Main Highlights
Paul journeys to Jerusalem, is warned of impending danger, and is arrested in the temple.
Key Verses
After we had parted from them and had set sail, we ran a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais; and after greeting the brothers, we stayed with them for a day. And when we came to him, Agabus took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is the way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man whose belt this is, and they will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’" When they heard it, they began glorifying God; and they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law;" When the seven days were nearly over, the Jews from Asia, upon seeing him in the temple, began to stir up all the crowd and laid hands on him, Then the commander came up and took hold of him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and he inquired who he was and what he had done.
Related Scripture
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."- Matthew 10:16
Scholar Insight
"Paul was not disobedient to the heavenly vision (Acts 26:19). He was determined to go to Jerusalem, even though he knew that bonds and afflictions awaited him there (Acts 20:22-23)." - John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Acts 13-28 (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1996), p. 240."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God's will is sometimes revealed through prophecy, as seen in Agabus's warning, but even with knowledge of future suffering, obedience is still required.
Christological Connection
Paul's willingness to suffer for the sake of the Gospel mirrors Jesus's own sacrifice. The disciples say they are ready to die for the name of the Lord Jesus.
Systematic Theology
The sovereignty of God is evident in both the warnings and Paul's unwavering determination to fulfill his mission, regardless of the consequences.
Law & Grace
The tension between Jewish Christians who are zealous for the Law and Paul's ministry to the Gentiles highlights the ongoing debate about the relationship between law and grace. Paul seeks to accommodate those zealous for the law.
Personal Application
We should be willing to follow God's calling, even when it involves hardship and opposition. Paul's example of courage and faithfulness should inspire us to persevere in our own faith journey. "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24)