Tag Archives: Acts

Acts 27- Calm in the Storm

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But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Acts 27:21-25

Here in Chapter 27 we see Paul being taken to Rome on a ship to see Caesar. Now during the trip, Paul has a prophetic moment and warns them this trip would be dangerous and potentially life threatening. However the pilot and the owner of the ship decided to continue on due to the winter season that was coming. During the trip, as expected , they got caught in a violent storm for days. The passengers all began throwing the cargo overboard to try and prevent from sinking the boat

The passengers haven’t eaten for days and were all worn down by battling the storm for days. However Paul gave them good news. An angel gave Paul a message that nobody would perish during this storm. God reminded Paul he must still stand before Caesar, you see God’s will must be done, God is always in control!

Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. Acts 27:26-29

I think its interesting in verse 29 , many translations say “they prayed for daylight” rather than wish. Could some of these men have become converted during this storm? Often many of us find God during the worst times in our life, not the easiest time in our life.

And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. Acts 27:35-38

The next interesting thing we see here, is before they ate, Paul blessed the bread and broke it, just like Communion. Were these men now converted and partaking in the Lords Supper? I could be looking to far into this, but its very intriguing for me

Even when your caught in the storm, God is with you! Often times we need to go through the storm to find the Calm in the storm, Jesus Christ! God promised to Paul, that he would be delivered, trust in The Lord and lean not on our own understanding! Jesus is the Calm in the storm, Amen!

Acts 26- Mad About Jesus

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And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Acts 26:24-27

Paul began to give his testimony to King Herod Agrippa, remember in the previous Chapter, Paul revealed his testimony about how he was a Pharisee persecuting the Christians, then on the road to Damascus he saw the light of Jesus (literally) and became Born Again. Then God called Paul to minister the gospel to the Gentiles and build his Kingdom

While Paul was preaching the gospel about the resurrection of Christ, Festus, who was the mediator for the Romans, interrupted Paul and told him “You are insane”! The gospel message can seem insane to those who are not drawn by the Holy Spirit. (John 6:44) For the natural man does not understand spiritual things. It was clear that Festus didn’t understand the gospel

Now Paul makes an interesting challenge to Festus, saying “You are familiar and believe the Prophets (Old Testament)? Basically Paul was making a point to Festus, if you truly believed the Old Testament, you would understand the gospel of Jesus Christ

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. Acts 26:28-31

King Agrippa makes a sarcastic claim to Paul “Can you convince me to be a Christian” ? Many people today make this same claim mockingly, however if people were truly and honestly searching for truth, they would know that Jesus is Risen and thats a historical fact. The hearts of those , like King Agrippa, who reject Christ are hardened. They don’t care about truth, they just care about themselves

Paul gave his testimony and preached the gospel that day, the seed was sown, the invitation was sent. However Paul can’t save these men, only God can save these men if the Holy Spirit draws them to Christ! 

Acts 25- Resurrection of Christ

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Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth. Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. Acts 25:17-20

Paul was now on trial at Caesarea with the Romans and the Jews, while King Agrippa was in town paying his respects to Festus, they reviewed Paul’s case. King Agrippa was a Herod, the family line of ruthless King Herod. King Agrippa was known for his persecution of Christians , however Festus wants to get King Agrippa’s opinion on Paul’s case before they send him to Caesar.

When it came time to prosecute Paul, the charge brought against him was believing in the resurrection of Christ! This shows you the importance of the resurrection of Christ, that the Jews wanted Paul dead for preaching the gospel. 

But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar. Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. Tomorrow, said he, thou shalt hear him. And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought forth. Acts 25:21-23

It’s interesting because God set up an appointment for Paul to preach the gospel to King Herod Agrippa. Even the Herods have no excuse when they stand before The Lord on judgment day, as the gospel was preached. It’s amazing Paul has been in prison now for over 2 years, and on trial in front of the Roman royalty, and his only charge is really being a Christian! 

And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write. For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him. Acts 25:24-27

The Jews wanted Paul to be put to death, but as his trial revealed Pauls only crime is being a Christian. God is using this moment to glorify Christ and to bring revelation of his gospel to the Gentile nations

If you were on trial today for your faith, would you be found guilty as a Christian? Is there enough evidence to prove you are a Christian? Be not afraid for God is with you in Jesus name Amen!

Acts 24- Paul on Trial

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But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. Acts 24:14-16

In Chapter 24 we see Paul is on trial for his faith in Christ. The Jewish highpriest Ananias hired a lawyer to prosecute Paul with false accusations. The Jews tried to accuse Paul of causing riots and desecrating The Temple. However as Paul stated there is nobody who can prove these allegations because they are all false. Paul goes on to try and explain Christianity worships the same God of Israel, however Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets. 

