Paul Arrives in Jerusalem and is Arrested Acts 21:1-40

Previously as Acts chapter 20 concluded, Paul had an emotional meeting with the Ephesian elders at Miletus.  According to Acts 21:1-3, Dr. Luke describes the voyage of Paul and others as they leave Miletus and sailed down the southern coast of Asia Minor to Patara, and as they headed for Tyre.  In verse 4, there are many biblical scholars who are not in concert as to whether Paul made a crucial mistake when he went up to Jerusalem.  Paul had a desire to go to Jerusalem in order to carry the offering from the Gentile believers to the suffering saints in Jerusalem.  I frankly believe that Paul had not stepped out of God’s will when he went up to Jerusalem.  Although danger awaited Paul, he was not intimidated, knowing that he must suffer as a missionary.

After Saul’s conversion, the Lord even told Ananias, that Saul would suffer, for Acts 9:15-16 states: “But the Lord said unto him Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and Kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him (Saul) how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”  In going to Jerusalem, Paul had to suffer, for great leaders undergo sufferings for the cause of Christ!  Furthermore, Paul had received great assurance from the Lord in the comfort that He gives, in that Acts 23:11states: “And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.”

From verses 5-7, Paul made a brief visit with the church at Tyre and Ptolemais; however, the departures from both churches was not as emotional as with the brethren at Miletus (Acts 20:37).  Paul is now enroute to Caesarea, where he meets Philip the evangelist and his family (vv. 8-9).  Philip, the evangelist, had some daughters who had the gift of prophecy.  The New Testament had not been canonized; therefore, the gift of prophecy was very much needed in the early church.

In verses 10-14, Paul was warned by the prophet Agabus the fate in which he would encounter in Jerusalem.  Although Paul would suffer in going to Jerusalem, nevertheless, he was willing to die for Jesus in Jerusalem.  Paul could not be dissuaded from going to Jerusalem!  Paul has arrived in Jerusalem and been given a warm reception by the church.  The church in Jerusalem has received the offering from the Gentile churches; in addition, the Jerusalem church listened to Paul’s report and greatly rejoiced in the way God has saved the Gentiles.

Among the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Paul took a vow with four Jewish men as they shaved their heads in going into the temple.   Paul was not commanded to take a vow; however, he took the vow in order to win some.  Under grace, if you as a Christian want to take a vow, wishing to shave your head, then that is your Christian business; however, whatever you do, be guided by the Holy Spirit! (vv. 15-26).

As we come to the conclusion of chapter 21, we find Paul in the temple and his companions are taken to be Gentile converts!  For Gentiles to enter the temple area where only Jews are permitted was a great desecration.  Paul is dragged out of the courtyard and barely rescued by Roman troops, who suppress the riot.  Paul was given permission to speak to the crowd.  Paul addresses the Jewish mob in their native tongue, Hebrew (vv. 27-40).

May God Bless!