As Paul sets sail towards Jerusalem, he is surrounded by friends, warnings, and prophetic messages. The tension builds as he prepares for what lies ahead.
The Reading: Acts 21
World English Bible1 When we had departed from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
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2 Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set sail.
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3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload her cargo.
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4 Having found disciples, we stayed there seven days. These said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
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5 When those days were over, we departed and went on our journey. They all, with wives and children, brought us on our way until we were out of the city. Kneeling down on the beach, we prayed.
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6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.
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7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We greeted the brothers, and stayed with them one day.
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8 On the next day, we, who were Paul’s companions, departed, and came to Caesarea. We entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
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9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
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10 As we stayed there some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
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11 Coming to us, and taking Paul’s belt, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit: ‘So will the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”
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12 When we heard these things, both we and they of that place begged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
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13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
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14 When he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The Lord’s will be done.”
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15 After these days we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem.
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16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we would stay.
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17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.
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18 The day following, Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present.
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19 When he had greeted them, he reported one by one the things which God had worked among the Gentiles through his ministry.
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20 They, when they heard it, glorified God. They said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law.
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21 They have been informed about you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children neither to walk after the customs.
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22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come.
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23 Therefore do what we tell you. We have four men who have taken a vow.
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24 Take them, and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses for them, that they may shave their heads. Then all will know that there is no truth in the things that they have been informed about you, but that you yourself also walk keeping the law.
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25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written our decision that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from food offered to idols, from blood, from strangled things, and from sexual immorality.”
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26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, purified himself and went with them into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them.
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27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the multitude and laid hands on him,
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28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place. Moreover, he also brought Greeks into the temple, and has defiled this holy place!”
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29 For they had seen Trophimus, the Ephesian, with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.
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30 All the city was moved, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple. Immediately the doors were shut.
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31 As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
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32 Immediately he took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. They, when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, stopped beating Paul.
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33 Then the commanding officer came near, arrested him, commanded him to be bound with two chains, and inquired who he was and what he had done.
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34 Some shouted one thing, and some another, among the crowd. When he couldn’t find out the truth because of the noise, he commanded him to be brought into the barracks.
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35 When he came to the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd;
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36 for the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, “Away with him!”
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37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he asked the commanding officer, “May I speak to you?” He said, “Do you know Greek?
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38 Aren’t you then the Egyptian, who before these days stirred up to sedition and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the Assassins?”
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39 But Paul said, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.”
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40 When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. When there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
In Acts 21, Paul's journey intensifies as he sails toward Jerusalem, stopping at various ports along the way. In Tyre, local disciples warn Paul through the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem, but he firmly believes in his mission. After heartfelt farewells on the beach, Paul continues his travels, eventually arriving in Caesarea and staying with Philip, an evangelist with four daughters who prophesy.
A prophet named Agabus visits and dramatically acts out a warning about Paul's fate in Jerusalem, foretelling he will be bound and handed over to the Gentiles. Despite the tearful pleas from friends, Paul remains resolute, stating he is ready to face imprisonment or death for the name of Jesus.
Upon reaching Jerusalem, Paul meets with the church leaders, sharing stories of how God worked through him among the Gentiles. However, he learns that many Jewish believers are concerned about rumors that he teaches Jews to abandon their traditions. To counter this, the elders suggest Paul undergo a purification ritual to show he respects Jewish customs. Paul agrees and participates, but soon after, he faces hostility when some Jews from Asia falsely accuse him of defiling the temple. The uproar leads to his arrest by Roman soldiers, who intervene just in time to save him from a mob seeking his life.
Why It Matters
Courage in the Face of Warning
Paul's unwavering resolve in the face of prophetic warnings shows immense courage. It teaches us that following one's calling might lead to difficult choices and even peril, but faith can provide strength.
The Power of Community
The bond between Paul and the early church is profound, demonstrated through shared prayers and heartfelt farewells. It emphasizes the importance of community and support in our spiritual journeys.
Respecting Traditions
Paul's actions highlight the balance between honoring cultural traditions and staying true to one's convictions. This is a reminder to navigate our own beliefs with wisdom and understanding.
If you're seeking support or a community that embraces faith, consider using Sancta to find a church near you. Engaging with others can deepen your spiritual journey, just like Paul's friends did.
Preparing for the Unexpected
Paul's journey reminds us that life can be unpredictable, and we must be prepared for unexpected challenges. Staying anchored in faith can help us navigate these turbulent waters with grace.
Coming Up Next: Acts 22
In the next part of the journey, Paul will face the consequences of his actions in Jerusalem. What will happen next as he stands before the crowd? Join us in Acts 22 to find out!