Acts 21-22, Psalm 129
Acts 21:13-14 (NLT)
“But he said, ‘Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.’ When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’”
In Acts 21:13–14, Paul responded to the pleas of his traveling companions and the believers at Caesarea. Agabus warned that Paul would face imprisonment in Jerusalem. But Paul said he was not only ready to be arrested but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of Jesus. Paul was determined to go to Jerusalem despite Agabus' prediction because the Lord had already revealed that Paul would suffer for the sake of Christ. When the believers saw that Paul could not be persuaded not to go to Jerusalem, they surrendered to Father-God's sovereign purpose for Paul's life.
These verses show believers that Paul was ready to face imprisonment and death for the sake of Jesus Christ. One Bible commentary said Paul's motivation serves as an example for believers facing opposition. Believers need to stand firm in their faith and trust the Lord's plan. Paul's actions were also an example of the importance of submitting to the Lord's will, even when it leads to personal sacrifice and hardship.
Paul knew from the beginning of his ministry that Jesus had said he would suffer for His name. He accepted the suffering as part of what it would take to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ. What struck me is that even when warned by Agabus of what would happen to him, Paul never wavered. He spread the name of Jesus Christ and had suffered, and he was willing to do it again when he went to Jerusalem. I pray that I have the courage of Paul in submitting to the will of the Lord, even when it could lead to personal sacrifice and hardship. I also pray for discernment like Paul's because he constantly turned to the Lord for guidance on his next actions.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who has a will for our lives and will give us the courage to follow it—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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