21 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.”
15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.
POINTS OF INTEREST
- Chapter 21 consists of Paul’s journey to Jerusalem after leaving the Ephesian elders at Miletus. From V4,7,8,16, we find that Paul met with believers and had fellowship with them in the cities where his ship made port on the way to Jerusalem. We learn that Paul enjoyed fellowship with the brothers and sisters. We too should develop a deeper relationship and have regular fellowship with each other too.
- V5-6 What a beautiful scene we can see here – having been able to bond with others for just seven days, the disciples at Tyre, together with their wives and children, knelt down and prayed at the dockside for Paul. What a deep bond in the Lord we can have! Prayer is the best gift we can give to brothers and sisters when they leave us for a long journey.
- V7-8 As he was full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, Philip was one of the seven men chosen to serve as deacons (Acts 6:1-6). He was an evangelist and had 4 daughters who were given the gift of prophesy. It seems like such a blessing that not only himself, but also his children, were able to serve the Lord together as a team. As said in the book of Joshua 24:15, ‘But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’
- V10-13 Although Paul was forewarned by Agabus the prophet and many other disciples that he would be prosecuted in Jerusalem, he did not listen but responded that he was ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus (v13). How precious is Paul’s determination and zealous heart for our Lord! Today we may not be asked to die for the Lord but there may be times when we need to surrender something precious for the Lord in order to follow Him.
submitted by Terry
PRAYING IN FAITH
For Yourself
Pray for yourself that you can have a determination to follow Jesus no matter what happens.
For your five
Pray for your five can serve for the Lord together with their family members.
For our church
Pray that God may lead our church to have a deeper bond in Christ.