Acts 21:1-16

https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+21:1-16

On to Jerusalem

1 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. 3 After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. 4 We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. 6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home. 7 We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed with them for a day. 8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. 10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’ ” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” 15 After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem. 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples.

Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.

21:4 Did Paul disobey the Holy Spirit by going to Jerusalem? No. More likely, the Holy Spirit warned these believers about the suffering Paul would face in Jerusalem. They drew the conclusion that he should not go there because of that danger. This is supported by 21:10-12 where the local believers, after hearing that Paul would be turned over to the Romans, begged him to turn back.

21:8 This is the Philip mentioned in 6:5 and 8:26-40.

21:9 Obviously the gift of prophecy was given to both men and women. Women actively participated in God's work (2:17; Philippians 4:3). Other women who prophesied include Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), Noadiah (Nehemiah 6:14), Isaiah's wife (Isaiah 8:3), and Anna (Luke 2:36-38).

21:10 Fifteen years earlier, Agabus had predicted the famine in Jerusalem (11:27-29).

21:13, 14 Paul knew he would be imprisoned in Jerusalem. Although his friends pleaded with him to not go there, he knew that he had to because God wanted him to. No one enjoys pain, but a faithful disciple wants above all else to please God. Our desire to please God should overshadow our desire to avoid hardship and suffering. When we really want to do God's will, we must accept all that comes with it--even the pain. Then we can say with Paul, "The Lord's will be done."

Stubborn faith. This is a gift from God that Paul had. It was also given to me, thankfully. Many influences tried to dissuade Paul from going to Jerusalem for fear of his safety. Fear. I remember how many times the Bible says in essence "Do not fear." It is A LOT. Scriptures urge over and over that God is sovereign and in control and He cares for us. Paul's knowledge of Scripture and his belief in the presence of Christ with him must have helped him to decide to put aside fear for his own safety in favor of doing God's work in Jerusalem. Why did Paul ignore these warnings from others? Weren't they also Spirit-led? Could it be that the Holy Spirit was informing of the danger but allowing Paul in his own free will to decide his course of action? God works His will in all circumstances. He gave us brains to consider dangers also. He gave us freedom to choose for ourselves. He gives us strength and endurance to carry on His work through us. Doing so brings true glory to God.

Heavenly Father, it is comforting to know You are with us. Help us focus on Your guidance to us when it comes down to making our decisions. Let us be wise enough to listen to others who offer opinions or Spirit-filled words of caution. But, then, Lord, let us consider and choose our actions based upon what You would have us do. It is amazing to consider that You know each of us intimately--all of our being--attitudes+tendencies+cares+concerns+circumstances+timing--all of it, for all time. Surely if anyone should be in control, it is You. We praise You for all Your attributes. And we can only consider those that our limited minds can fathom. So, Yes, Almighty Father and Jesus and the Holy Spirit of Truth, lead on! In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Song: https://youtu.be/GB1aiM-yLqg

Have a blessed day.