Acts 20

Pragmatism states that practical consequences determine the essential criterion of an action. Luke 14:28 (on tower-building) suggests its place in decision-making. The problem with pragmatism is not its process, but what are considered desirable consequences.

Paul changed plans (Acts 20:3) when he heard of a plot against him, yet he pursued his plans to go to Jerusalem (vs 22-24) in spite of the continuing message of the Holy Spirit that “bonds and afflictions” awaited him. John 14:29 indicates that what God tells us is not necessarily so that we will escape difficulties, but “so that when it happens, you (we) may believe.”