Episode #110. Today we’ll read Acts chapter 21 together. The disciples predict that harm will come to Paul in Jerusalem, he tries his best to prove he is not contradicting the law of Moses, and another mob creates chaos and misinformation.
Transcript
Joy: You’re listening to the Lifting Her Voice podcast, Episode #110. Today we’ll read Acts chapter 21 together: The disciples predict that harm will come to Paul in Jerusalem; he tries his best to prove he is not contradicting the law of Moses; and another mob creates chaos and misinformation.
Welcome to the Lifting Her Voice podcast. I’m your host, Joy Miller, and I invite you to grab your Bible and join me as we simply read God’s word together. Some things require discipline and sometimes that’s just not easy to muster by yourself, no matter how badly you want to do it or how much you know you should. It’s just easier to do it with a friend. So refill your coffee or tea, get comfortable in your favorite chair and follow along as I read aloud. I’m so glad you’re here!
Welcome
Why does the name of Jesus Christ create such an uproar? There was vitriol 2000 years ago and the same vehemence is spewed today. I just read an interesting article by R.C. Sproul called Why Did the Pharisees Hate Jesus So Much? He gave three reasons but the third, I think, really resonated. He says, in part, “Those who were in positions of power and authority, as the Pharisees and Sadducees were, feared losing their power and authority. The Jewish leaders feared the consequences of a revolt against Rome. That’s on almost every page of the New Testament.” And we indeed see it continue here as Paul carries out the ministry to which he was called. People – all people – do really crazy things when they’re afraid of giving up their power and control.
If you’re struggling with giving up that control, I want to encourage you today. You can trust Him and you don’t have to be afraid.
Acts Chapter 21:
Warnings on the Journey to Jerusalem
After we tore ourselves away from them, we set sail straight for Cos, the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. Finding a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we boarded and set sail. After we sighted Cyprus, passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria and arrived at Tyre, since the ship was to unload its cargo there. We sought out the disciples and stayed there seven days. Through the Spirit they told Paul not to go to Jerusalem. When our time had come to an end, we left to continue our journey, while all of them, with their wives and children, accompanied us out of the city. After kneeling down on the beach to pray, we said farewell to one another and boarded the ship, and they returned home.
The Man Who Owns This Belt
When we completed our voyage from Tyre, we reached Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed with them for a day. The next day we left and came to Caesarea, where we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven, and stayed with him. This man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
After we had been there for several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. He came to us, took Paul’s belt, tied his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him over to the Gentiles.’” When we heard this, both we and the local people pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem.
Breaking Paul’s heart
Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Since he would not be persuaded, we said no more except, “The Lord’s will be done.”
Conflict over the Gentile Mission
After this we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us and brought us to Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to stay.
When we reached Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters welcomed us warmly. The following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. After greeting them, he reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
When they heard it, they glorified God and said, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law. But they have been informed about you — that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or to live according to our customs. So what is to be done?
Do what we tell you
They will certainly hear that you’ve come. Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have made a vow. Take these men, purify yourself along with them, and pay for them to get their heads shaved. Then everyone will know that what they were told about you amounts to nothing, but that you yourself are also careful about observing the law. With regard to the Gentiles who have believed, we have written a letter containing our decision that they should keep themselves from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality.”
The Riot in the Temple
So the next day, Paul took the men, having purified himself along with them, and entered the temple, announcing the completion of the purification days when the offering would be made for each of them. When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd, and seized him, shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people, our law, and this place. What’s more, he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.
The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul, dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut.
Taken into custody
As they were trying to kill him, word went up to the commander of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in chaos. Taking along soldiers and centurions, he immediately ran down to them. Seeing the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. Then the commander approached, took him into custody, and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He asked who he was and what he had done. Some in the crowd were shouting one thing and some another. Since he was not able to get reliable information because of the uproar, he ordered him to be taken into the barracks. When Paul got to the steps, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, for the mass of people followed, yelling, “Get rid of him!”
Paul’s Defense before the Jerusalem Mob
As he was about to be brought into the barracks, Paul said to the commander, “Am I allowed to say something to you?”
He replied, “You know how to speak Greek? Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt some time ago and led four thousand men of the Assassins into the wilderness?”
Paul said, “I am a Jewish man from Tarsus of Cilicia, a citizen of an important city. Now I ask you, let me speak to the people.”
After he had given permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people. When there was a great hush, he addressed them in Aramaic.
Closing Thoughts
I needed my map today too! If you’re Googling, you’ll want to search Paul’s Third Missionary Journey. That will give you the map you need. I want to keep close track of Paul as he heads to Jerusalem and trudges on toward Rome. Several of the disciples at this point had pleaded that Paul not go to Jerusalem and they were right in the detriment they predicted. However, more powerful than prophecy is the visit Paul had from the Lord in Chapter 18. The encouragement, confidence, and single-mindedness that Paul must have gained from that vision seemed to go beyond Corinth to help him now in Caesarea and in facing Jerusalem.
The thing I’m noticing about these mobs is that no one seemed to stop and ask whether Paul was actually guilty of what the instigators were accusing him of. There was so much chaos that even the commander assumed he was someone else. I said it before and I’ll say it again: Nothing good comes from mob rule. We’re not done with this particular angry crowd, but we’ll have to wait until tomorrow for the conclusion.
Prayer
Let’s pray. Father, You and I know I misspoke when I said that nothing good comes from a mob, because You are in control. When you’re purpose is being served, all things really do work together for good. As we’ll see in the remaining chapters of Acts, Your hand of protection was constantly on him. And thank You for that…because of Paul’s dedication to Your calling, the Gentiles had – and have – hope. We give all the glory to You. Amen.
Thank you for joining me here today. I pray God will grow in you what has been planted and watered here. In this time of unprecedented struggle worldwide, we can look to God for guidance and comfort. Be sensitive to those in your circle of influence who need a word of encouragement and invite them to join us. If you like this show, it would be great if you give it a five-star review. Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. See you right here tomorrow. Be well!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible(r), Copyright (c) 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible(r) and CSB(r) are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Show Notes
- Awesome Video of Solomon’s Temple
- These will help! Overview videos of all books of the Bible
Visit
Bible Study Resources
- CSB Study Bible – Hardcover or Kindle!
- The Bible Project’s Bible Basics – Free!
- Every Bible You Could Ever Want!
- The Bible Hub – Free!
- Bible Study Tools – Free!
- The Bible Project– Free!
Other Resources
- Want to use your tablet for Bible reading? Consider Kindle .
- I love Audible! Try it for free!
- Want it? FaithGear has it!
- Wear your faith! Christian Strong
- Bet Hannon Business Websites designed and maintains my website.
- Title of song used in the podcast is 3 Joys & the Truth, by Daniel O’Connor
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase anything, I may get a small commission. This does not cost you anything and it helps offset the costs of the podcast. Thank you in advance.
View my Broadcast License.
Leave a Reply