If you were warned repeatedly that the next time you did a certain thing you would get into serious trouble, would that warning make you want to avoid that danger? It didn’t for Paul, even though he knew the warnings were sent from God! Why did Paul not change his plans?
Paul’s third missionary journey was nearly over. He had suffered a lot of abuse from many of those he had preached to about Jesus. (Acts 19:8-10, 21-41.) As he was heading back to Jerusalem, he was warned repeatedly by the Holy Spirit “that prison and hardships” awaited him there. (Acts 20:23.)
While on route Paul and his companions spent a week with some believers in Tyre. “Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.” (verse 4.) But Paul was determined to go on!
When they came to Caesarea, Luke wrote, “We stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist … He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.” (verses 8-9.)
I wonder am I as eager to share God’s good news, as this family obviously was?
While they were there, “a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. … he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it, and said, ‘The Holy Spirit says, “In this way the Jews of Jerusalem, will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”” Luke recorded that they all “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.’” (verses 10-13.)
Paul’s friends wanted him to take the easy way out! But Paul knew God wanted him in Jerusalem as His witness! (Acts 9:15-16.)
True Christians, because of their faith in Jesus alone for Salvation, are to expect opposition and persecution. (John 16:33. 2ndTimothy 3:12.) There will always be the temptation to take the easy way out.
For example, when in the company of those who believe they have many priests, it is easier not to speak up about Jesus being the only Priest who can bring us to God. (Hebrews 7:23-27. Acts 4:10-20.) But that is refusing to be a faithful and true witness for the Lord Jesus Christ!
Others take the easy way out by choosing to go along with the crowd. (Matthew 7:13-14.) Instead of putting their trust in Jesus as their only Priest and Saviour, they want to go along with their friends in believing that others can bring them to God. (1stTimothy 2:5-6. Acts 10:42-43.) This may seem the easy way out NOW, but it leads to a lost eternity! (Proverbs 14:12. John 3:16-19.)
If you love and trust Jesus, then don’t be ashamed to tell others that no one else can save them, (Romans 1:16.) and don’t be afraid of what they may say or do against you. (Matthew 10:34-37, Proverbs 29:25.) Read Acts chapter 21, verses 1-16.
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