We read of more places on the journey before Paul and the gang came to Caesarea. They reach the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven who, as Stanley Toussaint writes, ministered to widows in Jerusalem (cf. 6.1-5, 8.40). Philip is said to have had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. Tradition tells us that they became ‘highly esteemed as informants on persons and events belonging to the early years of Judean Christianity’.
Despite the presence of four prophetesses, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea and told Paul, simply, what those in Tyre had told him (v.4): trials await in Jerusalem (v.11). The people present in Caesarea, understandably, don’t want Paul to go (v.12) but Paul replies defiantly:
“What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart?
For I am ready not only to be tied up, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
(Acts 21.13, NET)
Paul is resolute in his willingness to follow the path laid out for him, no matter the cost, and continues to Jerusalem (vv.15-16, cf. 9.15-16). As we said yesterday, people will respond differently to the same circumstances and trials and tribulations. Paul has decided, no doubt after much time spent in prayer, to follow the directions of the Lord whilst others may not have.
We need the same resoluteness when we have made a decision. Deciding and then doubting is no way to live (cf. James 1.6). Pray, decide, and then step forward in faith that the God who called you will go with you (1 Chronicles 28.20).
James Travis 