“And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara” (Acts 21:11And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara: (Acts 21:1)).
“We came with a straight course.” How important it is that the Christian walk a straight course, not a twisted one. “Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil” (Prov. 4:25-2725Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. (Proverbs 4:25‑27)).
The Lord had sent Paul to the Gentiles, but he went in the direction of Jerusalem, bringing with him his fellow-soldiers — despite the Holy Spirit’s warnings not to go there. But he found a boat that would bring him towards Jerusalem. Just like with Jonah: the Lord had sent him to the East, to Nineveh; but Jonah “found a ship going to Tarshish” (Jonah 1:33But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. (Jonah 1:3)) to the West, and got in it.
We see an important principle here: circumstances that are favorable for our purposes are not, in and of themselves, indications that we are aligned with the Lord’s will.
“The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” (Jer. 17:99The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)). This refers to the heart of the religious as much as the wicked. The Christian should always be dependent on the Lord, “praying in the Holy Ghost” (Jude 2020But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, (Jude 20)), being guided by God’s Word and God’s will, and not by his or her own ideas and hopes.
“Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again” (Acts 21:3-63Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. 4And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. 5And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. 6And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again. (Acts 21:3‑6)).
On passing through Cyprus, Paul probably remembered his first “fellow-soldier” the Apostle Barnabas, who left him because he preferred the company of his nephew, John Mark, with whom he went to Cyprus, where he was born (see Acts 5:36-3936For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. 37After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. 38And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. (Acts 5:36‑39)). There is a common saying that says: “blood is thicker than water” meaning that we are more likely to be influenced in our spiritual judgment by our relatives.
In those days, it was not difficult to meet other Christians in a foreign place. The world knew Christ’s followers, whom they called “Christians” (Acts 11:2626And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26)). Their light shone. There were not any divisions or sects, but rather just one Christian church that testified of Christ her Lord.
What joy the Apostle and his company had on meeting the disciples in Tyre! The gospel, without the help of an Apostle, had extended to the Gentiles’ port in Syria. They made good use of the time it took to unload the ship in order to have mutual fellowship with the disciples, who faithfully warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem. The exhortations were multiplying, but he, firm in his purpose, did not listen to them! But their love for each other did not grow cold, and, when Paul and his companions left, they were accompanied by all the disciples (probably not many), their wives and their children. They prayed together on the seashore, hugged, and said goodbye.
How quickly the believers found each other in those days! Paul and his companions were limited to one day on their journey (something that still happens with the Lord’s workers, even today), but they found the believers in Ptolemais and stayed with them.
Philip was chosen by the multitude as a deacon that would serve in the daily tasks; but the Lord, the Head of the church, had gifted him as an “evangelist” (Eph. 4:7-117But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:7‑11)). So, we read in Acts chapter 8 how Philip evangelized to the Samaritans (8:5-12). Then he was sent to give the gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch (8:26-39). This man went on his way joyful, and Philip, caught up by the Lord’s Spirit, “was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea” (8:40). Many years later, he was found again, in Caesarea, and he received Paul and his companions into his house. Philip is the only one in the whole New Testament called, “the evangelist.” He had continued faithfully and persistently in preaching the good news.
“Work! Work! But not in vain for the Lord
Although serving in his field where there is much
Labor; one can sow another reap,
But in the end all will rejoice with Christ.”
“And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy” (Acts 21:99And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. (Acts 21:9)). We do not know how many sons Philip had, but there were four single daughters in his family who not only believed, but also prophesied. They were young women who were separated from “the things that are in the world” (1 John 2:1515Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15)). They loved the Lord and were very spiritual. They had spiritual discernment and could prophesy, that is to say, they knew how to speak the word that was needed at that time. The fatherly and spiritual testimony of Philip and his home, and that of his wife, were blessed by God for the salvation and sanctification of his daughters. However, they did not preach publicly, but rather personally, since the public ministry of God’s word is not given to women.
“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.”
Philip’s four daughters did not even make use of the word to warn Paul, a guest in their father’s house: “And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles” (Acts 21:10-1110And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judea a certain prophet, named Agabus. 11And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. (Acts 21:10‑11)).
God himself sent a prophet from Judea — Agabus — to graphically describe to Paul what was going to happen to him in Jerusalem. “And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem” (v. 12). But all exhortation was useless. “Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done” (vv. 13-14).
