Ignoring God‘s Warning

Acts 21:1-7

After meeting with the Ephesian leaders, Paul and his company resumed their journey to Jerusalem, with the intent of being there for Pentecost. With only about a month left, they sailed on costal trading ships to various stops along the way, seeking a ship headed toward Israel.

“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: And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. 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.” (Acts 21:1-3)

After a few days of travel, they found a ship headed for Phoenicia that would be making a stop in Tyre, Syria to make a delivery. This ship did not hug the coast but sailed straight across the Mediterranean.

“And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.” (Acts 21:4)

They then spent a week with the Christians in Tyre, because they were spiritually brothers and sisters, even though they had never met. While they were there, the Christians there were directed by the Holy Spirit to tell Paul not to go to Jerusalem. When they left, the Christians in tyre accompanied them to the edge of town.

“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. And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.” (Acts 21:5-7)

After staying overnight with the Christians in Ptolemais. Paul’s company went to Caesarea, the home town of Cornelius and Roman garrison. It was also the city where Philip ended up after his mission to the Samaritans.

“And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.” (Acts 21:8-9)

Philip had made his home in Caesarea, and Paul and his group stayed with them for many days, visiting and sharing what he Lord had done. Philip was one of the original deacons named in Acts 7, and is the only person referred to as an evangelist in the Bible. He and his family were still active in church more than twenty years after he’d left Jerusalem.

“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 21:10-11)

Paul had told the Ephesian leaders that the Holy Spirit had repeatedly warned him of the danger of going to Jerusalem. In Tyre, the Holy Spirit told Paul he should not go to Jerusalem. Agabus delivers a final warning to Paul, that if he goes, he will be arrested by the Jews and turned over to the Roman authorities.

“And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. 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.” (Acts 21:12-14)

Despite repeated warnings by the Holy Spirit, and the pleading of his friends and fellow Christians, Paul refused to be dissuaded from going. Even Spirit filled men ignore the Holy Spirit’s leadership from time to time. Paul was so focused on his desire to win Jews to Christ he ignored the Holy Spirit. His associates finally decided that they were wasting their time trying to change his mind, and decided to let him suffer the consequences of his actions if that is what God wanted.

Unlike Satanic spirits, the Holy Spirit does not take possession and force us to do things. He always leaves us free to take control at any time. As I Corinthians 14:32 states, “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” Any person can refuse to allow the Holy spirit to have his way. If a person is unable to control himself, it is not the Holy Spirit motivating him.

In I Corinthians 4:6. Paul was concerned “…that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.” Here, the Holy
Spirit has made it very clear that even Paul did not always follow the Holy Spirit’s leadership. It is a very important message.