The Book of Acts Chapter 21

Warnings to Paul on This Third Missionary Journey Acts 21:1-16

Paul was conscious of the impending bondage, trials & imprisonment. The Spirit has warned Apostle Paul and we viewed that in Acts 20:22-24.

21:1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara: 2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. 3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

A. Travels Continuing

1. Sailing the Course

Paul and the missionary group felt torn away from the Ephesian leaders (oh how they loved one another). It certainly is not easy to part as they did. Nevertheless the journey must be made and the ship launches and sails 40 miles south of Miletus to the island of Coos. The next day they sail to the island of Rhodes. Then they sailed on to the coastal city of Patara.

From Patara, Paul and the missionary group boarded another ship, which sailed to Phenicia. From here the group sails toward the island of Cyprus and after viewing the isalnd, as they sailed by it on the left hand of the vessel, the ship continued to Syria and landed at the city of Tyre.

4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

2. Spirit’s Command

Paul and the missionary men must have been searching for other believers at Tyre for the expression “finding disciples” is used. The group stayed at Tyre for 7 days and the disciples of Tyre warn Paul, through the Spirit, that he should not go to Jerusalem. They warn that danger lies ahead and that he should not continue on towards Jerusalem. I have actually heard some who say that Paul was stubborn here and that he decided to go anyway. They state that Paul was so burdened for the Jews, that he lost sight of guidance by the Spirit and there are verses that show Paul great burden for the Jews (Rom 9:3 & Rom 10:1). However, I believe that Paul was led to go to Jerusalem and was warned that following the leadership of the Spirit would have great implications on his life.

(I am reminded that Jesus was led of the Spirit into the wilderness Mt 4:1)

5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. 6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

3. Saints Compassion

After 7 days, Paul and the missionary group bid the disciples of Tyre farewell. The disciples of Tyre and their families (including the children) went with Paul and the group until they were out of the city and they all knelt down to pray. Friend there was no nursery provided for these little ones, they just all prayed together. Upon the close of the praye,r the disciples of Tyre and their families returned home again, while Paul and the missionary group board another vessel. This scene is symbolic of goodbyes down here.

7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. 8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

B. Travail Coming

1. Stop at Caesarea

Paul and the missionary group set sail from Tyre and land after 1 days journey in Ptolemais. While there, Paul and the others saluted the brethren and spent one day in Ptolemais. The next day Paul and company depart and come to the city of Caesarea. In Caesarea, Paul and company, enter the home of Philip the evangelist. Philip was one of the original seven deacons (Acts 6:5), it was Philip who preached in Samaria with great power and success (Acts 8:5-8) and it was Philip who led the Ethiopian Eunuch to the Lord (Acts 8:26-39).

Philip has 4 virgin daughters who prophesied or foretold things. Now some would

argue that these women should not be allowed to prophesy or foretell things. Okay lets read scripture written by the Spirit through Paul himself I Cor 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. OR 1 Tim 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. Now I realize women are not to Pastor a church, teach a mens class, or be a deacon AS the Lord Jesus did not call a woman amongst His 12 disciples NOR did a woman pen a New Testament book BUT these women definitely have a gift from God and there are many opportunities for service by women and only heaven will reveal the glorious things, saintly women, have accomplished in accordance with the Word.

10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. 11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

2. Significant Cry

As Paul and company tarry at the home of Philip, Agabus the prophet, whom we were introduced to in Acts 11:27,28, enters the scene. When Agabus comes, he stands and by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, took the belt of Paul and bound his own hands and feet and warned Paul that the man that owns this belt will be bound by the Jews and delivered to the Gentiles. Again, Paul has been warned of the imminent danger ahead.

12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

3. Stated Concerns

Paul’s friends, fellow travelers, Agabus the Prophet, Philip the evangelist and his 4 daughters and others of Caesarea unite and beg Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. Each of these individuals were warning Paul and they each are deeply desiring Paul not to go any further but to change his plans immediately. The Holy Ghost is notifying Paul of what lies ahead, but Paul is willing to go. This reminds me of a man named Jesus, as he set his face towards Jerusalem knowing the cross awaited Him. Luke 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem AND Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. 14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done. 15 And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. 16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge. 17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

4. Strong Convictions

Paul was determined to go to Jerusalem, as he felt led of God to go. Paul asks why are you breaking my heart with your tears? Your tears are weakening my purpose. Paul wanted to go to Jerusalem to follow the Lord and to deliver the collection of the Gentile churches to the church in Jerusalem. Maybe Paul was wanting to unify the Jews and Gentiles. Paul also wanted to keep the feast of Pentecost.

Paul’s fellow travelers stopped or ceased pleading with Paul as they knew they could not change Paul’s heart and simply said the will of the Lord be done. From here on, the possibility of turning back is gone. The company took up their carriages, that is baggage and went up to Jerusalem (64 mi).

