In Acts 21–23, Paul concluded his third missionary journey and made his way to Jerusalem despite the caution of his fellow believers (21:4, 12) and knowing the danger he would face (21:11, 13). Once in the city, he underwent a ritual purification in an attempt to unify the believers (21:26). Jews from Asia stirred up the crowd and nearly beat him to death (21:32) but he was instead arrested (21:33). Paul gave his testimony to the Sanhedrin but they could not bear his talk of going to the Gentiles (22:22). He was almost flogged (22:25) and a plot on his life was discovered (23:16). But God assured him he would testify in Rome (23:11). Even though the Roman centurion could find no legal charge against him (23:29), Paul was transferred to Governor Felix in Caesarea.

Paul’s Determination

The Holy Spirit compelled Paul to go to Jerusalem (20:22) but the believers feared for his life.

We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. (21:4–5)

Coming over to us, [Agabus] took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. (21:11-12)

Paul knew the risks yet he obeyed the Lord.

Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” (21:13–14)

When have you obeyed God even though you knew it was risky and people tried to convince you not to proceed?

Philip’s Daughters

Once again, the writer, Luke, highlights women involved in the church. I wish he added more details about the daughters of Philip and how they exercised their prophetic gifts. But their ministry was important and proves that women played a vital role.¹

Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. (21:8–9)

How do the women in your life exercise their gifts?

Reporting

As a supported ministry worker, I know the importance of reporting on my work to those who pray and give. Together we can rejoice as we see God work. I’m also soon publishing a book that describes what God did during the twelve years I served overseas.

Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. When they heard this, they praised God. (21:19–20)

What can you report that God has done? To whom?

Opposition

Paul experienced more trouble in Jerusalem.

• Jews from Asia stirred up the crowd and seized Paul, accusing him of teaching against the Jewish law and defiling the temple (21:27–28).
• Then people came from everywhere, seized Paul, dragged him from the temple, and beat him in an attempt to kill him (21:30–32).
• Saving Paul from the crowd, the Roman commander arrested Paul and put him in chains (21:33).
• The violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. (21:35)
• Then there was that little incident where Paul was almost flogged until he told the commander he was a Roman citizen (22:24–25)!
• And then his interrogation by the Sanhedrin “became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them” (23:10).
• Next, “some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul” (23:12–15). This time he was saved by his nephew who overheard the plot and reported it (23:16–20).
• Finally, Paul was transferred to Governor Felix under armed guard even though “there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment.” (23:27–29)

Yet Paul knew God wanted him to testify in Rome (23:11) and so he persevered. God used unlikely methods, such as his citizenship, his nephew, and a Roman centurion to protect him.

What unlikely methods has God used to help you persevere in your mission?

Who are you, Lord?

Paul recounted his testimony of conversion to the Sanhedrin (22). During his encounter with Jesus, he asked, “Who are you, Lord?” (22:8).

‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied.

This is a good question for me to contemplate. How does God answer me when I ask “Who are you, Lord”?

• I am Jehovah-Rohi, your Good Shepherd. I lay down my life for you. I know you by name.
• I am Elohim-Shomri, your Protector. I fight off those who attack you. You are safe with me.
• I am Jehovah-Tsidkenu, your Righteousness. I lead you in the right paths that are good for you.
• I am Jehovah-Shalom, your Peace. I bring restoration and flourishing to your soul by guiding you to green pastures of rest and quiet streams of living water.
• I am Jehovah-Shammah, the one who is with you always. I never leave you. I won’t forsake you—even in death. You need not be afraid.
• I am Parakletos, your Comforter. Be comforted because I will ward off prey with my rod, and direct you away from danger with my staff.
• I am Jehovah-Jireh, your Provider. I give you everything you need. Especially goodness and love which I provide in abundance until your cup overflows.
• I am Jehovah-Rapha, your Healer. I heal wounds, soothe hurts, forgive sins, and fill you with my Spirit.
• I am your Temple. I dwell in you and you dwell in me forever. (Ps 23)

I want God to reveal his true self to me. Not just who I want him to be or who I’ve been told he is. After all these years of following him, I know him more now than at any other time in my life yet he is still complex and greater than my understanding. At the same time, he makes himself known to me. He reveals himself in his Word and through my life experiences. He is grand and yet also near, close, and intimate.

How does God answer when you ask who he is?

What shall I do, Lord?

Paul then asked, “What shall I do, Lord?” (22:10).

"Get up," the Lord said, "and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do." (22:10)

“Quick!" he said. "Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me." (22:17–18)

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ” (22:21)

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (23:11)

I see here that God revealed his plan to Paul one step at a time. When have you had to obey God one step at a time? Can you trust that he will reveal the next steps when he is ready to?

Like the first question, I asked this one of the Lord. What shall I do? He seemed to reply:

Know me (Jn 10:14). Learn my voice and listen to it (Jn 10:4). Follow me to places of restoration. Lie down in green pastures. Walk on the right paths. Don’t be afraid of evil. Dwell in my house forever. Let me guide and care for you. Stay close to me. Trust me. (Ps 23)

How does God answer when you ask, “What shall you do?“

Paul’s Conscience

Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” (23:1)

I want to follow God and obey him in such as way that my conscience is clear. Can you say the same?

Conclusion

I leave you with the references to believing found in these chapters:

Many thousands of Jews have believed (21:20)
I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death. (22:4)
Be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name. (22:16)
You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. (22:15)

PRAYER

Father God, from these chapters I see that ultimately you have a plan and you will carry it out. You will not let anyone stop or harm those you have called to do some task. You know we are fearful beings, so give us courage.

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1. For more on Philip’s daughters, see https://margmowczko.com/philips-prophesying-daughters/ ↩︎