After a fairly long journey, they begin to get closer to Jerusalem and while resting in Tyre the disciples are together. It is said that “Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.” But the account clearly shows that Paul was being guided by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem. In verse 12, after a prophet tells them how Paul will be treated in Jerusalem the friends try again to persuade Paul not to go. Still this does not shake Paul, as he stays steady to God’s mission.

I would imagine these friends together feeling the heartache of knowing their brother is about to endure serious trials and possibly death. They are fearful for him, and that fear is driving them to convince him not to go. When Paul wouldn’t be persuaded they joined him in the faith saying “Let the will of the Lord be done”. I think this is a beautiful reminder for us to make sure we are being driven by the Holy Spirit and not by personal desires. The disciples may have thought the Spirit wanted Paul to stay back but clearly Paul was being called forward, we can’t let our fear hold us back from the plans of the Lord.

When Paul arrives in Jerusalem the Christians rejoice over the success of his Gentile mission but express concern over rumors that he was teaching Jews to abandon their ancestral law. Therefore, they ask Paul to participate in the Nazirite vow. By doing so it would show that he did not object to Jewish converts following Old Testament customs, so long as they were not required of Gentile believers. Paul’s willingness here is an example of being “all things to all people” [I Corinthians 9:22] for the sake of advancing the Gospel.

[Acts 21.1-26]

21.1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.

7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.

Paul Visits James

17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, 21 and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. 22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24 take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. 25 But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What was Paul’s response to the disciples when they tried to convince him not to go to Jerusalem?

+ What is the importance of Paul “purifying” himself and paying the expense for the others?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Is the Lord calling you into something that fear may be hindering you from?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?