To Go or Not to Go?
When we heard this, we and the local believers all begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Acts 21:12
For eight years after my father took early retirement, he headed the overseas mission arm of a large Christian organization. Many singles and young couples came to the annual training sessions, eager to become missionaries in other countries. But as fervent as they were at the beginning of that journey, family and friends often discouraged them from their goal. Maybe their loved ones’ reasons were sound—health concerns, family complications. Sometimes, however, parents in particular, did not want their children to take a career path that led them into physical danger or financial hardship.
In Acts 21, Paul encounters similar opposition. Three times devout Christians—with the spiritual gift of prophecy—warn of danger. In Tyre, disciples “through the Spirit … urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem” (v. 4). In Caesarea, Agabus prophesied that Paul would be bound and handed over to the Gentiles” (v. 11). Verse 12 says, “When we heard this … we … begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem.” That “we” included Paul’s team—Luke and others.
How did Paul respond? He said, “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (v. 13). He could not be “dissuaded”—not by prophets, not by friends, not by colleagues (v. 14). Paul was determined to follow the path he believed was right.
Have people you love, people you trust ever tried to dissuade you from what you’re certain God has told you to do? That has happened to me on a few occasions at critical crossroads in my life. What did I do? I prayed and prayed and prayed. I asked God to slam doors in my face and erect immovable roadblocks if I had misunderstood him. In the end, I took the path I believed he wanted me to follow. Was it the correct one? I may never know. But there have been both blessings and hardships on it, which I believe, will happen on any path.
The events in Paul’s life unfolded as Agabus prophesied. Paul went to Jerusalem, angry Jews seized him and beat him, then a Roman commander arrested Paul to end the riot (21:27–36). Was that the end of Paul’s missionary career? No. But God redirected Paul’s ministry in unexpected ways.
Are you facing pushback from those who love you? Listen. Evaluate. Pray. Follow God’s leading as best as you can. He is a good God. He will use you and bless you if you continue to seek his will and obey his Word.
Dig Deeper
Was it wrong for Paul to ignore the prophecies and go to Jerusalem anyway? Consider these verses before you answer: Acts 9:15, 19:21, 20:22–24, 23:11.
What misinformation had the Jerusalem church heard about Paul, according to Acts 21:20–21? What solution was offered? (21:22–26) Do you think that was a wise or unwise decision? Why?
What upset the Jews from Asia in Acts 21:27? How were they misinformed and what happened? (21:28–30). What are your takeaways from these two incidents involving misinformation?
How did God use a Roman commander to help Paul in Acts 21:31–36? What does that reveal about God’s ability to protect his servants (including you and your loved ones)?
Denise K. Loock
This devotion is part of our series on the book of Acts.