Abstract

A number of factors are at work as they relate to divine guidance in the life of a Christian. Examples of odegeology – the neologism given to this dimension of practical theology – are discussed in this article around the scriptural topos of hindrance as a motivation in Paul’s guidance. Four examples are considered that are drawn from the book of Acts and from his own letters. The circumstances related to these hindrances are discussed, and relevant applications are drawn from them. The article closes with a contemporary example of hindrance resulting from the coronavirus pandemic of 2019. It looks at lessons Christians are learning about the hindrances caused by this virus as they cope with restrictive stay-at-home orders. These are suggested as somewhat analogous to Paul’s two extended imprisonments.Contribution: This article is the first to explore systematically all the texts regarding hindrance as a motivation for guidance related to Paul in the book of Acts and his letters. Guidance in the Christian life remains an important dimension within Practical Theology, a theological discipline within the journal’s publishing tradition.

Highlights

  • Divine guidance is a significant issue for spiritual formation and discipleship in the life of a Christian

  • ‘Odegeology’ is the neologism given to this dimension of practical theology

  • In the conclusion of my volume The Spirit Said Go, the 22 examples of guidance given to Paul in Acts are organised into three categories: supernatural, volitional and providential (Wilson 2020:147)

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Summary

Introduction

Paul mentioned hindrance in his first letter to the Thessalonians and in his letter to the Romans. 3.Referencing this verse in his discussion of Romans 1:13, Mounce (1995:68, 268) suggests that ‘Satanic opposition’ might have been the cause of Paul’s hindrance in coming to Rome.

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Conclusion

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