Acts 21

Acts 21:1

From the earliest days of his conversion, Paul had a deep desire to minister effectively to his own peoplethe Jews. In Romans 9, he declared he was willing to be accursed, or damned, if it would mean their salvation. In Romans 10, he said it was his heart’s prayer and desire that Israel might be saved. Yet although he desperately wanted to minister to his countrymen, it was made very clear to him from the outset of his salvation that his ministry was to be primarily to Gentiles, secondarily to kings, and lastly to the children of Israel (Act_9:15). His was to be a ministry to Gentilesyet Paul struggled with this. Following his conversion, Paul spent three years being discipled by the Lord in the Arabian Desert. When he returned to Damascus, he headed straight for the synagogue, thinking that the Jews there would surely receive his ministry once he explained to them how their Old Testament Scriptures pointed to Jesus prophetically. Far from receiving Paul, however, the Jews wanted to kill him. So the brothers put him in a basket and lowered him over the wall to safety (Act_9:25). Where did Paul go next? To Jerusalemthe capital of Judaism. When he got there, I’m sure he was still thinking, Come on, guys. You’ve got to admit what I’m saying has validity. I’m one of you. I was a Pharisee of Pharisees, schooled at the feet of Gamaliel. But they, too, were out to kill him. So off he went to Tarsus, where he hung out for about thirteen years. Finally, Paul got to the place where he was at peace with the calling the Lord had given himministering to the Gentiles. Here in chapter 21, after Paul had been working effectively for years in the Gentile countries of Asia Minor and Macedonia, the desire to minister to his people surfaced in his heart once again. It was a passion he just couldn’t seem to get out of his system. So here he is, headed once more toward Jerusalemthis time knowing that bonds and afflictions await him there. Paul is sailing south from Asia Minor toward the coast of Israel to eventually dock at the seacoast city of Caesarea. When Paul arrived in Tyre, the boat stopped for seven days to load and unload cargo. You see, Paul was traveling on a cargo carrier, not a cruise ship. In Tyre on this seven-day break, it certainly would seem justifiable for Paul to have said, “I deserve a break. I’m going to retire and be tired here in Tyre.” But, as we’ll see, that’s not what he said.

Acts 21:4

The Greek word translated “finding” is a powerful one that means Paul was “diligently searching out, and looking for” disciples. During this unexpected break, others might have said, “What a great opportunity for a vacation.” Not Paul. He said, “I want to be with the brothers. I desire fellowship.” There’s a misconception among believers that, when they’re out of town on vacation or business, it’s a good time to take a break from church. But then they wonder why they end up fighting on their vacation, why they’re angry with their family, why things don’t work out right. When you are traveling or vacationing, find a fellowship to attend. God will honor you, and you’ll be amazed to find special brothers and sisters wherever you go. The brothers whom Paul sought out said, “Don’t go to Jerusalem, Paul.” So what did Paul do? He went to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:5

This group of believers, like another group we’ll see further on in the chapter, traveled with and stood by Pauleven though they didn’t agree with the direction in which he was going. Why? Because they loved and respected him in the Lord. So, too, it would be radical if we would put away the need to be heard and simply say, “Here’s my opinion. Here’s my perspective. But I respect you in the Lord, regardless of your decision.” The disciples took their families with them on this journey to be with Paul, to listen to Paul, and to pray for Paul. Sometimes I hear people say, “We don’t go to church on Wednesday night because it’s family night”; or “We don’t make it to church Sunday evening because it’s family time"as if coming to church as a family, hearing the Word of God, driving home discussing what was said, and praying together doesn’t qualify as “family time.” I strongly believe it’s a fallacy in this age of emphasis upon the family to say that “family time” and church attendance are mutually exclusive. As one who grew up in the church and in a strong family, I believe there’s nothing you can do that will be more beneficial to your family than to come to church. What a witness it must have been to the fishermen and surfers there at Tyre to see the believers bowing in prayer together on the sand. One of the things I so enjoy about the amphitheatre at Applegate Christian Fellowship is the opportunity to witness to the unbelievers in the service through baptism. Even more so, at baptisms in the Applegate River on a summer Sunday afternoon, the people out there chugging beer and throwing frisbees are certainly stimulated by the witness. So, too, it’s a witness whenever you pray before your meal at Denny’s or McDonald’s. Don’t be ashamed. Like the believers in the early church, you can witness even through prayer.

Acts 21:6

As they went home, do you think any of these men, women, or children said, “Boy, walking all this way to pray for Paul was really a waste of time. We should have had family hour back home”? I don’t think so. I don’t think one person regretted the energy expended or the time it took to pray for Paul and to be a witness on the beach at Tyre.

Acts 21:7

I would love to have been a mouse in the house of Philip. You see, twenty years earlier, Philip’s colleague, Stephenanother one of the original seven deaconswas martyred, his death unleashing great persecution in the church. Who was the one behind the stoning of Stephen? Who was the one who voted for it in the Sanhedrin? Who was the one who held the coats of those who threw the rocks? Paul.

