April 24, 2022
Acts 21:1-17
“Worth It All”
Service Overview: By this point in Paul’s ministry, nothing was more important than accomplishing the mission Jesus gave him, and relentlessly following the Spirit’s lead in the process; even if it meant death. Paul’s future was in God’s hands, and Paul serves as the ultimate example of trusting God regardless of what life may bring.
Memory Verse for the Week:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 (NIV)
Background Information:
- As Luke tells of points of transition from one city to another during the apostolic missionary journeys, he gives a brief travelogue, citing the places that are visited or passed during this trip. Chapter 21 is no different, as he tells how the apostolic entourage made its way from Miletus down to Caesarea. They began their journey on a small ship, which was called a coasting ship because it was not sufficiently large or strong to be sailed in the open seas. Coasting ships hugged the coast, staying very close to the shore as they made their way along. While they were on such a vessel, they stopped at Cos, a city that housed one of the most prestigious medical schools in the ancient world. It was the school founded by Hippocrates, from whom we get the name of the Hippocratic Oath. (R.C. Sproul, Acts, 315)
- (v.21) At its most basic level, the Greek verb apospao (translated “saying farewell”) carries the idea of “tearing away,” picturing Paul “tearing himself away” from the embraces of his emotional friends. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 355)
- We read that the believers “urged” (kept repeatedly telling) Paul “through the Spirit” to give up his trip to Jerusalem. This does not mean, however, that the Spirit did not want Paul to go to Jerusalem. The word “through” (Gk. dia) is not the word used in previous passages for the direct agency of the Spirit. (See Acts 13: 4, where the Gk. is hupo, a word used for direct, or primary, agency.) Here the Greek is better translated “in consequence of the Spirit,” that is, because of what the Spirit said. (Stanley M. Horton, Acts, Kindle Location 7898)
- All four of Philip’s unmarried daughters were prophetesses, that is, they ministered the Word of God, a significant comment on the place of women in the Church, at least in some areas of it. Church tradition says that these women later lived many years in Asia Minor and were renowned as a source of information on the early Judean church. (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 244)
- From this point on in Luke’s story it is Paul the prisoner, rather than Paul the missionary, who is in view. The prospect of captivity dominates the trip to Jerusalem, (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 243)
The question to answer…
Was Paul necessarily wrong in pressing on to Jerusalem in light of the Spirit’s warnings?
Answer…
Hardly. Why? Because the correct course of action in light of what’s spoken is always interpreted through the lens of those being spoken to.
What IS of utmost importance to note from this account?
- The love the church exhibited toward one another.
(vv. 1, 4, 5, 12, 17 | John 13:34-35; Rom. 12:5; Eph. 2:20-22; Col. 3:14; 1 Peter 4:8)
Paul had to tear himself away from the Ephesian elders, so great was his love for them. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 390)
One of the great privileges of belonging to the Church is the fact that no matter where a man goes, he is sure to find a community of like-minded people into which he may enter. The man who is in the family of the Church has friends all over the world. (William Barclay, The Acts of the Apostles, 154)
- Paul’s resolve in completing the task he was given.
(vv. 10-11 | Is. 50:7; Luke 9:62; 1 Cor. 9:24-27; Phil. 3:12-14; 2 Tim. 4:7; Heb. 12:1)
Unmoved, Paul adamantly determined to complete his mission even if it meant dying “for the sake of the Lord Jesus” (21:13 NLT). God’s sovereignty is the underlying theme. This truth becomes more apparent upon viewing how this Jerusalem visit ultimately paved the way for Paul’s trip to Rome! (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 355)
It is evident that Paul regarded these Spirit-directed warnings as God’s gracious way of preparing and forearming him for the trials ahead. He remained unmoved in his purpose to fulfill his mission at Jerusalem. (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 245)
- Paul’s devotion despite danger.
(vv. 13-14 | Ps. 91; Prov. 29:25; Mat. 10:16; John 16:33; 2 Tim. 4:18; Jam. 1:12; 1 Pet. 4:12)
The physical chains that awaited him could be endured because of the bond of love which bound him to the Lord. (Lloyd J. Ogilvie, The Communicator’s Commentary: Acts, 293)
Whatever unknowns lay in his future, Paul now recognized that a change was coming. Earlier in his ministry, he took persecution as the signal to move on to a new site of church work. Now he chose to follow Jesus right into the face of suffering. (Phillip A. Bence, Acts: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, Kindle Edition, Location, 4054)
Conclusion… How can a text like this serve to challenge our faith?
A. By inspiring courage regardless of threat.
(Deut. 31:6; Joshua 1:9; Proverbs 28:1; John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Timothy 1:7)
Have courage then: make a virtue of necessity: ask of God, not deliverance from your pains, but strength to bear resolutely, for the love of Him, all that He should please, and as long as He shall please. (Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God, 17th century)
There are remarkable parallels, perhaps consciously drawn, between this story and the account of Jesus going up to Jerusalem to His death. Then also there were warnings, entreaties by friends, and at last, the agony in the Garden, climaxed by the prayer “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Like his Lord, Paul set his face to go to Jerusalem. Every man called of God will somewhere face his own Jerusalem road struggle. In that lonely hour God will give him strength to go on. (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 246)