The question is, if you were put on trial for Christ, would you be found guilty? Would there be enough evidence of your faith to prove you are a Christian? As the Apostle James taught “Faith without works is dead” (James 2) If there is no evidence of our faith, do we really have faith? Pauls clear devotion to Christ is evident by the response he received everywhere he went

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day. Acts 24:17-21

As Paul states he wasn’t the one who started the riot, and also Paul was ceremonially clean when he entered the Temple of God.  The only thing Paul confessed to was bringing up the topic of the resurrection. As there is a big theological divide between the Pharisees and the Sadducees about this topic. 

And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. Acts 24:22-25

Its interesting to see Felix’s response when Paul shared the gospel of Christ with him, it says “Felix trembled or became frightened” When Felix became convicted of his sin by hearing the gospel of Christ his reaction was to reject Christ. This is why many people have such a strong reaction against Christianity, it shines the light of truth on the darkness of our sin

Paul will remain in prison for several years because the Romans have no idea what to do with him. Are you willing to spend your life in chains for Christ? Are you willing to be persecuted or even lay down your life? As Paul said “Endure hardship as a soldier of Christ” “Fight the good fight of faith” Amen!

Acts 23- God Saves Paul

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But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. Acts 23:6-8

Paul was in a tough spot, but he knew one quick way to divide a crowd, have a theological debate! Paul , who was a Pharisee, knew that the Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection or the supernatural world. So the best way to beat them is to divide them, and he started a huge theological argument between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. 

Sadly many of our Churches are like this today, divided over theological differences and interpretations. It shows you how foolish it looks, how can we be one Body of Christ, when we can’t fellowship over differences of opinion.

And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God. And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. Acts 23:9-11

The only way you can explain these events is God saved Paul. The crowd was angry and they were looking to “pull Paul into pieces” however all of sudden, the Pharisees and the Romans decided to take compassion on Paul and save him. And we know God was with Paul because later than The Lord spoke to Paul “Take Courage, you must testify about me in Rome” meaning God was not done with Paul yet, he still had another mission for him, therefore Paul was still alive no matter what man wanted to do to him! Gods divine providence!

No matter what is going on in your life, God has the final say, He can make a way when there seems to be no way! We see this here in Pauls story, the religious leaders and the crowd, were looking to kill Paul, but God saved him, because he had a purpose for his life. The fact that you are still alive today, means God still has a purpose and plan for your life! Follow Christ and fulfill your calling Amen!

Acts 22- Paul’s Deliverance

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And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: Acts 22:17-19

As we read in the past Chapters, God has been warning Paul about coming to Jerusalem, yet he insisted on going there anyway. However now The Lord decided to step in and tell Paul, “Get out of Jerusalem”! I think Paul finally got the message, however now God is gonna have to save him from the Romans and the Jews, as Paul has the whole city of Jerusalem stirred up for preaching the gospel

Can we relate to this? When the Holy Spirit keeps telling us to do this or not do this, but we don’t listen, we end up creating a disaster for ourselves. God knows alot more than we can ever know, we need to be obedient and put our faith and trust in Him

And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. Acts 22:20-22

Paul still felt guilty for the murder of Stephen, he still takes the blame for his death. However we must all remember , that God has forgiven us of our sins through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes its harder to forgive ourselves than for God to forgive us. But God had a bigger plan for Paul, to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, the New Covenant!

And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air, The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him. And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. Acts 22:23-26

 While things looked bad for Paul, God still had a plan for his life and delivered him. Even though Paul was a Jew , he was also a Roman Citizen, this actually saved his life. Once the centurion realized Paul was a Roman Citizen they saved him from being killed by the Jews

God works in mysterious ways, even when we don’t see a way, God can make a way. God had a bigger plan for Pauls life and used him as a vessel to preach the gospel to the Gentiles Amen!

Acts 22- Paul’s Testimony

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I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. Acts  22:2-6

One of the strongest pieces of evidence for God is our personal testimony. Most of us have a testimony how they came to Christ and he changed their life. Well here in Chapter 22 , Paul is sharing his testimony, how he literally saw the light, had a “come to Jesus” moment, and his life was transformed forever.

One reason Paul was so successful in his evangelism , is his educational background. As Paul shares, he was trained in the Torah by a Rabbi named Gamaliel. Now according  to Jewish historian Josephus, also the Talmud, and the New Testament, Rabbi Gamaliel was well respected among the Jewish community, and he  was the grandson of other famous Jewish Rabbis. Point is Paul was training to be a Pharisee, and was trained by some of the best Rabbis of the time. Because of Pauls extensive knowledge of the Old Testament scriptures, he was able to effectively display how Jesus was the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies throughout the Bible

And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. Acts 22:7-10

When we have a “Come to Jesus” moment, our lives are never the same. We can’t encounter Christ and not be changed, our soul has longed for reconciliation with God, and only Jesus can provide this. Notice Pauls response “Lord what shall I do”? Are we asking Jesus, how can I serve you? What can I do for your Kingdom? 