Paul was the one who, in a very real sense, brought about the death of Stephen. Paul was the one who caused the persecution of the church, which drove Philip to Caesarea. And Paul was the one who was knocking on Philip’s door. Thus, I wonder what Paul and Philip said when they first encountered each other face-to-face. I imagine they embraced each other, realizing that which was behind them was buried beneath the blood of Calvary.

Acts 21:9

Philip was a dedicated worker in the church (Acts 6), a dynamic preacher in the world (Acts 8), and now a devoted father in the home. A Focused Family A Topical Study of Act_21:8-9 In election seasons, we hear a lot about family values. But I would like us to look instead at a valued family, for in the family of Philip, we see a family that was focused, a family that was valuable for the kingdom, a family that provides a wonderful example for you and me. At this time, Philip was living in the seacoast city of Caesareaan incredibly beautiful spot on the Mediterranean coast of northern Israel. Philip’s wife is not mentioned in this passage perhaps because she was quietly behind the scenes. It is also very possible that at this point she had died. Others suggest that Philip was deserted by his wifesomething that happened not infrequently in the days of the early church, when rabbis encouraged the spouses of those converted to Jesus Christ to divorce their mates. Heading south from Turkey on their way to Jerusalem, Paul and his entourage stopped at Caesarea to hang out with Philip and his family. This doesn’t surprise me, for, according to our text, Philip’s was a house of hospitality and spirituality. Even though there were four daughters and perhaps cramped quarters, Paul and his company enjoyed being there. It was a good place to benot the circus many families can tend to be. P. T. Barnum, the man who said there’s a sucker born every minute, promoted one of his circus acts as a unique family situation: a lion, a tiger, a bear, and a lamb all living together under one roof. Taking Barnum aside, a reporter said, “Mr. Barnum, seriously, how long has this family been together? “Eight months,” answered Barnum. “You mean they’ve all been in that cage for eight months?” pressed the reporter. “Well, the lion, tiger, and bearyes. We do change the lamb regularly,” the showman said. So, too, many homes are places where people get chewed up and torn apartbut not Philip’s. His was a family that Paul and his company sought out and stayed with many days. The Hospitality of Philip’s Family Romans 12 teaches that one of the components in the life of the believer is hospitality. We are to be men and women of hospitalitynot out of obligation, but out of opportunity. Why? Because the writer to the Hebrews would later tell us to let brotherly love continue and be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unaware (Heb_13:2). Open your home. Open your heart. Be hospitable. Why? Not only because the Word demands it, but because there’s a blessing in it: You will entertain angels unaware. What does that mean? Ask Abraham. In Genesis 18, we see him sitting in front of his tent. Seeing three men in the distance walking toward him, Abraham went out to greet them, saying, “Let me fix a meal for you and give refreshment to you,” little realizing that the group of strangers was actually two angels and Jesus Himself in a Christophanyan appearance of Christ before He came to earth as the Babe of Bethlehem. Jesus would later say, “When you take care of someone who’s naked and poor, someone who’s hurting and troubled, someone who’s in jail, someone who’s not doing wellwhen you do that to the least of My brethren, you’re doing it to Me. When you reach out in hospitality and open your heart and your home to people who are hurting, you’re doing it to Me.” (see Mat_25:40). The word “angel,” or aggelos in Greek, means “messenger.” You’ll be surprised, amazed, and blown away by the messages the Lord will give you when you open the doors of your home and heart, and show hospitality to people. Conversely, when folks say, “I’m not hearing anything from the Lord,” sometimes I wonder when the last time was they opened their home to a stranger. The word “hospitality” has embedded within its meaning the word we use for hospitalthat is, a place to bind up, patch up, lift up folks who are hurting, bruised, or wounded. Hospitality includes not only the people we might like to be around, or the people we enjoy being withbut also those who are “strangers” to us. You might be saying, “I don’t have a home of my own. I’m a teenager,” or “I’m homeless.” Check out what Peter said in 1Pe_4:9, when he exhorted believers who had been scattered throughout all of the worldhomeless quite literally because of persecutionto show hospitality. You see, you don’t need a house to show hospitality. You can show hospitality at school by sitting with the person who sits alone in the cafeteria, by reaching out to the person who’s hurting at work, by spending a moment or two with the person who’s discouraged in the supermarket. And if you do, because you’ll be entertaining angels unaware, you’ll be surprised at how the Lord will bless you, the things He’ll show you, the honors He’ll give youjust as He did to Abraham. The Spirituality in Philip’s Family Notice first the purity of Philip’s daughters. Dominated by Gentiles, Caesarea was a wicked, hedonistic beach town. Yet Philip’s daughters were singled out as being pureas being virgins. How vital it is in these days that we stress within our families the importance and the blessing of purity. Our kids are being taught that freedom of choice is the key as it relates to the abortion dilemma. I, too, believe in the freedom of choice: the choice whether or not to come together sexually outside of marriage. Once that choice is made, there are no other choicesnot logically, not ethically, not biblically. The final score of a women’s basketball game was 175-42. In a post-game interview, the losing coach said, “The entire game hinged on one call.” “Incredible,” said the sportswriter. “What call was it?” “The call I made a few months ago to schedule this game,” answered the weary coach. So, too, regarding the issue of abortion, the entire game hinges on one call: the call to enter into a sexual relationship in the first place. Philip was a man who, living in a very sinful city, raised his daughters in such a way that they were pure. He must have taught them, as Pro_6:32 declares, that he who commits sexual immorality