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diseased condition. Occasional personal prophecy is not risky if kept on biblical
footings, but neither is it to become the way we plan or direct our lives.

PAUL’S TEAM PLEADS WITH PAUL

Act 21:12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with
him not to go up to Jerusalem.

Those pleading with Paul are Paul’s team and the group present who hear the message by
Agabus. Apparently, Agabus gives this message in the presence of many people from the
church. Paul is called forward for a demonstration of the Holy Spirit’s message. Paul has now
had three warnings by the Holy Spirit; the saints at Tyre, the daughters of Philip, and now
Agabus. Paul’s team and the Cesarean congregation are smarter than Paul. He will not listen.
God will now quit striving with Paul and let him do what he is determined to do.

Act 21:13 Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I
am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

These friends and disciples are crying because they fear for Paul’s life. They know he is going to
Jerusalem out of God’s will. They have seen it confirmed many times. Their crying got to Paul,
and he knew they feared for his life. But he had already made up his mind to go and die if need
be.

Here Paul is being stubborn. Paul’s attitude is commendable, but his reasons for going are
wrong. If he were to die, it would not be in the name of Jesus, but because of stupidity. He is
being noble but stupid.

Act 21:14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be
done."

They continue reasoning with Paul after his answer, but he will not change. They leave Paul
alone and turned him (and their frustration) over to the Lord. They can no longer take the care
of Paul upon themselves; it will cause them to sin. They know they have gone as far as they
could.

PAUL AND HIS TEAM GLADLY RECEIVED (15-30)

Once Paul and his companions arrive in Jerusalem, the brethren warmly greet Paul and his
team. The next day, Paul greets James and the elders and begins to testify about what God has
been doing among the Gentiles through his ministry. The elders Paul addresses tell him to take
a vow to demonstrate brotherly love in preaching the message of grace. Paul takes a Nazirite
vow because of the influence of the elders in Jerusalem. Seven days after his arrival in
Jerusalem, Jews from Asia who have seen Paul in the temple stir up the people against him. A
mob is formed and they grab Paul and drag him from the temple.