Abide Together: Reflections on Acts 21

In Acts 21, Paul continues his 3rd missionary journey. HE stopped at many sites along the way, including Caesarea.  Here Agabus prophesied that Paul would be bound by the Jews and be handed over to the Gentiles (Romans). His friends begged him not to continue on to Jerusalem, but Paul let them know that he was ready die for the name of the Lord Jesus.  Paul and his traveling companions continued on to Jerusalem where Paul recounted to James and all the elders what God had done among the Gentiles through his journey.  The elders were concerned that the Jews in Jerusalem would arrest Paul, because it was falsely reported that Paul was teaching Jews to forsake the Law and not circumcise their children.  Paul took a vow and purified himself and went to the Temple.  A larger crowd of Jews saw him and attacked him.  A Roman Commander rescued him from the crowd and began investigating the charges against Paul.  The thing that sticks out to me is Paul’s willingness to do whatever it took to get the Gospel to more people, even die for the name of the Lord Jesus.  In the United States many Christians are not willing to undergo minor persecution for the name of Jesus Christ, let alone give their life.  Lord, grant me and other followers of Jesus the same desire and power as Paul to do whatever it takes to get the Gospel to more people.

– Bryan McKenzie