Acts 42. Acts 21:1-16

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 Philip the evangelist (21:8). About twenty-five years earlier, Philip reached Caesarea on his missionary wanderings (see 8:40). Apparently, he eventually settled there, married, and raised a family. “Evangelist” may have been Philip’s office, as Paul was an apostle and Agabus was a prophet.
 
Agabus (21:10). The same man who prophesied famine about fifteen years earlier (see 11:27-29). His demonstrative method of prophecy (see 21:11) was used by Old Testament prophets to make their points more vivid than mere words could. 
 
6. Why was Paul going to Jerusalem (see 20:22; 24:17)? 
 " I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me" (20:22)
 "Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings." (24:17)
  •  He was compelled ("bound' cf. 21:11) by the Spirit
  •  He wanted to bring offerings to the Jerusalem Christians. This would promote unity between the 2 groups
7. The Holy Spirit repeatedly warned Paul both internally and through prophets that danger waited in Jerusalem (see 20:22-25; 21:4,10-13). With what attitude did Paul respond to these warnings (see 20:24; 21:13)? 
" But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
"For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 
 
His persistence in his course was not from skepticism
Neither was it because his fellow Christians were not dear to him (cf. Php 1:22-24)
Life and health was not ultimate for Paul
Ministry and life goal was more important
Danger was therefore relative 
 
8. Why do you think the Holy Spirit warned Paul repeatedly of his destiny in Jerusalem? (For instance, did He want Paul not to go? Why do you think so or not?) 
God wanted to prepare Paul and to give him an opportunity to be like Christ.
 
 We may know things, but not interpret them correctly. Despite accurate perception of the risk to Paul, the natural tendency of his friends was to advise against what the Spirit had explicitly led Paul to do.

 
For Thought and Discussion: In your judgment, was Paul right or wrong to go to Jerusalem? Why? 
  The Spirit 'bound' Paul. He had no choice. His friends eventually conclude, "Let the will of the Lord be done" (v.14). Paul followed the footsteps of Jesus, who also went to Jerusalem knowing death awaited.
 
 
For Thought and Discussion: Paul and the other believers agreed that the Holy Spirit promised suffering if Paul went to Jerusalem, but they differed as to what the Spirit wanted Paul to do in light of the warning (see 20:22-25; 21:4,10-13). Why do we often interpret the Spirit’s guidance differently? What should we do in such situations? (In your opinion, what should Paul and the others have done in 21:12-14?) 
 Foreknowledge does not mean aiming for comfort.
Sometimes, there can be differences in response despite all agreeing what is likely to happen.
We should discuss and search one another's inner motivations and consciences
 
 
9. What does 20:1–21:16 reveal about God, especially the Holy Spirit? 
God works through His people in encouraging us 
God works miraculously, in compassion, to comfort us
God can lead us strongly.
God can tell our future 
God is gracious 
God has given the church leaders 
God keeps us by the word of His grace 
God gives more than He receives 
He can confirm lessons through many people, but the personal response to those lessons still is ours to decide. The Spirit sometimes reveals dangers, not so we can avoid them, but so we can face them faithfully.

Optional Application: Are you disagreeing with other believers about the Spirit’s will in some area? What should you do? 
 


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