Acts 21:1-14 | "Power in Discernment"

Reading of Scripture

Acts 21:1–14 ESV

1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home. 7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

Introduction to Theme

Acts 21 draws our attention to times in which we have experienced conflicts of course. That is, disagreements about direction.

When our intentions to do something are at odds with the counsel of those whom we love and respect.

When our God-given impressions and leadings of the spirit are at odds with those whom we also consider to be godly and led by the Spirit.

I’m talking about major decisions you have to make in life. Decisions that will alter the course of your life. Where to go to school. Who or IF to marry. What job to take. Whether to start a family. Whether to buy a house. Whether to join or associate with a church. Whether to put in for or take a promotion. Where to invest and how much to invest. Whether or not to retire and when. What to do in retirement. Whether or not to seek treatment for an illness, and what treatment to undertake. How to appropriately care for parents or spouses or children who need special care.

We believe God cares about these things. We believe God guides us in these things.

But how can we have a confidence that God is guiding us — when what we believe is at odds with the counsel of family, friends and even mentors who ALSO love the Lord, and join their voices in a chorus that tries to persuade us to take a different path, or make a different decisions than what we believe is of the Lord.

Who is right in knowing what is the Lord’s way?

Doesn’t God guide through the counsel of others? Isn’t it God’s word that says “in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Prov 11:14) and “without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed” (Prov 15:22)?

Are we not to listen to the counsel of others? Does the larger consensus win?

Is God’s will only found with the largest group that agrees the most?

Can we be in God’s will and at the same time, be in disagreement on what that will is with others we love?

Introduction to Text

For Paul, this type of conflict begins in Acts 19:21.

A time came during Paul’s ministry in Asia when, after certain events had taken place, Paul “resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” (Acts 19:21).

This was the setting of Paul’s course to first go to Jerusalem, and then ultimately to Rome.

This matter of Paul going to Jerusalem creates quite a stir.

It leaves us hearers of God’s word, wondering —

Was this “resolving in the Spirit” the guidance of the Holy Spirit, sending Paul on this course?

Or was this “resolving in the spirit” a common idiom or an expression understood to mean that Paul “purposed in his spirit,” — he made up his mind, he decided or resolved to go to Rome by way of Jerusalem?

The English translates takes a side, but the original text is not clear as to whether it was the Holy Spirit guiding Paul to Jerusalem, or whether Paul was resolved to go there in his own spirit.

And this creates the challenge of the way of faith. The way we are called to live as followers of God. The way that guides us not by what we can see, but by what we believe.

It is not always clear whether our desires, our intentions, what we purpose to do in our spirit — whether it is our will, or God’s will.

It is not always clear whether that desire is given to us by God, or only permitted by God.

The lines of distinction between God’s guidance and God’s permission may not be so clear.

Later in his travels, in Acts 20:16, Luke records Paul again as “hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.” (Acts 20:16).

Paul is in a hurry to get to Jerusalem, “if possible” to be there on the day of Pentecost.

He has no clear vision or assurance from the Lord that he would be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

As hearers and readers we don’t know if he’ll make it in time or not!

Instead, Paul is making whatever decisions he is able to make to reach this goal that is on his heart.

While stopped at Miletus en route, Paul reveals to the Ephesian elders the developments concerning his intended destination.

Acts 20:22–23 ESV

22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.

Now Paul is “constrained by the Spirit.” He is “bound by the Spirit,” knowing that bonds and persecutions await him in Jerusalem.

The same spirit in which he had purpose and resolve, now also binds him.

“O soul are you weary and troubled, no light in the darkness you see?”

This is the first record of the Holy Spirit having testified to Paul in every city — of the things that he will face in Jerusalem.

Is the Holy Spirit warning Paul to set a different course? To not go to Jerusalem?

Or is the Holy Spirit guiding Paul to Jerusalem while at the same time, preparing him for what he will endure?

What do we make of this?

We know Paul has a mission and a ministry that the Lord Jesus has given to him to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Nowhere in that clarity of mission does Paul indicate that God requires him to go to Jerusalem to do that.

Indeed Paul has already proclaimed God’s grace in many other places, and there are many other places yet to go — other than Jerusalem.

Why is Paul so set on going there? Especially being warned already about what will take place?

Acts 21 reveals the continuation of Paul’s journey to Jerusalem.

I. Acts 21:1-4

Verse 1 begins by saying:

Acts 21:1 (ESV)

“And when we had parted from them.”

This speaks of Paul and his companion’s departure from the Ephesian elders.

It was a prayerful departure. They had knelt down and prayed. There was much weeping on the part of all. They embraced Paul and kissed him, and were sorrowful that they would not see his face again. And they had accompanied him to the ship. (Acts 20:36-38).

And then Luke writes “we had parted from.”

That word “we had parted” means “we tore ourselves away” (LN/BDAG).

This was not an easy departure.

We can understand this when we depart from family that lives far away after visiting for a short time.

