*Acts 21:1-17
Paul sets sail for Jerusalem despite warnings from fellow believers along the way.
- Paul’s Journey Towards Jerusalem:
- After parting from the Ephesian elders at Miletus, Paul and his companions sail to Cos, then to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
- They board a ship crossing to Phoenicia and sail past Cyprus, landing at Tyre in Syria, where the ship unloads its cargo.
- Paul’s Stay in Tyre:
- In Tyre, they find disciples and stay there for seven days. The disciples, through the Spirit, urge Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
- Despite these warnings, when it is time to leave, the entire church, including women and children, accompany Paul and his companions outside the city to pray and say farewell.
- Travel from Tyre to Caesarea:
- Paul’s group next travels to Ptolemais, where they greet the believers and stay for one day.
- From Ptolemais, they go to Caesarea and stay at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven deacons, known for his four unmarried daughters who prophesy.
- Prophetic Warning by Agabus:
- During their stay, a prophet named Agabus comes down from Judea to Caesarea.
- Agabus dramatically illustrates his prophecy by taking Paul’s belt and binding his own feet and hands, predicting that the owner of the belt will be similarly bound by the Jews in Jerusalem and handed over to the Gentiles.
- Response to the Prophecy:
- Hearing this, Paul’s companions and the local believers plead with him not to go to Jerusalem.
- Paul responds that he is ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
- Unable to persuade him, they give up, saying, “The Lord’s will be done.”
- Arrival in Jerusalem:
- The group finally arrives in Jerusalem and is warmly received by the believers there.
- The following day, Paul goes to visit James and all the elders of the Jerusalem church, where he reports in detail what God has done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
Acts 21:1-17 teaches us to trust God’s plan, even when it’s difficult. Paul knew that going to Jerusalem would bring hardship, but he remained faithful because he believed it was God’s will. His friends warned him out of love, but in the end, they trusted God too. This reminds us that following God isn’t always easy, but we can have courage knowing He is in control. We can apply this by seeking God’s direction, trusting Him even when the path is tough, and supporting others in their faith journey.
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.