destroys his own soul. Sex within marriage can be illustrated by taking a glass of red-colored water and mixing it with a glass of blue-colored water. The result? A glass of purple-colored water. That’s what sex is: two individual souls being unified into one. On the other hand, sex outside of marriage can be illustrated by taking a glass of red-colored water, a glass of blue-colored water, and slowly emptying each one down the drain. Referring to sex, the world says, “I got a piece of her,” or “I got a piece of him.” That’s exactly true. Outside of marriage, a piece of one’s soul is removed with each intimate encounter. It’s like an onionif you keep peeling off layers, pretty soon there’s nothing left. And there are kids and adults who, not understanding the nature of sexuality, are being peeled away layer by layer until there’s nothing left. Mom and Dad, I’m convinced that in the days in which we live, we must make sure our kids thoroughly and completely understand that the issue is not contraception, safe sex, or abortion. The issue is that of the soul being eroded and destroyed. Kids often say, “If sex is so dangerous, why didn’t the Lord just give us a switch that couldn’t be turned on until we’re married? Why do we have to wrestle with this issue from the time we’re teenagers all the way until we get married?” In Revelation 14, we read of 144,000 who do not take the mark of the Beast during the Tribulation period. Instead, they take a stand for the Lord, walk with the Lord, and are used by the Lord. Rev_14:4 says, “These are they which are not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.” Teenager, single brother, single sisteryou might be saying, “Yeah, if I was part of the 144,000, I’d make a stand, too.” Well, here’s your chance! Every one of you who is single has the unique opportunity to follow the Lamb in the tribulation you’re in right nowwith society flashing messages of compromise to you and with kids who are flaunting the fact they’re no longer virgins all around you. You can say, “I will follow the Lamb. Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, I will not bow to the passions that burn within me. I will stand tough. I will stand strong.” Then, your single state becomes not a curse, but rather an opportunity for you to demonstrate your love for, and your commitment to, the Lord. Follow the Lamb, and I guarantee you will not say, “I wish I would have messed around. I wish I had picked up some sexually transmitted disease. I wish I had had an abortion or two. I wish I would have given myself to this guy and lost part of my soul to that one.” I have yet to talk to one person who has said, “I really regret being a virgin when I got married.” But I have talked to hundreds of couples who have said, “I regret compromising my virginitybecause even in my marriage, I’m suffering the effects.” Mom and Dad, it’s not enough to tell our kids to “Just Say No.” We’ve got to tell them why. We must remind them that sin is not bad because it’s forbiddenbut that sin is forbidden because it’s bad. Sin hurts, maims, and destroys. Sin will strip and rob us of what could have been and of what God wants us to be. Truly, Philip is to be commended. In a seacoast city and in a carnal culture, he was able to teach his daughters the importance of being pure. Notice not only the purity of Philip’s daughters, but also the piety of his daughters. Paul makes it clear in 1Co_7:34 that the word “virgin” not only meant sexual purity but spiritual piety. You see, the married woman must constantly factor the care of her husband and family into her life. But the virgin can live a life of unparalleled piety, caring only about the things of the Lord. Philip’s daughters were not self-righteous prudes, but young women who were singularly devoted to God. Notice, finally, the power of Philip’s daughters. “I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…” said the Lord (Joe_2:28). First Corinthians 14 tells us that prophecy consists of words of edification to build up, words of exhortation to stir up, and words of comfort to cheer up. Philip’s daughters were women who were not gossiping, arguing, and fightingbut building up, stirring up, and cheering up. “Good for Philip,” you say. “But how does his story help me in my situation with my family?” There’s a connection between the hospitality of Philip’s house and the spirituality in Philip’s house that I don’t want you to miss. Keep in mind, this isn’t the first time we hear of Philip in the Book of Acts. In chapter 6, he was a dedicated worker in the church. In chapter 8, he was a dynamic preacher in the world. Here in chapter 21, he is a devoted father in the homenot by focusing on his family, but by seeking first the kingdom. “We can’t be hospitable,” some might say, “because we’re focusing on our family. We can’t come to Wednesday night Bible study because of our family problems and needs. And we can’t come to pray on Sunday nights because it cuts into family time.” As a result, the church is becoming less and less spiritual, less and less hospitableall in the name of “family time” and “family values.” Consequently, we are seeing kids grow up who are drifting because parents are not seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Mat_6:33). I heard a story on the news one night concerning what happened to a couple who really wanted to create a safe and secure environment for their kids. They moved to the outskirts of San Franciscothree weeks before the San Francisco earthquake hit the Bay Area. After part of their house actually collapsed, they said, “We can’t live here. Our family’s in danger.” So they moved away from the earthquakes to Floridafive weeks before Hurricane Andrew flattened their home. Distraught and upset, they took their family on vacation to Hawaiitwo days before Hurricane Iniki wiped out their hotel. When I heard this, I thought, That’s just like metrying to plot and figure out what is best and safest for my family, when in reality it’s not up to me to protect them or our time togetherbut to seek first the Kingdom. Mom and Dad, seek first the kingdom. Make spiritual life priority. Establish family devotions. Get your kids plugged into church and a youth group. Open your own heart and home to those in need of hospitality. Seek first the kingdom of your family, and like the family on the news, you’ll be shaken-up, wiped-out, and blown-away. But seek first the kingdom of God, and, like Philip, you’ll see your family walk in purity, piety, and power.