When it is time to leave, we hug at the door. We say goodbye.

We load up the car. And say goodbye.

We get in the car and turn it on, rolling down the window to say goodbye.

We drive down the driveway, stop, and look back — to wave again and say goodbye.

And then the moment comes when we have to tear ourselves away — when we have to turn out of the driveway and depart, knowing that we will not see them again for some time.

Acts 21:1–3 ESV

1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo.

This description of travel was enjoyed by the ancient readers but for us it highlights the obvious — this was a journey. A process. Travel took time.

Travelers found, waited for, and joined whatever ship was heading in the direction they needed to go.

At times the course was straight. At times they experienced delays. At times they had to stop and stay at points along the way.

Lest we be too quick to arrive where we believe God would have us to go --- take note — this life of faith is like a JOURNEY.

Though the desires of our heart may compel us to hurry, though God may give us glimpses of what is to come, we must wait, and embrace God’s process and journey.

Even the journey of our salvation — We know, on the authority and promise of God’s Word — what we will be. —- But what we WILL BE we are NOT YET.

What we will be, we will be, in God’s timing, as a result of God’s process — God’s sanctification, God’s work.

Even when God guides us, we do not arrive where we need to be before the right time.

God sees the end from the beginning. And in these accounts of journeys, we are reminded that we are not God.

Acts 21:4 ESV

4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.

This is an interesting verse.

First, Luke writes “having sought out the disciples.”

This word “sought out” is only used twice in the New Testament.

It is what the shepherds did after receiving news from the angels that the Christ was born in Bethlehem. They went to Bethlehem, and they found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger (Lk 2:16).

They went looking for the Christ. They sought him out.

Paul went looking for the disciples, intentionally searching for them.

The disciples did not come to Paul in Tyre. They were not planted outside the sea port with signs waiting for Paul and his companions to disembark from the ship.

More importantly, they were not there waiting to warn Paul about his plans to go to Jerusalem.

Sometimes we are tempted to think that if God wants to make his will known to us he’ll make it known — we don’t have to search for it.

But it was only after searching for disciples, and finding them, and staying with them for seven days that verse 4 says the disciples: “kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem” (Acts 20:4b).

They kept telling Paul "through the Spirit.” -

This is not an opinion on the part of the disciples. This was the work of the Holy Spirit, using them to warn Paul.

And “through the Spirit” they tell Paul not to set foot in Jerusalem.

If the Holy Spirit moved Paul to go to Jerusalem, is the Spirit now contradicting himself?

If Paul purposed to go to Jerusalem in his own spirit, is the Holy Spirit now warning Paul to change course?

What do we make of this group of disciples whose message “through the Spirit” seemingly contradicts Paul’s intentions in the spirit?

Should Paul heed this counsel?

Are these disciples, whose message agrees with what the Holy Spirit has already said to Paul, in the right? Is Paul wrong to go to Jerusalem?

What is the Lord’s will?

Nothing further is said about it. And Paul’s course is not altered.

II. Acts 21:5-6

Acts 21:5–6 ESV

5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.

For a second time in recent events, there is a visible kneeling down and praying with Paul.

And they pray on the beach. They feel freedom to pray anywhere when there is a need for prayer (A.Ross).

Throughout this journey of Paul, where there is a tension of wills, notice that there is mention again of kneeling to pray by them all.

As with the elders of the Ephesian church, now with the disciples and families of believers in Tyre — they all pray.

Perhaps this is a clue for us as readers, to see that what Paul does, on his journey, he does in prayer. He does in constant communication with the Lord. He does with the prayer support of others.

Paul’s journey is not void of constant prayer. Paul’s seeking the Lord’s way is done prayerfully.

We can’t possibly know the will of God, or have discernment of His leading, if we do not pray — and if we do not even pray with those who have seemingly contradictory opinions, views or counsel!

Prayer has a way of bringing unity and agreement to all parties involved.

By tuning our differences in interpretations of God’s will into an agreement of purpose to seek God’s will above our own.

III. Acts 21:7-9

Acts 21:7–9 ESV

7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.

Philip is “one of the seven.” Philip has been introduced to us as readers of Acts before.

This is a direct link back to Acts 6 when a need arose in the church and seven men, full of faith and of the Holy Spirit were chosen as servants, appointed to a specific duty to meet a need of neglected widows.

Philip was one of seven, along with Stephen who was martyred, to serve as deacons.

Philip was the one in Acts 8 who the Spirit positioned in such a place and time to meet the Ethiopian eunuch and lead him to faith in Jesus.

Philip was the one who passed through preaching the gospel to “all the towns” until he came to Caesarea (Acts 8:40).

And now in Caesarea, he is found, and remembered as being one of the seven, but is also called “the evangelist.”

We can speculate as to whether or not Philip knew Paul before now, but the Paul that Philip knew was the one witnessing and approving the stoning of Philip’s fellow deacon, Stephen.

But now, by the grace of God, Paul the apostle enters the house of Philip the evangelist and stays with him.

