2 Peter 1:20-21 (NLT), “Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.”
 

Praise God for His Word! As we absorb the principles of Scripture into our lives and have them shape and train us in hearing and walking in revelation truth - it’s important for us to discern where truth ends, and personal interpretation begins. The early church knew the urgency of being disciples of Jesus. Jesus (being the Word) taught them to be His personal witness everywhere they went.  What they were learning to be skilled in, was understanding the Holy Spirit’s specific leading concerning where and when to go to fulfil the mandate. In Acts 21, Paul was with fellow believers, some of which were skilled at operating in the gift of prophecy. These friends believed wholeheartedly that Paul should not make a certain trip to Jerusalem to preach the gospel. The Holy Spirit bore witness that he would encounter real danger, and out of their care for his well-being, they strongly warned him not to go. However, in Acts 20:22, Paul made it clear that he was bound and compelled in the spirit to make that specific trip to Jerusalem. Both Paul and the believers were sincerely convinced they heard from the Holy Spirit, and yet their messages seemed to be conflicting. The truth is, they did all hear accurately from the Lord, just from different perspectives. In chapter 20, Paul knew, by the Holy Spirit, that his trip would result in personal danger, but regardless of what awaited him - he was unmoved, and even willing to die for his faith (v:22). His caring friends did well to warn Paul of what was to come in Jerusalem, however their personal interpretation to prevent him from going, was not of the Lord. Thankfully, Paul, being convinced of the Lord’s leading, made the trip. On his arrival in Jerusalem, he immediately faced an angry crowd that levelled false accusations against him. He was arrested and his life was briefly in danger, until a Roman tribune intervened to save him. All that transpired was part of God’s plan for Paul life. The Lord will often speak through people to confirm what He has already spoken to us, not to specifically direct us, especially when it contradicts what we know His Spirit has led us to do. Let’s be careful to discern the difference between what the Holy Spirit is showing us, and what is based on our own understanding as we listen for His wisdom in our lives.