at each sight. Times for traveling from one place to another, time for rest and relaxation and time for exploring on your own were also allotted.
That got me to thinking about how the Book of Acts is very much a travelogue of the four missionary journeys of St. Paul. The book provides enough details about his itineraries that we have a very clear understanding of where he went and when and what happened at each location.
Here is an example:
Then [Paul and Barnabas] passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. —Acts 14:24-27
Why are such specific itineraries of Paul’s trips included in Scripture? I think it is because Luke, the writer, wants the reader to know that these are real places that are known to many. These are not made-up tales, but actual events that happened in the life of a follower of Christ. Paul’s purpose and goal was not to sightsee, of course, but to spread the Gospel message to as many people as he could.
What does your itinerary look like this week, this month, this year? Do you have some plans in mind of where you want to be and who you want to see when you get there? What “doors of faith” do you want to open to those you visit on your journey? Let the Holy Spirit be your tour guide.
