ACTS THE SEQUEL…A PROPHETIC WORD – 53

“After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭21‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This is strange! Through prophetic words, the Holy Spirit revealed to believers Paul met on his way to Jerusalem, that he would be in danger in Jerusalem…but Paul ignored the warning. 

“Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’ ” When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭21‬:‭4‬, ‭8‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Agabus’ prophecy was more detailed and insistent. He travelled from Judea to Caesarea to warn Paul about what would happen to him in Jerusalem. Apparently, Paul knew full well already that he would be arrested. His fellow-believers in Caesarea pleaded with him not to go to Jerusalem…but Paul’s response was surprising…

“Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”  

Two responses to the same prophecy! The people urged Paul to dodge arrest. Paul looked the prophetic word straight in the face and responded…”I will go.“ 

Why did the Lord give this word to two different audiences? Was Paul meant to listen to the advice of the people? 

I think this story has a stern warning for us today. There are many self-proclaimed “prophets” who claim to hear from God and tell people what to do. Sometimes, obedience to these “prophecies” lead to disaster. How much safer it is to hear from God personally rather than do what someone else has heard. God can and often does confirm a prophetic word but He speaks to His children personally. 

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let this be a warning to us as we ponder Paul’s response. Since Paul was the servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, he took his instructions from Him alone…even if it meant arrest and death. His beloved fellow-believers were not to advise him but to pray for him in this impending situation. 

How often, out of love for our brother or sister, we unadvisedly try to get them out of a trial rather than pray for them in the trial. God orchestrates our circumstances for His own purposes even if we face hardships and pain. He is reshaping us into the image of His Son. He disciplines us for our good and for His purpose. 

To quote Oswald Chambers…

“We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties. Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work. Patience is more than endurance. A saint’s life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer.” (My Utmost for His Highest”)

Throughout the record of Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem and the events surrounding his final journey to Rome, despite the imminent danger he was in, Jesus was there…and Paul was safeguarded through every crisis moment. 

As we traverse Paul’s prison experiences, it becomes clear that some of his most fruitful work was done while he was in jail. 

“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul’s letters, written to churches and individuals from prison, give us glimpses of an overcomer. He was happy, upbeat, and confident that his circumstances could never frustrate God’s purposes for him. His light would shine in the darkness whether he was free bound. 

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What a philosophy to live by!

To be continued