Paul’s Burden to Open the Eyes of His People to the Gospel
Acts 21:1-36
October 30, 2022
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
Bible Baptist Church, Ballincollig, Cork, Ireland
I. Background (Acts 20:16)
A. Paul has a schedule to keep
B. Has just finished pouring out his heart in Acts chapter 20, one final time to the pastors and elders in Ephesus – wanted them to stay faithful in feeding and protecting the flock
C. Wants to arrive in Jerusalem by Pentecost (June) – 50 days after Passover/Easter
1. Acts 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
2. So many want to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem – so much history there, so much religion
3. But Paul wants to be in the centre of Judaism, on its biggest of holy days, to turn HIS people’s hearts towards Jesus their Messiah
4. Peter had preached in Jerusalem on that very day back in Acts 2
5. Paul wanted to try and preach there as well
D. So, he gets on a boat and heads south west through the Aegean Sea towards Jerusalem
II. Message
A. Journey to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1-9)
1. Leaving Miletus (Acts 21:1)
a. Acts 21:1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them [THE PASTORS OF THE CHURCHES IN EPHESUS], and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
b. Coos was the birthplace of the Greek physician Hippocrates – the Hippocratic Oath
c. Rhodes had a harbour where a massive 30m high statue to the Greek god Apollo stood – one of the seven wonders of the ancient world – now gone, only dust
2. To Tyre for a Rest (Acts 21:2-4)
a. Acts 21:2,3 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
b. Acts 21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days…
3. Warning! Don’t Go to Jerusalem! (Acts 21:4-6)
a. Acts 21:4-6 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.
b. Paul KNOWS he should not go to Jerusalem (Acts 20:22,23) And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
c. He has known it from the time he got saved (Acts 22:17-21) 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: 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.
d. Common sense says he should have stayed away from Jerusalem!
e. But his heart was burdened for his own people! (Romans 9:1-4)
1) Romans 9:1-4 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Who are Israelites;
2) I thank God that some men, some women are always burdened about people
a) About their lost family members
b) Burdened about their old church / religion – so zealous, yet so lost
c) About their nation – so empty of God
d) And then there are men who are burdened for the souls of people they have never met yet! But who need to hear how to be saved!
f. Paul believed with all his heart that the warnings were to protect his LIFE, not that he was sinning
g. There is a difference!
1) My God-given job is to REPROVE, REBUKE and EXHORT – don’t get mad at me when I am just doing my job
2) Let me rebuke you when you are doing something sinful and wrong
3) And let me WARN you when I see you doing something that could hurt you or your family – even though what you want to do may not be sinful
4) THAT is Biblical, and it keeps people safe!
4. Fellowshipping with Christians Along the Way (Acts 21:7-9)
a. The brethren in Ptolemais
1) Acts 21:7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
2) Took time out to just sit and fellowship with believers
3) Sometimes, Christians are few and far-between
b. Philip the evangelist
1) Acts 21:8,9 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.
2) An evangelist is a Gospel preacher, a soul-winner, who wins souls and starts churches
3) This is the deacon named Philip from Acts 6 – not the apostle Philip
4) This is the man who led the Ethiopian Eunuch to Christ in Acts 8
5) His four daughters were godly women
a) They had the gift of prophecy – they could tell the future
b) Women did prophecy, but not in a church – not as an authority / pastor
6) Men do the preaching and handle the leadership of a Bible believing church – that is GOD’S way, not mine!
7) God places everyone under authority
a) 1Corinthians 11:3-5 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered [WITHOUT SUBMISSION TO HER AUTHORITY] dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
b) 1Corinthians 14:34,35 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
8) They probably prophesied / warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem
B. The Warning of the Prophet Agabus (Acts 21:10-14)
1. Acts 21:10-14 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. 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.
2. Agabus is VERY concerned about Paul’s intention to go to Jerusalem
a. He loves Paul - Does not want him to be hurt
b. Sees what Paul was doing as the greatest work ever, reaching the Gentiles
c. Could not bear to know that Paul was about to abandon that work, for some stubborn Jews in Jerusalem
d. Many a man called to preach, is worried over by parents, and other Christians even!
3. Agabus uses an object to illustrate his warning
a. You have been free so far, to preach, to start churches, and turn the world upside down
b. The Roman law has been on your side – Romans have protected your rights so far
c. But in Jerusalem, Paul will be tired up and imprisoned, and at the mercy of Gentiles who were treacherous, and deadly in their treatment of trouble-makers
4. Paul steps into the Permissive Will of God
a. Paul was free IN the middle of the perfect will of God so far
b. But he couldn’t imagine being free while his people were so bound and blind!
c. He was not perfect in his life or even in his understanding of the New Covenant
d. But Paul was determined to open the eyes of his zealous people to who Jesus is
e. Even if it brought increased danger into his life
f. Thankfully, God works WITH our wills (Romans 8:28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
g. But only if our hearts are right!
h. Do NOT miss this truth!