The believers of Caesarea made housing arrangements for Paul and company, with a man named Mnason of Cyprus, who was a resident of Jerusalem and owned a home large enough to accommodate the large group of Paul and company. Upon their arrival in Jerusalem, the group is welcomed and received gladly.

To Jerusalem, Paul’s Third Missionary Journey Acts 21:17-40

17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

A. Reception

The brethren at Jerusalem received Paul and company gladly. I am sure that the collection from the Gentile Churches Paul had brought must have also helped. The next day Paul went in unto James and the elders of the church at Jerusalem. This James is the half brother of Jesus. We must realize that Paul and the Gentile believers are brought face to face with the Jewish church.

19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

B. Recounting

Paul tells particularly what God has done on the 3 missionary journeys Paul has completed. Thousands, no doubt, were saved. Numerous churches were planted and established and one by one the blessings of God and His provisions are told. Surely Paul spoke about the prisons and persecutions not to mention the miracles and mighty movements of God. Literally Paul spoke to the elders of the church about the grace of God.

20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: 21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. 22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

C. Remarkable Disinterest

When the Jewish elders heard this wonderful news they glorified God. How could they

not? Yet, they noted the thousands of Jews which believe and are zealous of the law. The elders say “we know who you are and what you teach”. You teach men to “forsake” (apostasia-apostasia) the law of Moses. “You are regarded as a troublemaker”. The Jewish elders taught salvation by Jesus but the rituals and ceremonies of the law must be kept. Paul preached salvation is by Jesus, that we are “saved by grace through faith”, not by the law.

23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; 24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. 25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

D. Reaching Out

There is either disagreement or resentment. The Jewish elders are believers in Christ as Paul is, but because of the number of Jews that are offended at Paul and his preaching of grace, they must find some common ground. The elders devise a plan. Paul, a Jew himself, will submit to the law of Moses and accompany four Jewish men, who had taken a vow of purification and rededication to the Temple. Paul will have to go through the same ritual of restoration that the men did and pay the Temple fees for himself and the men. This process will take 7 days and having done so, the Jewish elders hope that the resentment, among the Jews, will subside. The Gentiles that have accompanied Paul will have to do nothing.

Paul is willing to find common ground. Certainly he felt no inner need to go through the Temple rituals but if it would keep peace in Jerusalem and give him further opportunities to reach his Jewish brothers for Christ, he will comply. You may say, “how can a grace preacher be willing to submit to the law?” Well Paul has an answer for you I Cor 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some. 23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. It seems Apostle Paul is willing to do everything in his power to reach the Jew. He views this as a gesture of fellowship and goodwill. Under grace, Paul is willing to submit to the narrow legalistic ways of Jewish law that peace may be achieved.

26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

E. Rituals

The next day Paul purified himself and took the men into the Temple. Thus he began a 7 day process under the rituals of Jewish law and the keeping of Jewish traditions, in order that peace may be accomplished.

27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, 28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. 29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) 30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. 31 And as they went about to kill him,

F. Riot

As the 7 days were almost ended, the Jews, which were from the region of Asia Minor where Paul had traveled and preached on his missionary journeys, saw him in the Temple and stirred up the people and they laid hands on him. For all we know, this may have been some of the same bunch who stoned Paul back Lystra (Acts 14:19). Nonetheless, the Jews of Asia hated Paul and told lies about Paul and made false supposition about Paul bringing a Gentile into the Temple. Certainly, Paul had done no such thing. Truth is often ignored when hatred runs deep. As the Jews screamed, Paul was seized by the crowd, immediately was dragged out of the Temple and was ready to be attacked by the crowd with stones.

tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. 33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. 34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. 35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. 36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him. 37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? 38 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? 39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people. 40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

G. Rescued

Somehow the chief captain of the Romans got the news that a riot was taking place and a man was being assaulted. The Jews who have been purposefully beating Paul, now begin to back away in fear, as the Roman soldiers descend upon them with spears. The Romans not sure of all that has happened nor why, bind Paul with chains and begin to ask him questions of these happenings.

The Jews begin to cry out their false accusations against Paul and call him names. The mob becomes so heated in anger that the Romans have to carry Paul away from the mob into the fortress named “the castle”. This reminds me of the Jews when they cried “crucify Him, crucify Him” about Jesus. How about the Jews that stoned Stephen and now they are crying out for the death of Paul.

Paul speaks to the chief captain very politely in Greek. The Romans thought maybe Paul was a dangerous criminal or a murdering terrorist, but rather Paul somehow spoke to the Romans as a gentleman. Paul, demonstrating self-control, defends himself and asks if he can speak to his persecutors. The Romans gave Paul liberty to do so. Thus Paul stands on the stairs and begins to speak to those who are in great wrath and persecution against him. Paul lifts his hand and begins to speak in Hebrew to the vicious mob of Jews.