And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. Acts 22:11-14

Before Paul could be restored , he first needed to be broken! Many of us also need to be broken before we can be fixed by Jesus. Paul was blinded by The Light, and then the scales fell off his eyes and now he can see through the eyes of God. This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Paul had the head knowledge about God, but he didn’t have the Holy Spirit. Now he’s become Born Again and become a new creation for Christ!

For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:15-16

One of the great evidences of Christ’s resurrection is the testimony of Paul’s life. A devout Pharisee , saw the Risen Jesus on the road to Damascus and was transformed forever, taking the gospel to the unclean Gentiles. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can transform a life like this!

As Jesus said to Paul “Arise , be baptized and wash away your sins in the name of The Father, Son , and Holy Spirit” Amen!

Acts 21- The Gospel Rejected

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And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. Acts 21:27-30

As was prophesied earlier in the book of Acts by the Holy Spirit, Paul was going to be persecuted when he came to Jerusalem. Now as we see , over and over again, the Jews are persecuting Paul and rejecting Christ, because they don’t understand the gospel. They keep accusing Paul of blaspheming The Torah, but they don’t understand it was Moses himself who prophesied about Jesus coming

The orthodox Jews clearly didn’t understand the prophecies of the New Covenant foretold by Moses, Jeremiah, and Isaiah. So because of their lack of understanding , they rejected Christ and tried to kill off the Christians including Paul. If only they allowed the Holy Spirit to reveal who Jesus truly is, but they hardened their hearts!

And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. Acts 21:31-33

Jerusalem was in total chaos because of the gospel of Christ, this is the reaction you will get when the light is shed into the darkness. The Jews were about to kill Paul, but once Rome heard of the chaos, they came to restore order. Paul was now bound in chains, just as prophesied by the Holy Spirit in the earlier chapter

And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him. Acts 21:34-36

This scene reminds you of when Jesus was on trial, the Jews were crying out to have Paul killed off, because they rejected the gospel. But Paul knew this going to Jerusalem , he was prepared to lay down his life for Christ, in fact he considered a great honor to die for The Lord

It’s interesting to think about , the Orthodox Jews were zealous for God, yet their actions were in opposition to God. Are you like Paul, ready to be in Chains for The Lord? Are you ready to lay down your life for Christ, if its your time? Press on to our higher calling Amen!

Acts 21- The Gentiles Grafted In

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And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: Acts 21:17-20

Paul finally reached Jerusalem and the Christians received him with open arms. Its interesting to note that the Apostle James oversaw the Church in Jerusalem. So when Paul came to Jerusalem , of course he came to speak to James and the other Christians. Paul shared with James how the Gentiles have been grafted into the family of God through Jesus Christ

Of course the orthodox Jews were not happy with the new Gentile believers, because they wanted them under The Law instead of under Grace. If you remember the Council of Jerusalem , back in Acts 15, the Apostles already established that Gentiles did not have to live under the Torah. But again we are going to see this debate again, as we still see this  debate today

And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. Acts 21:21-24

The orthodox Jews were accusing Paul of teaching the Gentiles to forsake the teachings of Moses. These Jews didn’t understand that Moses taught about the coming of Jesus, and they God would raise up someone greater than Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15) The Jews were trying to keep the Gentiles bound to The Law, the same yoke that they were unable to bear themselves

As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.  Acts 21:25-26

Paul taught that the Gentiles are not under The Torah, the Christian Gentiles are to just avoid sexual immorality and not eat any sacrifices to idols. Why? Because Christians live under Grace and are filled with the Holy Spirit. The Law of God is written in our hearts not of stone anymore

Many still today don’t understand that Jesus paid it all, that Jesus fulfilled The Law (Matthew 5:17) so that we can be set free from the penalty of the Law , which is death Amen!

Acts 21- City of God

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And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Acts 21:8-12

While Paul was on his journey to Jerusalem, he stopped and visited Philip the evangelist. While he was staying there a prophet named Agabus, stopped and gave Paul a prophecy that he would be taken prisoner by the Jews and handed over to the Gentiles. The Christians who heard this pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem.

Earlier in this chapter when Paul was visiting Christians in Tyre, by the Holy Spirit they pleaded with him also to not go to Jerusalem. It’s interesting though Paul still continued his journey despite several warnings by the Holy Spirit. Was Paul really doing the will of God or was God testing Paul? Its interesting to ponder, but Paul kept saying “Let the will of The Lord be done”

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done. And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.Acts 21:13-16

Paul didn’t want anyone to weep over him, because Paul was ready to die for the Lord Jesus Christ! Paul ran his race and now was ready to finish his work, but it was only by the will of The Lord and not his own. Its amazing how focused Paul was on God’s eternal kingdom and not focused on this temporary world

Notice also how Jerusalem is the center of the world in Paul’s eyes. Even though Paul evangelized all throughout Asia Minor, he wanted to end his ministry in Jerusalem, the city of God. Just as the Bible said Jesus would return on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4) It’s interesting Jerusalem has and always will be the City of God and the center of prophecy