Acts 21:1-14

Warnings On the Road To Jerusalem

The departure from Miletus was an emotional one. In fact, Luke used the word for depart which Thayer says means, "tear away." They went from Cos, to Rhodes, to Patara. Then, they boarded a ship sailing to Phoenicia. They passed Cyprus and sailed to Syria, where they stopped at Tyre for the ship to unload its cargo. Paul and his companions sought out the Lord's followers in that city and stayed seven days with them. Since the Spirit played a key role in the start of this journey toward Jerusalem, it seems likely the disciples, having further revelations from the Spirit concerning Paul's coming imprisonment, begged him not to go (Acts 21:1-4; Acts 19:21; compare 21:11-14).

At the end of their week long visit, Paul's company walked toward the ship with an escort composed of the many Christian men in the city of Tyre, along with their wives and children. They all stopped for prayer upon reaching the shore. Then, the apostle and those with him boarded the ship and the others returned home. The ship went on from Tyre to Ptolemais, where they were again greeted by the brethren. After one day's stay, they went on to Caesarea, where they spent some time in the house of Philip the proclaimer of good news. This was the same Philip who was chosen for the ministration to the widows and, likely, the one who taught the Ethiopian. Luke reported that Philip had four virgin daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:5-9).

Agabus (Acts 11:28) also came to Philip's house at the same time as Paul's company. The prophet took Paul's belt, or girdle, and bound his own hands and feet. He then explained that the Holy Spirit was foretelling Paul's being taken prisoner by the Jews and turned over to the Gentiles. All those who heard the prophecy, including Luke, begged the apostle not to go to Jerusalem. Paul explained that his trip to Jerusalem was one he was making in an effort to fulfill his commission to preach the gospel. So, he asked why they would cry and break his heart, since he was not only ready to be bound but to die for his Master. When the others realized the strength of the apostle's convictions in the matter, they yielded and expressed the desire that the Lord's will be accomplished (Acts 21:10-14).