B. By urging development of wisdom and discernment in listening and acting in accordance with the Spirit.
(Rom. 12:1-2; Phil. 1:9-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Hebrews 5:14; James 1:5; 1 John 4:1)
The Tyrean Christians told Paul “through the Spirit” (v. 4) not to go to Jerusalem. The words “through the Spirit” imply that they had a word of knowledge from the Spirit that the apostle was not to go to Jerusalem. Conflicting guidance? Hardly, if He was the same Spirit. Allow me to offer a possibility of what happened. I think the Spirit revealed the dangers ahead for Paul. The people interpreted this as a prohibition and told Paul that he should not go. But Paul had received orders from the Spirit to go and also had been given a clear picture of what going would mean. “Bound in the Spirit,” he pressed on. He did not argue or spend a long time discussing guidance. He simply followed what he knew he had been told to do. (Lloyd J. Ogilvie, The Communicator’s Commentary: Acts, 295)
C. By compelling us to sometimes love others enough to get out of the way if need be.
(Ps. 37:23; Prov. 9:9; 16:1; Mark 8:34; John 7:17; 1 Cor. 13:4-8; 1 Peter 4:8; Col. 3:14)
Often loved ones and friends get the same guidance as we do but it is channeled to us through the grid of their own fears of their concern for our safety. Also, sometimes there is a kind of sloppy sentimentalism about the Spirit’s guidance. We can’t imagine that trials and difficulties could ever be the Lord’s will for people we love. Success, ease, and peace without conflict have become the false signs of the Spirit’s blessing. He often wills these, but they can never become the sure signs that His will is being done. Success is doing what the Lord wills, ease is living in the flow of His Spirit, and peace is often discovered in outwardly turbulent circumstances. It is equally dangerous to think that we are doing the will of the Lord only if we are suffering or facing trouble. (Lloyd J. Ogilvie, The Communicator’s Commentary: Acts, 295)
Gospel Challenge…
Paul laid aside comfort and safety to advance the gospel. What do you need to lay aside?
(v. 13 | Psalm 23:4 ; Isaiah 41:10 ; Matthew 11:28-30 ; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Is He going to help Himself to your life, or are you taken up with your conception of what you are going to do? God is responsible for our lives, and the one great keynote is reckless reliance upon Him. (Oswald Chambers, The Complete Works of Oswald Chambers, 10)
Although his friends pleaded with him to not go, Paul knew that he had to go because God wanted him to. No one enjoys pain, but a faithful disciple wants above all else to please God. Paul was not ignoring the warnings. He was not suicidal. Paul simply disagreed with his brothers and sisters in Christ as to whether the prophesied difficulties outweighed the potential progress that could be made for the gospel. And the ultimate issue—the will of God—was the one to which Paul’s friends finally resigned themselves: “The Lord’s will be done.” (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 360)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- What continued warnings did Paul receive about going to Jerusalem? How did he respond to those warnings?
- How do you think those observing Paul were affected by his single-mindedness?
- How do your priorities compare and contrast with those of Paul?
- What would you like to be able to say about yourself and about your ministry at the end of your life? What steps do you need to take now in order for that to happen?
Quotes to note…
Through the Spirit the believers at Tyre urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. In view of the phrase, “through the Spirit,” was Paul wrong in pursuing his course to Jerusalem? Probably he was not violating God’s will for several reasons: (1) Acts 20:22 and 21:14 imply it was God’s will for Paul to continue on to Jerusalem (cf. 19:21). (2) The comfort given by God (23:11) implies Paul had not stubbornly refused the Lord’s will. (3) In 23:1 Paul declared he had lived in all good conscience to that day. Probably, then, the words “through the Spirit” (21:4) mean they knew through the Spirit that Paul would suffer in Jerusalem (cf. 20:23); therefore, concerned for his safety, they tried to dissuade him. (John F. Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament, 415)
Those who truly engage in the battle against evil will not escape battle wounds. (Phillip A. Bence, Acts: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, Kindle Edition, Location 4099)
Agabus could only share the revelation he had received from God (21:10-11). He could not force Paul to respond in a certain way. This is one of the most difficult aspects of working with people. Whether you are a pastor, small-group leader, parent, or friend, all you can do is speak truthfully and lovingly. You can urge a certain course of action as well as warn of possible consequences, but you cannot control others; nor should you try. Each person must make his or her own decisions. Beware of a demanding or manipulative spirit when you share personal concerns with another person. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 359)
We need not judge them harshly. This is a human situation which is often repeated. It is not their decision but Paul ‘s. They could not know the deep convictions of Paul’s heart. Yet Paul reveals by his gentle rebuke how they had allowed their sympathy and sentiment to become a stumbling block to him : “Why do you crush my heart?” The words indicate tremendous pressure on his will, the temptation to weaken in his resolution. (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 245)
Eusebius tells us that Philip and his daughters eventually moved to Hierapolis in the province of Asia (probably fleeing the Roman antagonism toward the Jews in Palestine from the mid-sixties on), and that his daughters provided information on the early days of the Jerusalem church for Papias, the author of five books (not extant) on “Our Lord’s Sayings” (cf. Ecclesiastical History 3.39) (Richard N. Longenecker, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, John and Acts, 517)
It should not be concluded that his determination to go on was disobedience to the guidance of the Spirit of God; it was under the constraint of that Spirit that he was bound for Jerusalem with such determination (19:21; 20:22). It was natural that his friends who by the prophetic spirit were able to foresee his tribulation and imprisonment should try to dissuade him from going on, but with a complete lack of concern for his own safety, so long as he could fulfil his sacred stewardship, Paul like his Master “set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). (F.F. Bruce, The New International Commentary on the New Testament: Acts, 420)