In The Word
Read: Acts 21: 1-16
Paul Sails from Miletus
21 Now when we had parted from them and had set sail, we ran a straight course to Cos, and on the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara; 2 and having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we came in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we kept sailing to Syria and landed at Tyre; for the ship was to unload its cargo there. 4 After looking up the disciples, we stayed there for seven days; and they kept telling Paul, through the Spirit, not to set foot in Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we left and started on our journey, while they all, with wives and children, escorted us until we were out of the city. After kneeling down on the beach and praying, we said farewell to one another. 6 Then we boarded the ship, and they returned home.
7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and after greeting the brothers and sisters, we stayed with them for a day.8 On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and we entered 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 were prophetesses.10 As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And he came to us and took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.’” 12 When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we became quiet, remarking, “The will of the Lord be done!”
Paul in Jerusalem
15 After these days we got ready and started on our way up to Jerusalem.16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea also came with us, taking us to Mnason of Cyprus, a disciple of long standing with whom we were to stay.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
The Apostle Paul was heading to Jerusalem. All along the way, he would go to a city and stay with disciples. It was during these visits, and through these disciples, that the Holy Spirit began to speak to Paul. In Tyre, he was told not to go to Jerusalem. But seemingly undeterred, Paul continued on.
Arriving in Caesarea, they stayed at Philip’s home. During that stay, a man named Agabus came and demonstrated the word of the Holy Spirit to Paul. Agabus tied his own hands and feet to show what awaits Paul in Jerusalem. It was Paul’s reply that has resounded throughout the history of Christendom, “I am ready not only to be bound but to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13). At this declaration, Paul’s mind was set and his company turned the matter over to the will of God.
What great courage in the face of certain hardship! It must have seemed like Paul was unconcerned, but the fact of the matter is that this news did concern him (Acts 20:13). Paul was ready. His courage was in the reality that whatever happened to him was God’s will.
Be of great courage today. If you are surrendered to the will of God, you will be able to face whatever is awaiting you. Don’t let the call of God frighten you, let it be your courage. God has chosen you to accomplish His will. Be of great courage, beloved. God is faithful.