Acts 21:10

Prominent in the early church, Agabus was the one who correctly prophesied there would be a famine in Jerusalem (Act_11:28).

Acts 21:11

Rough and rugged individuals, prophets like Agabus tended to do amazing things that jarred people into attentiveness. Ezekiel lay on his side for days in order to deliver a message to God’s people (Eze_4:4-9). Many days after the Lord told Jeremiah to put his underwear under a rock on the Euphrates River, He told him to dig it up, put it on, and walk through the city, saying, “You people are like this underwear” (see Jer_13:1-11). And here, Agabus used Paul’s belt to deliver an illustrated sermon. “I know there’s trouble awaiting me in Jerusalem,” said Paul, “but I’m going anyway. And if I die there, so be it.” Burning Out or Burning Bright? A Topical Study of Act_21:11-13 I can recall many times as a young boy, when Gertie came to visit. What a character! Whenever she returned from town or came back from church, the first thing she would say when she walked into the house was, “I can’t wait to take my girdle offit’s killing me!” In fact, so often did Gertie say this, for years I thought her name was “Girdie"short for the girdle she always talked about. In our text, the girdle Paul wore was used by a prophet named Agabus to vividly communicate to him that his life would be in jeopardy. You see, Agabus took Paul’s girdlea leather beltand bound his hands and feet with it, saying, “The owner of this girdle will be bound in Jerusalem and delivered into the hands of the Gentiles.” The message was unmistakable: “Your life will be in danger, Paul. Don’t go.” What was Paul’s response? He said, “I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem if necessary for the name of the Lord Jesus.” It is important to understand that Paul was not simply stating a silly sentimentlike the guy who wrote to his girlfriend, “I love you so much, I would be willing to climb the highest mountain to be with you, to swim the widest river to see you, to cross the hottest desert to be near you. P.S. If it’s not raining tonight, I’ll be over at eight.” Nor was Paul mouthing empty wordsas we do so often when we sing, “I have decided to follow Jesus.” “The world behind me, the Cross before me,” we singuntil someone challenges us and we change our tune. No, Paul meant what he said. Truly he was ready to die in Jerusalem. After all, according to 2 Corinthians 11, Paul was the one who had been given thirty-nine lashes with the flagellum five times, stoned, beaten, left for dead, shipwrecked, imprisonedall while carrying the burdens of those to whom he ministered upon his heart. Thus, when Paul told Agabus he was ready to suffer persecution in Jerusalem, he knew what he was talking about. I marveled when I received an issue of Ministry Today magazine. The cover story, entitled “Burnout in the Ministry,” talked about how the average pastor in America stays with a congregation only two and one third years before leavingburned-out by his congregants, his board, or the stress of daily life. “That’s the professional clergy’s problem,” you say. “It doesn’t relate to me.” Oh, but the article went on, describing how laypeople are leaving churches as welltaking back-row seats, no longer engaged in service, no longer involved in teaching. In other words, the article concluded that everyone’s getting burned-out on ministry. Why didn’t Paul burn out? What kept him going strong through shipwrecks and beatings, stonings and imprisonment? In the Book of Leviticus, we find a classic passage on burn-out and what I believe was the reason for Paul’s endurance… The children of Israel had just finished construction of the tabernacle. And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings. And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people. And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.Lev_9:22-24 With fire coming down from heaven, the burnt offering igniting, people shouting and falling on their faces in worship, it was certainly a Grand Opening! And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.Lev_10:1 Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron and next in line to be high priest, took their censers, the instrument in which incense was burned, and lit them with “strange fire.” And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.Lev_10:2 Why were Nadab and Abihu destroyed? Following are three reasons I would like you to consider… Presentation of Ministry Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.Lev_10:3 “I will be sanctified. I will be glorified,” said the Lordimplying that Nadab and Abihu were drawing glory and attention to themselves. Look how spiritual we are, they must have thought. Look how devoted, how anointed, how special we are. Contrast Nadab and Abihu with our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Every time He did a miraclewithout exceptionScripture records that people glorified God. He was able to do His work in such a way that people didn’t glorify Him but gave glory to His Father. In anything we dowhether it’s offering worship in solitude, talking with one individual, singing before fifty, or preaching to ten thousandit’s only by God’s grace that He uses any of us to any degree at all. After all, He could bypass us so easily. “Quiet your disciples,” the Pharisees demanded. “If they quieted down, the stones would take their place,” Jesus answered (see Luk_19:40). That means all Jesus needs to replace us are a few rocks. “I will be glorified,” saith the Lord. And if you or I start to think we’re kind of hot, like Nadab and Abihu, we’ll burn out in ministry. Tribulation in Ministry And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the Lord hath kindled.Lev_10:6 There are times in each of our lives when we will go through