C. The Jerusalem Conflict Begins (Acts 21:15-25)
1. Paul’s Gentile Friends (Acts 21:15,16)
a. Acts 21:15,16 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.
b. He has quite a few NON-Jews travelling with him and entering into Jerusalem with him
1) Trophimus from Ephesus
2) Sopater from Berea
3) Aristarcus, Secundus and Gaius and Timothy and Tychicus from Galatia
c. So Paul has brought an older Jewish believer named Mnason to introduce them to all the Jewish believers there
2. Initial Greeting in Jerusalem is Good (Acts 21:17-19)
a. Acts 21:17-19 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.
b. All the tens of thousands of Jewish believers in Jerusalem welcomed Paul and his men
c. Not afraid of him like they had been at first
d. Paul goes and visits with the head pastor, James, the half-brother of Jesus
e. Reviews the results of him preaching the Gospel all over Turkey and Greece for the past few years – so many got saved, and churches throughout Asia Minor and Greece!
f. But there were some accusations about Paul…
3. Paul Needs to Answer the Accusations (Acts 21:20-22)
a. Acts 21:20-22 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: 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.
b. Everyone was happy for Gentiles getting saved
1) You would think that would be the best thing to talk about
2) But James, and most of the believers in Jerusalem were hung-up on the Old Testament Law still
3) And obsessed with their own superiority above the Gentiles
a) These Jews were Believers in Jesus as their Saviour and Messiah
b) Yet still very zealous of living by the Mosaic Law
c. Paul was accused of:
1) Forsaking Moses – abandoning the Law Moses wrote (Exodus and Deuteronomy)
2) Not wanting Jews to be Jews at all anymore – no circumcision, or Jewish customs
3) To Jews, those were the worst of sins!
d. People are going to hear that you are in town, and it will cause a lot of confusion
4. James Has a Suggestion (Acts 21:23-25)
a. Acts 21:23-25 Do therefore this that we [THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH] 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. 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.
b. James explains that four other men have been “defiled” by eating with Gentiles
c. Asks Paul to PROVE to the Jews that he is still a good, law-abiding Jew
1) Walking orderly
2) And living according to the ceremonial laws of Moses – cleanse HIMSELF!!!
d. James knows full well that the Gentiles have their own rules to live by now “keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication…”
e. But he believed that it was important that Paul, and all Jews, even though saved, remain Jews
f. Uh oh
g. This put Paul in his first “BIND”
h. So what is Paul going to do? Skip Jerusalem, or try and earn their interest in what he had to say?
D. Paul’s Attempt at “Being a Jew to Win the Jews” (Acts 21:26-36)
1. Paul was a Jew by nationality, by birth, but not in religion anymore
a. He is neither Jewish, nor has he become a Gentile – he is a new Creature now – a CHRISTIAN!
1) Galatians 3:26-29 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
b. And every believing Gentile [THAT IS YOU AND ME] is equal with every natural born Jew, in receiving the promises that God made to the descendants of Abraham
2. Paul has developed a way he lives his life (1Corinthians 9:19-23)
a. 1Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
b. 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
c. 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
d. 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
e. 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
3. So Paul Yields to a Jewish Purification Ceremony (Acts 21:26)
a. Acts 21:26 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.
b. The other four men were prepare to go through a ceremony because they had been amongst the Gentiles, and eaten with them
c. Paul is unsure of what was best
d. Everyone was still struggling with how the New Covenant works
e. It was not wrong what he is willing to do – not sinful
f. It just is not necessary anymore
g. Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
4. However, It Results in a Jerusalem Riot (Acts 21:27-30)
a. Acts 21:27-30 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.
b. Everything was going just fine for the entire week
c. Almost through the hard part - the embarrassment
d. And then everything went wrong!
1) Some hardcore Jews recognised him
2) And there Paul was, in the courtyard of the Jewish Temple
3) And they imagined that he had brought Gentiles / non-Greeks into the Temple
4) With the intention of defiling / ruining the Temple itself
e. Scripture clearly says the Temple was a place of prayer for ALL nations, not just Israel
1) Isaiah 56:7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
2) But they never read the last part of the verse!
3) That’s why I am a Bible believer… I read and believer EVERY verse!
5. Saved by the Romans (Acts 21:31-36)
a. Acts 21:31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
b. Acts 21:32 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.
c. Acts 21:33 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.
d. Acts 21:34 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.
e. Acts 21:35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne [AIR-LIFTED] of the soldiers for the violence of the people.
f. Acts 21:36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.
g. The soldiers had to pull a pile of angry men from off of Paul!
h. They had been beating him with the intent to kill him
i. Paul is bleeding and bruised, and the chief captain orders him bound with chains…
j. (Another BINDING…)
k. He had to be carried above the screaming riot of Jewish zealots out of the area
E. Paul’s Greatest Opportunity (Acts 21:40)
1. Acts 21:40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,
2. What looked like a complete disaster…
3. Was an opening, an opportunity to speak to the entire city of Jerusalem!
4. NEXT WEEK
III. Conclusion
A. Paul KNEW he should not go to Jerusalem
1. Common sense says he should have stayed away from Jerusalem!
2. Everyone was warning him to NOT go to Jerusalem
3. It could end up killing him
B. But his heart was burdened for his own people!
1. Like OUR hearts should be
2. He believed with all his heart the warnings were to protect his LIFE, not that he was sinning
3. Oh that MEN would not fear danger to their life, but instead would go and preach once again the priceless truths of the Gospel to a desperately lost people
4. Becoming all things to all men, that by all means, you might win some!
C. Conflicts will happen - disasters
1. But Paul was Given His Greatest Opportunity to Preach to His People out of that conflict
2. Would YOU and I be willing to get into trouble with our family, with our school, with our neighbours, with our co-workers… just so that we could give them the Gospel?
D. What will you risk for others?
E. What about YOUR soul? do you really want to stay as you are? Religious? Empty? The Bible says, if you are thirsty, come! If you are tired. Come! Jesus will save you today!