Paul had stayed in Caesarea for “many days”; and the love that grew in some of the disciples’ hearts made them accompany him to Jerusalem — despite Agabus’ prophecy that bonds awaited him.
They stayed with an old disciple, Mnason, from Cyprus, who had a house in Jerusalem. In almost every Christian assembly, no matter how small it may be, there is at least one family “given to hospitality” (Rom. 12:1313Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. (Romans 12:13)). No one can estimate the blessing which results from it. There are many named in the Bible: the houses of Abraham and Sarah, of Aquila and Priscilla, of Stephanas, of Philemon and Apphia, and others (see Gen. 1813And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? (Genesis 18:13); Rom. 16:3-53Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. (Romans 16:3‑5); 1 Cor. 16:1515I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) (1 Corinthians 16:15); Philemon 22And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: (Philemon 2)).
It is a “labor of love” (1 Thess. 1:33Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; (1 Thessalonians 1:3)). Once, a very well-known servant of the Lord arrived at a large capital city. Various sisters in Christ presented themselves, high-ranking women, wanting to have the very gifted teacher as a guest in their houses. But, he thanked them all and asked: “Who is the brother who usually houses any of the Lord’s servants?” He was then taken to that humble home.
“And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them” (Acts 21:20-2620And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: 21And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. 22What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. 23Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; 24Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. 25As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. 26Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. (Acts 21:20‑26)).
The Holy Spirit had already warned Paul repeatedly not to go to Jerusalem, for which he was forced to submit to the Judaistic ceremonies and rites (which the believers in the Lord Jesus in Jerusalem had not yet been freed from, due to their lack of spiritual understanding), to the point of purifying himself and even having a (sin) offering made for him! The Spirit does not make any comment, only allows us, historically, to know the results of the false step that Paul took.
We can learn a healthy lesson from all this: if we disobey in one point the guiding of the Holy Spirit which lives in us, the children of God, we then lose His direction in everything and we find ourselves like a boat without a rudder — unless God’s grace intervenes.
How was it possible that Paul — his heart being purified by faith, already pardoned of all his sins, and once firm in the liberty with which Christ made us free — would once again return to the ordinances of the Mosaic law? It must be remembered that he was completely Hebrew and that only a great love for his people after the flesh made him err.
“And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut” (Acts 21:27-3027And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, 28Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. 29(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) 30And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. (Acts 21:27‑30)).
Paul, an apostle of the heavenly calling, left his Christian companion, Trophimus, in the city, and once again made himself a participant in the earthly calling — entering the temple that had already been abandoned by His Lord. From there, he was brought out by force and then THE DOORS WERE SHUT. He never entered in the Judaic temple again. Did he love the Lord Jesus less? Not at all! It is the motive that gives value to the act. The Lord knew Paul’s heart and his extraordinary love for the same people of Israel which the Lord from ages before had loved and tried to win, but in vain. “They have turned their back unto me and not their face” (Jer. 2:2727Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. (Jeremiah 2:27)).
We do not know who the messenger that brought the timely message to the tribune was. However, we understand that he was sent by the Lord, who pardoned Paul’s life when he began to suffer the consequences of not having listened to the numerous warnings of the Holy Spirit saying that he should not go to Jerusalem. How merciful the Lord is! Have not we, His redeemed, tried Him — every last one of us?
“Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him” (Acts 21:33-3633Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. 34And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. 35And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. 36For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him. (Acts 21:33‑36)).
These Jews were the same generation of people who cried to Pilate: “Crucify him! Crucify him!” insisting that he kill their Messiah, Jesus Christ.
“And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people. And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying, Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you. (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence)” (Acts 21:37-4037And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? 38Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? 39But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people. 40And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying, (Acts 21:37‑40) and 22:1-2).
Paul, answering the chief captain, made it known that he was a citizen of Tarsus — a free city recognized by the Roman government, whose inhabitants were primarily Romans by birth. Then he requested to be permitted to speak to the people, wanting to make use of any opportunity to speak to them about his Messiah and Savior, Jesus Christ. The tribune, doubtlessly very impressed by Paul’s speech, gave Paul permission and he addressed them in his own Hebrew tongue, because of which “they kept the more silence.”