personal tragedies and difficulties. It might be that of a loved one taken from you, a girlfriend walking out on you, a bankruptcy in your business, or an affliction in your body. But here’s the key. The Lord says to us, “Didn’t you sing, Refiner’s Fire, my heart’s one desire is to be holy… I will serve You because I love You… Have Thine own way, Lord, have Thine own way…? Why, then, are you surprised that I have allowed tribulation to come into your life?” A. W. Tozer was right when he said, “Before God can use a man greatly, He must allow him to be hurt deeply.” When we are comforted in times of trouble, it’s not to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters (2Co_1:4) because it’s only when we have gone through tribulation personally that we can say to others, “I know God will see you through. He’s done it for me.” Motivation for Ministry And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the Lord.Lev_16:12 The only fire from which the priests were to ignite their censers was the fire on the altar. What did Nadab and Abihu do? They lit their own fire. As fire came down from heaven, as people were worshiping, Nadab and Abihu must have said, “Wowwhat a holy happening! Let’s join inlet’s get involved in the ministry.” Often, we enter into ministrybe it youth work, on a worship team, or teaching a Bible studybecause we look around and say, “Wow, look at the people getting saved. Look at the folks loving the Lord. I want to be a part of that too.” And in our enthusiasm, in our desire to participate in some sort of revival, we light our own fire. Sometimes people start a Bible study but find little or no response. They become burned-out on people and ministry if their motivation was to see souls saved and lives changed. Jeremiah preached forty years, and guess how many people responded to his message. Zero. Finally, he found himself in a dungeon, saying, “This just isn’t working. I’m not going to speak anymore.” But because people were not Jeremiah’s motivation for ministry, Scripture says the Word of the Lord was like fire in his bones (Jer_20:9). You see, although Jeremiah was burned-out temporarily, he was fired up eventuallyand he began to prophesy again. Perhaps your motivation is not to see others’ lives changed, but to see your own life used. Understand this, precious people: You will join the ranks of the burned-out ministers and congregants if your motivation for ministry is to find some inner fulfillment because something else will come along that will pull those same strings within you and you’ll be distracted. It might be some hobby, sport, or activity; it might be vegetarianism, political activism, or intellectual philosophy. But sooner or later, it will tug on your heart, and you’ll lose interest in ministry. Only one thing will keep you from burning out regardless of what troubles come into your life or what testings you go through. There is only one thing that will keep you going year after year like Paul the apostle, who said, “I’ve been beaten, I’ve been stoned, I’ve been imprisonedbut I don’t care.” What is that one thing? Fire from the brass altar where sacrifices were slain. Of what does the brass altar speak? Calvary. In 2Co_5:14, Paul declared it was the love of Christ that motivated him. He kept going not because he wanted to be a part of the happening, not because he wanted some inner fulfillment, not even because he wanted to see people changed. He kept going because of what Jesus did on the Cross at Calvary. So, too, the fire that will keep you fired up, the fire that will never burn you out, comes from seeing that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for you personally and for each of your sins individually. Then, ministry will no longer be “How can I be part of the happening?” “How can I change lives?” “How can I find fulfillment?” It will be, “Jesus, You did so much for me on the Cross. I have no other choice but to serve You.” We’ve seen people burn out. We’ve watched people who were once engaged in ministry and used effectively fade away. And, although they might blame people or situations, it’s always for one simple reason: Strange fire has crept in. They’ve lost the vision of the Cross. The hunter took his new bird dog out on the first trip of the season. Hiding in his blind, he stood up, pulled the trigger of his shotgun, and a duck fell into the water. To the hunter’s amazement, his dog walked out on the water and retrieved the duck. The incredulous hunter scratched his head, rubbed his eyes, and thought he was seeing things. Fifteen minutes later, he popped out of his blind once again, pulled the trigger, and down went another duck. Again, the dog walked on water to retrieve it. This happened a third and a fourth time. Finally, seeing another hunter approaching, he said, “Watch this"as he hit his target once again. Sure enough, the dog walked on water to retrieve the duck. “Did you see anything unusual about my bird dog?” he asked. “Yep,” answered the other hunter. “Your dog can’t swim.” Some people, like the second hunter, are oblivious to the miraculous. They either can’t or won’t see what Jesus Christ did for them personally. They can only say, “I’m burned-out on serving. I’m disappointed in people. I’m giving up on ministry.” And maybe you feel like that today. The cure? Go back to the altar and see what Jesus did for you. And like Paul, you will say, “What people do is irrelevant. My personal fulfillment is not the issue. My fire comes from the altar, the Cross of Calvary.” In the Name of Jesus Christ, may you who have been burned-out be restored currently. May the Spirit give you revelation in your inner man to see the Cross clearly once again. May it be like fire in your bones and may you go forth again in ministrynot burned-out, but burning bright.

