Paul’s determination to go to Jerusalem despite danger

Acts of the Apostles #52: Paul’s determination to go to Jerusalem

Acts 21:1-4

Paul is making his way back to Jerusalem as fast as he can in order to be there at the time of the feast of Pentecost.

His journey is marked by fellowship with the saints in the various stopping points along the way. Wherever he has opportunity he seeks out the people of God. Cp v4, 7, 8. He is never in too much of a hurry to avoid contact with the saints!

His course is marked at these points by frequent warnings of the dangers that lie ahead for him. These have to be seen not as a means of preventing Paul going forward, but of preparing him for the trouble that lies ahead. The concerns expressed by the people of God have the effect of steeling his resolve to go on.

These episodes indicate the importance of grasping the nuances of the revealed will of God. It is easy to take the wrong meaning at first from what God says. These saints initially took the warnings of danger ahead as a reason to change course. That is often our first reaction to such warnings—we must avoid the peril.  But when peril is encountered as a result of being faithful to God’s call, and there is no way to avoid it without disobedience, then we must prepare to meet it.

I  A WARNING FROM GOD AT TYRE.

1. The Holy Ghost. This message falls into the category of 20:23. It cannot be seen as an absolute prohibition of going forward on his journey. Those who heard these words were conscious of their Divine warrant. The Christian should cultivate a sensitivity to the prompting of God. Cp 2Chron 35:20-22.
2. The instruments He used. These saints were channels of a word from God. Even our fears for the future should be expressions that the Lord uses to speak to others!
3. An instructive parting. How these saints parted from Paul show their understanding of the situation. Clearly there is a revision of their understanding of the mind of God in the matter.

They brought Paul’s party on their way. They are clearly supportive of Paul going on. Their words/thinking do not prevent them from encouraging Paul to go on. The word used indicates that they were pressing them forward, even equipping them to go forward.

They did so as families. Whole households supported him in this. The difficulties and dangers of the work of God are to be faced as a family! We often naturally seek to shield our family members from trouble and harm but there comes a time when all must be on the side of truth whatever the cost. Cp Num 14:3. Here are children taught to admire and support the Apostle in his work.

Prayerfully. Paul demonstrates how to go on into the teeth of danger. The future can only be faced with prayer. Courage to face danger, strength to press on as Paul did, is the product of prayer.

II  A WARNING FROM GOD AT CAESAREA.

1. In the house of Philip. This is where the warning came after many days. Again there is a connection to Holy Spirit filled ministry of long standing. Cp Acts 6:3, 5, 8:39-40. He has been here apparently for many years.
2. The warning did not come from Philip’s daughters. They are specially taken notice of as being involved in the work of God. Yet they are not employed to instruct Paul. The word prophesy does not necessarily indicate a preaching ministry. The nature of their ministry is qualified by other passages of God’s word. Cp 1 Chron 15:1-3, 1Tim 2:12, 1Cor 11:4-5.
3. Agabus’ ministry to Paul.

Paul’s girdle. In a theatrical message Agabus indicates that Paul’s work will bring him into trouble. He must gird/brace himself for what lies ahead.

A word from the Holy Ghost. Again God speaks. Agabus insists on this at the beginning of his message. Those who heard Agabus speak were sure of this.

A word echoed by the saints. Paul’s companions as well as the local believers, plead with tears. Their words are highly charged with emotion and sorrow.

III   PAUL’S RESOLUTION.

1. Not persuaded by these warnings to change course. Cp 20:24.
2. He is not persuaded by appeal to emotion. Note Paul’s reference to his heart breaking. Being faithful to the call of God involves choices that are naturally heartbreaking.
3. He is ready to die. And so is ready for any lesser form of suffering for Christ. This is the practical consequence of being a living sacrifice unto God.
4. He steels them to submit to the will of God. They accompany him and thereby endanger their own lives! By his words and example they are brought to resign their own personal futures to the will of God.