Philip has four unmarried daughters who prophesied.

Much can be learned about what it means to prophesy, but in the scope of Acts, in the four occurrences of the word, prophesying is used in relationship to the presence and outpouring and work of the Holy Spirit.

The message of their prophesying is not given — so the meaning for us is that the Spirit was present with Philip and his house.

IV. Acts 21:10-12

Acts 21:10–12 ESV

10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.

Agabus’ message is more direct than the disciples of Tyre.

Agabus, identified as a prophet, uses the words: “Thus says the Holy Spirit.”

His message is not that Paul should not set foot in Jerusalem, but instead — it is a message of what will happen when Paul gets there.

Notice that what on the surface reads like a warning IF Paul should go to Jerusalem, is upon closer look, a first record of certainty that Paul WILL go to Jerusalem.

Now God — the Holy Spirit — foretells through a prophet NOT what MIGHT happen, but what WILL happen at Jerusalem.

God would not speak this if it would not come to pass.

The only question is whether or not Agabus is a true prophet of God. If Agabus is speaking God’s word, it will be known when what he speaks takes place when Paul gets to Jerusalem.

There is no indication that Paul has any certainty as to whether Agabus is a true prophet, but his coming to Philip’s house, and Philip’s daughters prophesying, leads us to believe that this is truly the message of the Spirit.

Paul has pressed on through several warnings to get to this point.

But now — in what appears to be a final warning form Agabus — is instead a glimmer of guidance — and certainty — that Paul is doing what the Lord desires for him to do.

For us, as we seek discernment of God’s will, we may have to wrestle for awhile with the conflicting views of what God’s will is for our life — between what we believe is of God, and what others believe is of God.

But through praying, and listening to others, but even pressing on — the time will come where God’s guidance is made clear.

Yet even after this, in verse 12 — Paul’s companions, and even Luke, miss the guidance in Agabus’ message. They still see it as optional.

Acts 21:12 ESV

12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.

This is now the fourth set of warnings for Paul against going to Jerusalem.

First from the Holy Spirit in the towns Paul travelled to.

Second from the disciples in Tyre.

Third from Agabus a prophet — with what on the surface appears to be a final warning.

But lastly from Paul’s own traveling companions.

So Paul comes to this conclusion, and in verse 13 he speaks and responds again, much like he did in Acts 20:24 when he said:

Acts 20:24 LEB

24 But I consider my life as worth nothing to myself, in order to finish my mission and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Reinforcing this resolve, verse 13:

Conclusion: Acts 21:13-14

Acts 21:13 ESV

13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

“to break the heart” is an expression for saying that these are causing Paul great sorrow and grief (LN). They are breaking his heart in pieces.

But Paul is ready. Paul is prepared. He is prepared not only to be bound, but also to die — for the name of the Lord Jesus in Jerusalem.

And herein is another clue to discerning God’s guidance, and we see it in Paul’s purpose.

Paul’s going to Jerusalem, is not motivated by his own purposes, but is motivated by the name of the Lord Jesus. For Paul, Jerusalem is part of His mission.

Acts 21:14 ESV

14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

Because Paul was convinced that his going to Jerusalem was as a representative of the name of the Lord Jesus — everyone becomes silent, not to attempt to persuade Paul any longer — but they commit Paul’s fate and future to the will of the Lord.

“Let the will of the Lord be done.”

How do we know what God’s will is?

How do we know if what we purpose to do is God’s guiding, or our own desires?

How do we know if the voice in our spirit is right, or if we should listen to the multitude of other voices speaking something different?

I wish I could give you a biblical formula, or a set of instructions to help you know that.

I wish I could save you the heart ache and sorrow that goes along with that journey.

But while we can learn about the necessity of prayer along the way, and perseverance along the way, and the way God guides through prophesy and counsel —

the only resolution the Scripture offers here is to come to a place where you and others can all agree — to “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

In that statement, is faith — that God’s will WILL be done.

That no matter what course you set, or believe you are led into, will alter God’s will from being accomplished. In that statement is a conviction that we cannot mess up God’s plan for our lives if we are living for the purpose of His name.

Paul’s experience is very much like the experience of our Lord.

At a time in Jesus’ ministry, Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem.

Jesus knew what awaited him there.

Jesus knew that in Jerusalem he would accomplish the work he was sent to do.

Before Jesus took upon himself the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of man, he knew his purpose for taking on humanity would culminate in death on a cross — when he went to Jerusalem.

And before he would be nailed to the cross, he fell to his knees in a garden — and prayed.

Luke 22:42 ESV

42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

Jesus knew what the Father’s will was. Yet in his humanity he still prayed that what would be — would be removed from him.

But knowing that the cross was his Father’s will — he prayed: “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.”

He prayed for the purpose of God to be done in him — for the glory of the Father.

Proposition

The Holy Spirit gives us certainty of God’s will, by empowering us to say “may the will of the Lord be done.”