Acts 21:14

“We’ve shared our hearts,” said the brothers. “And now the will of the Lord be done,” they said as they ceased arguing and started traveling. Go with the Flow A Topical Study of Act_21:14-15 When Peter-John, my oldest son, got his driver’s license, this produced a certain amount of parental anxiety within me. In reality, however, it was ridiculous for me to worry about Peter-John driving his 1982 Subaru Galaxyconsidering the unbelievable rate of speed at which we are all moving constantly. The earth is spinning on its axis 1,000 miles per hour. It is also traveling 67,000 miles per hour around the sun. The sun is moving in an orbit within our galaxy at 385,000 mph. And our galaxy (one of the slowest-moving galaxies known to man) is moving across the universe at 1,350,000, miles per hour. So, if you feel a bit dizzy this morning, you have good reason! Now, when you think about the incredible speed with which everything is movingit would seem like a galactic collision is inevitable. And yet, I bet not one person got up this morning and said, “My goodness. The galaxy is moving at 1,350,000 miles per hour through the universe. With millions of galaxies moving at least that speed, what’s to keep us all from colliding in a gigantic Cosmic Destruction Derby?” No, we don’t give a thought about the galaxy moving at 1.3 million miles per hour. Yet I got uptight about Peter-John going forty miles per hour. Why? I have discovered something about my fallen nature: I don’t worry about the planet on which I live, but I am constantly vulnerable to worrying about the world in which I live. I have opinions about the way my family should behave, the way my country should be run, the way my church should respond. And in my flesh, I worry that if my opinions are not heard and heeded, chaos, confusion, and collision are inevitable. Therefore, within the little world in which I live, my flesh dictates I must make sure I am heard and heeded. Otherwise, my tendency is to get hurt, back off, and pull away. In our text, the men who were traveling with Paul had reason, in their flesh, to be hurt and to pull away. Why? Because they felt they were headed for chaos and collision. You see, Paul deeply desired to go to Jerusalem. But on the way, he was warned repeatedly that problems and persecution awaited him there. Hearing of trouble in Jerusalem in every city they visited, Paul’s companions began to beg him not to go. But Paul responded, “Why are you breaking my heart? I don’t care if I’m bound, or even killed in JerusalemI’m going anyway.” Was Paul being stubborn and sinful? Commentators are divided. Some say Paul erred in ignoring the warnings and going to Jerusalem. Others, with whom I’m inclined to agree, say Paul was right in going to Jerusalem because it was made clear to him from the first days of his salvation that he would suffer great things and be brought before kings (Act_9:15-16). “If in Acts 9 the Spirit told Paul he would suffer great things,” you ask, “why were all the warnings given here in Acts 21?” Perhaps because the Spirit was simply saying, “Paul, the end is near. You can back out if you want to.” Here’s the question: If you were in Paul’s entourage and you plead with him not to go to Jerusalem, but he continued on anyway, what would you have done? Hurt and angry, would you have pulled away? These men didn’t. They simply said, “The will of the Lord be done,” and not only went with him, but they carried the baggage that went along with his decision. Were these men blindly following Paul? No, they were not blindly following their friend. They were fully trusting their Father. You see, they knew Paul had been wrong before. Do you recall the story? He thought he was protecting God’s honor as he went throughout an entire region tracking down heretics who called themselves Christians, pulling them out of their homes, putting them in chains, and carrying them off to be imprisoned, tortured, and killed. As he traveled down the road to Damascus on one such mission, the Lord intervened and straightened him out. Thus, knowing God knocked Paul off his feet once (Act_9:4), Paul’s friends knew He could do it again if He so chose. That’s why they could “cease, saying, The will of the Lord be done.” What a difference a comma makes. It was not until after he had sent his wife on a buying spree to Europe that the financial empire of millionaire John Astor began to crumble. Unaware of her husband’s financial crisis, Lady Astor tracked down one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry in the world and sent a wire to her husband telling him what a treasure it would be to own. When he saw that the price was $250,000, Astor wired back immediately: “No, price too high!” Unfortunately, the cable operator forgot the comma. So when Lady Astor got the cable, she read: “No price too high!