ACTS 21

PAUL’S MESSAGE MET WITH OPPOSITION IN JERUSALEM

On the way to Jerusalem, Paul lands in Tyre, where he stays with a few disciples for seven days. During this time, Paul is given insight from the Holy Spirit to avoid Jerusalem.

Continuing his mission, Paul visits Ptolemais and Caesarea. While he is there, Agabus, a prophet from Judea, gives Paul a message through a dramatic gesture. Taking Paul’s belt and binding Paul’s hands and feet, Agabus warns Paul that his fate in Jerusalem will be oppression.

Begging Paul not to go to Jerusalem, Paul’s friends and disciples protest against his departure. Standing firm in his faith, Paul is not concerned about being arrested or killed but is confident in God’s response to his obedience. Not long after this event, Paul continues traveling towards Jerusalem.

When he arrives in Jerusalem, Paul is greeted by his friends. While visiting with James, Paul shares in great detail how God is inviting non-Jewish believers into the faith. Through Paul’s sharing of the gospel, people of all ethnic backgrounds are beginning to follow Jesus. James and the other church leaders are amazed and encouraged by this news and praise God for his goodness.

After hearing the news of God’s inclusion of the Gentiles, some of the Jewish people at the temple are angry with Paul. They believe Paul was distorting the faith and defiling the temple by including non-Jewish people. In an angry mob, the people seize Paul and drag him out of the temple. In response to the stir of the people, Paul is arrested and bound with chains. The mob of people follow Paul, wanting him to be killed. After begging for permission, Paul is allowed to speak to the Jewish people and plead his case.