On the Road to Jerusalem — Paul’s Journey and Warnings (Acts 21:1–17)
Have you ever felt called to do something—even when others tried to talk you out of it? That’s exactly what happens to the Apostle Paul in Acts 21:1–17. Paul was determined to obey God’s plan, even though he knew it could lead to suffering.
Let’s walk through this part of Paul’s journey.
Sailing Toward Jerusalem
After saying a tearful goodbye to the church leaders from Ephesus (Acts 20), Paul continued his journey toward Jerusalem by boat. Along the way, he and his travel companions stopped at several cities:
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Cos
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Rhodes
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Patara
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Then they took a ship across to Phoenicia and landed in Tyre.
In each place, Paul stayed just long enough to rest, encourage the believers, and prepare for the next part of the trip.
A Warning in Tyre
In the city of Tyre, Paul found a group of believers and stayed with them for seven days. These Christians, through the Holy Spirit, told Paul not to go to Jerusalem because danger was waiting for him.
But Paul felt strongly that God was leading him there—no matter the cost.
When it was time to leave, all the believers—men, women, and children—walked with Paul and his group down to the beach. They all knelt and prayed together before saying goodbye. It was a touching moment of love and support.
Another Stop, More Warnings
Paul’s next stop was Ptolemais, where he stayed for one day. Then he went to Caesarea, where he stayed at the home of Philip the evangelist. Philip had four unmarried daughters who were prophets.
While Paul was there, a prophet named Agabus came from Judea. He gave a dramatic warning: he took Paul’s belt, tied up his own hands and feet with it, and said,
“The Holy Spirit says: This is how the Jews in Jerusalem will tie up the man who owns this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.”
Everyone there—friends, believers, and even Paul’s travel companions—begged him not to go.
Paul’s Unshakable Courage
Even with all the warnings and pleas, Paul stood firm. He said:
“Why are you crying and breaking my heart? I’m ready not only to be tied up, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Seeing that Paul could not be persuaded, the people finally said:
“The Lord’s will be done.”
They trusted that God had a purpose, even if they didn’t fully understand it.
Arrival in Jerusalem
After this emotional moment, Paul and his group traveled on to Jerusalem. When they arrived, the believers welcomed them gladly.
This marked the beginning of a new and challenging chapter in Paul’s life—one filled with trials, but also opportunities to boldly share the message of Jesus.
What We Can Learn from Acts 21:1–17
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Obeying God sometimes means facing hardship
Paul didn’t turn away from God’s plan just because it was hard. He trusted that God’s will was greater than his own comfort. -
True community supports with love—even when it’s hard
The believers didn’t want to lose Paul. But in the end, they trusted God and let him go with their prayers and blessings. -
God prepares us for what’s ahead
Through the warnings, Paul wasn’t surprised by the trouble waiting in Jerusalem. God often gives us glimpses to strengthen our hearts for what’s coming. -
Prayer and togetherness matter
In every city, the believers prayed together, encouraged one another, and said goodbye in love. These moments remind us how important spiritual family is.
Final Thought:
Sometimes following Jesus means walking into difficulty, not away from it. Like Paul, we can face the future with courage—not because we know what will happen, but because we know who is leading us.
Let’s be people who pray together, encourage one another, and say, “The Lord’s will be done,” even when it’s hard.
Acts 21:1-17 (WEB)
21:1 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. 2 Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for the ship was there to unload her cargo. 4 Having found disciples, we stayed there seven days. These said to Paul through the Spirit that he should not go up to Jerusalem. 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. 6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We greeted the brothers and stayed with them one day. 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. 9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 10 As we stayed there some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming to us and taking Paul’s belt, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘So the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt, and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ”12 When we heard these things, both we and the people of that place begged 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 bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”14 When he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The Lord’s will be done.”15 After these days we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem. 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we would stay.17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.