“and happily purchased the diamond. So, too, when your wife doesn’t see it your way, or when your employee, boss, teacher, or coach doesn’t take your advice, perhaps your tendency is to remove the comma and change verse Act_9:14 from “We ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done” to “We ceased saying, The will of the Lord be done.” Paul’s friends didn’t forget the comma. They ceased arguing and started traveling, knowing the will of the Lord would be done. As a result, the Lord blessed them greatly and used them mightily. What the Lord Did for Paul’s Friends Please note three blessings the Lord bestowed upon those who stood by and with Paul: Protection. Throughout the Book of Acts, Paul’s friends went through storms at sea, riots in cities, and all kinds of challenges. But they were protected in them all. Provision. Paul’s great passion was to go to Rome. These men went with him, although not exactly as they planned. He went as a prisoner. Nonetheless, the journey was all-expenses-paid! Promotion. What would have happened if Luke, who was in this group, had said, “Paul, you’re stubborn. You’re bullheaded. You’re not listening to our advice. Go ahead and go to Jerusalembut count me out. I’ll just hang out here at the beach and date one of Philip’s daughters”? He would not have become the author of the Book of Acts. Unlike these friends who traveled with Paul, after a dispute with him over John Mark, Barnabas parted company with Paul (Act_15:39). While Barnabas is a great man and a wonderful example in so many ways, following his split with Paul, he is never again seen in Scripture. I suggest Barnabas lost something by demanding his own way. And I wonder how many brothers and sisters miss out on what God could have done in and through their lives had they not bailed out and said, “If my advice isn’t being heeded, if I don’t get my way, I’m pulling back; I’m getting out.” Wives, you may not like the decision your husband is making. He’s not hearing what you’re saying. He’s not following your suggestions. And perhaps you’re tempted to say, “I’ve had it. See you later.” Before you do, consider Sarah. “When Abimelech sees you,” her husband, Abrahamthe man of faith, the friend of Godsaid, “he’s going to want you in his haremand he’ll kill me to get to you. Protect me, Sarah. Tell him I’m your brother” (see Genesis 20). Abraham made a decision; Sarah carried the baggage of his decisionand what happened? Like Paul’s friends, Sarah was given protection when the Lord spoke to Abimelech, saying, “You touch her, you’re dead” (see Gen_20:3); provision when Abimelech offered Abraham great riches for her sake (see Gen_21:16); and promotion when she was singled out in the New Testament as the quintessential example of a good wife (1Pe_3:6). What the Lord Did in Paul’s Friends The Lord replaced their arguing with His peace. They never again brought up the issue. When storms came down, when persecution rose up, they didn’t say, “See, Paulwe told you not to go to Jerusalem.” No, they had peace in their hearts because they had faith in their God. Faith and worry are mutually exclusive. Thus, at any given moment you will either be in a state of tranquility, saying, “The will of the Lord be done,“or you will worry, get uptight, and develop an ulcer. The mature man or the wise woman is the one who says, “The will of the Lord be done. Where are your bags? I’m going with you.” Keep in mind that this debate between Paul and his friends did not deal with rebellion against the Lord, but rather the direction of the Lord. Paul wasn’t saying, “I want to go sell drugs,” or, “I think I’ll dabble in pornography.” No, this argument did not concern a violation of the Scriptures, but an interpretation of the Spirit. If someone says to you, “Let’s do this"and you know it’s sin, you are not to say, “The will of the Lord be done. Let’s go do it.” That was not the issue here. This was an honest debate about a decision dealing with the will of the Lord and the direction of the Spirit. These guys didn’t agree with Paul’s interpretation of the Spiritbut they had trust in the Father, saying, “Father, You stopped him before on the road to Damascus. If necessary, You can do it again.” What will happen when that becomes your mind-set? What will happen if, like these men, you say, “Here’s my opinionbut the will of the Lord be done”? You will experience what Paul’s friends did. You will experience protectioneven if it’s a wrong decision. You’ll experience provisionGod will bless you. And you’ll experience promotionyou will be honored for your willingness to trust in the sovereignty of God. You will not be a worrier. You will not be hurt or tempted to pull back. All of the stuff that eats at a person will not be eating at you. With a smile on your face, a sparkle in your eye, and a spring in your step you can say, “I’ve shared my thoughts. Now the will of the Lord be done. I trust Him. Surely, the One who spans the universe in His hand can control the little universe in which I live.” What the Lord Did Previously I’ve made the wrong decision time and time again. In outright rebellion, I have turned my back on what I knew was right and have hardened my heart against the Lord. Yet not once has He ever said to me, “Jon, you’re not heeding My advice. That’s it. You’re toast.” No, time and time again He has said, “Jon, you’re not listening. You’re not heeding. Okay. I’ll carry your baggage.” What baggage? The baggage the Lord carried for me was not a nice leather suitcase. It was a rough wooden Cross. He carried it to pay for my stupidity, my rebellion, my iniquity. Therefore, in light of what the Lord has done for me, it is absurd for me to think I have the right to get mad at, hurt by, or upset with anyone who doesn’t take my advice. Truly, it is the wise man or woman who says, “The will of the Lord be done because of what He will do for me, because of what He’ll do in me, and because of what He did in my place when He carried my baggage.”

