Settling Disputes Biblically

A Direct Prophecy

Acts 21:1–4 KJV 1900

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

Acts 21:8–11 KJV 1900

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. 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.

Note: This prophesy of Agabus sounds just like what happened to Christ. Likely these men took it to mean Paul would be killed in Jerusalem.

Distressed Companions

Acts 21:12 KJV 1900

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

A Determined Missionary

Acts 21:13–14 KJV 1900

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.

Acts 20:22–23 KJV 1900

22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

A Decision to Trust God

Acts 21:14 KJV 1900

14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

Many have discussed whether Paul should have listened to the men around him at this time. And it doesn’t seem important enough for us to discuss in detail whether he should have gone or stayed. The fact is.. he went. Paul was a man of God, not a stubborn, arrogant bully. God was with him as he went, yet, it was a trying time for him and his companions as God again and again warned Paul of what was coming.

One thing is certain, everyone except Paul was absolutely convinced that he should stay away from Jerusalem. And we can learn some things about how they handled this situation.

It was Handled out of Love

These men cared deeply for Paul and his well-being. They would never have brought issue with his decisions if they did not know that it could be detrimental to him and his ministry. They were not wrong to care for him.

There are those in your life who at times will make decisions and (in your mind) even try to pull you away from what you need to do because they care about you. Do not become bitter against them, but accept their counsel and input as Paul did. Accept it as from those who love you and want what is best for you.

It was not allowed to become a Conflict

Paul had learned something many years before with Barnabas, and he would not allow differing opinions to fracture their group this time.

It drove them to their knees

These men also knew their limits and when it became clear that Paul’s mind was made up, they set their sights on the only thing they could control. Praying for him and trusting God with him.

1 Timothy 2:8 KJV 1900

8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

Paul told us here two times we ought to immediately go to prayer: when we are tempted to be angry, and when we are tempted to question God.

When things next go a way that you have not planned and do not like, remember the One who is in control of everything!