Acts 21:16

We know nothing of Mnason’s history. Perhaps his name, which means “solicitor” or “pleader,” reflects the kind of man he wasone given to hospitality.

Acts 21:17

When Paul arrived in Jerusalem with the offering he had gathered on this, his third missionary journey, the brothers received him gladly. Rather than thank Paul for the gift, however, they started telling Paul he needed to do more.

Acts 21:18

Although the Christians in Jerusalem were believers in Jesus, they still adhered to the rituals and ceremonies of Judaism. Thus, the leaders of the church said to Paul, “Because the Christians in this community have heard you tell people they don’t have to circumcise their children, observe the rituals, or attend the festivals, they will be offended when they see you. To show them you can be trusted, here’s what you need to do…” Four men had taken a Nazarite vow. That is, they had let their hair grow long; they drank no wine; they ate no grapes or raisins; they didn’t touch anything dead; and they devoted themselves for a period of time to singular dedication to God. At the end of their vow, they would go into the temple, spend seven days worshiping God, cut off their hair, burn it, and give offerings and sacrifices to God. It was all part of the prescribed process of purification following a time of separation (Numbers 6).

Acts 21:24

Because those who took a Nazarite vow had to take time off work to carry out the procedures at the conclusion and because the sacrifices required were costly, it was customary for wealthy men to sponsor them. And because Paul had in his possession the offering for the church in Jerusalem, the brothers in Jerusalem asked him to foot the bill for the four men. “We’re not putting this trip on Gentiles, Paul. But supporting these men in their vow would be a wonderful way for you to relate to the Jewish believers here in Jerusalem who still subscribe to the rituals of Judaism.”

Acts 21:26

I’m sure Paul did not offer a sin offering, for he would later point out very clearly that Jesus Christ is the ultimate offering for sin. But he did probably offer one of the other offerings that spoke not of atonement but of fellowship. While I commend Paul’s flexibility, I am grieved by the church’s frailty. The Jerusalem church was not as powerful as the church in other regions during this period because they were still caught up in traditionalism and compromise. The Book of Hebrews, probably written by Paul, was written to the Hebrews to tell the Hebrews to quit being Hebrews. “Give it up,” the Book of Hebrews says, “you can’t go back to the old sacrificial system and traditionalism because all of those things are only pictures pointing to Jesus Christ. Why are you still caught up in the pictures when the Reality is here, the Fulfillment has come, the Work is complete?” When my daughter Jessie and I were at Van Wey’s Market years ago, a little girl was out in front of the store giving away puppies. I had no desire or intention of getting a puppy, but Jessie made an airtight case about how all of her life all we’ve ever had have been “used” dogs, stray dogs, or old dogs. “Dad,” she said, “do you really think I should go through all of my growing-up years never having had a puppy? Here I am, a freshman in high school, and this could have a deep psychological effect on my life.” So we got a puppy and named him Zeke. Now, Jessie, who was active in school and church groups was gone most of the time. One afternoon, however, she happened to be home when there was a knock on the door by Ed, the man who was pouring cement in our driveway. Zeke had gotten loose yet again, and Ed was returning him to us.

But Jessie couldn’t be bothered to answer the door. Why? She was watching a video on “How To Train Your Dog.” You see, Jessie had no time to get her dog or be with her dog because she was too busy watching a video about her dog! Such was the problem with the Hebrews. Jesus was among them. Jesus had died for them. But they weren’t focusing on Him because they were still caught up in the rituals pointing to Him. They were watching the video, but missing the Reality.

Acts 21:27

Although anyone could go into the outer courtyard of the temple, beyond that, there was a sign reading: “Any Gentile entering in will be put to death.” It was absolutely forbidden for Gentiles to go past the outer court. Paul had come into the city with some Gentile believers, and the Jews erroneously assumed they were the men who were in the temple with him.

Acts 21:30

Wherever Paul went, one of two things happened: either a revival or a riot. This time it was a riot. Oh, Paul, the doors were shut long agoyou just didn’t see it, dear brother. I am sorry to say there have been times more than once when, like Paul, I have been determined to enter closed doors. You know what happened? I got a smashed nose and a headache from running into them. “Oh, I just want to do this so badly. I’m called to it. I feel good about it. It’s on my heart,” we say. But is the Lord opening the door? Are we flowingor are we striving? Perhaps this incident was the reason Paul would later write to Timothy, “The servant of the Lord must not strive” (2Ti_2:24).

Acts 21:31

On the northwest corner of the temple mount sat the Fortress Antonia from which Roman soldiers could look down upon the temple to make sure nothing was out of order. When they saw the entire city running toward the temple, they headed there as well. Here’s the question: Where were the Jerusalem believers? Paul had come bringing an offering for them. He had shown flexibility in doing what they asked of him, even though it wasn’t his convictionand now he was getting beat up as a result. Where was the church when Paul was in trouble? Nowhere to be found. That’s what happens whenever legalism and compromise begin to set into a church or an individual. Energy and commitment are replaced by traditionalism and ritualism. And the church becomes the “frozen chosen.” How I pray we will continually be adjusted as a church and as individuals. “Lord, don’t let us care more about external regulations and forms than we do about love, commitment, and standing by one another when someone’s getting beaten up.” It’s a tragic commentary that in Jerusalem, it was the Romans rather than the Christians who rescued Paul.

Acts 21:33

Paul was carried into the Fortress Antonia.

Acts 21:35

About whom else did the crowd say, “Away with Him”? About another Radical who said, “It’s not outward religion that mattersit’s inward righteousness”; about One who reduced everything to great simplicity when He said, “Love God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself” (see Mat_22:37-39). “Away with Him,” they said concerning Jesus. And, “Away with him,” they’re saying concerning Paul, champion of His grace.

Acts 21:37

In the year A.D. 54, an Egyptian, whose name meant “dagger-bearer,” led men to the wilderness to launch a revolt against Rome. Here in Acts, the captain, thinking Paul was this same Egyptian terrorist, was taken aback when Paul started speaking Greek. “You speak Greek?” he said. “I thought you were an Egyptian.”

Acts 21:39

Paul was a gutsy guy. Here, the Jews were out to kill himyet he still wanted to speak to them.

Acts 21:40

Paul must have thought, This is my opportunity! Virtually the entire city is here. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for twenty years! I’m convinced Paul was sure there would be a great revival among his brothers. Suffice it to say, however, his sermon was not the best-received sermon ever preached, as we’ll see in chapter 22.