by melindasbaker

Study of Acts – Acts 21

Acts 21

In Chapter 20 we left Paul in Miletus where he had asked the Ephesian church leaders to join him at which time he encouraged them in their Christian walk and gave instruction in service. Following this Paul bid them farewell for what he considered to be the last time.

  • The uttermost parts of the earth
    • The third missionary journey
      • Sailing homeward (Acts 21:1-6)
        • After multiple stops, they arrive at Tyre (Acts 21:3)
          • The ship would unload its cargo which took a week
        • Time was well spent meeting with Christian disciples in that area (Acts 21:4)
        • A warning was issued (Acts 21:4)
          • Paul was not to go to Jerusalem
          • The guidance of the Holy Spirit is not limited to Apostles, but is available to all who seek to follow Him
            • Paul had earlier been compelled to go to Jerusalem (Acts 20:22)
            • These Christians learned of Paul’s future sufferings and urged him not to go to Jerusalem
          • In what ways can we experience the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
            • Through Scripture
              • God does not contradict Himself
            • Circumstances
            • Confirmation
      • On to Caeserea (Acts 21:7-14)
        • Reacquainted with Philip, the evangelist
          • One of the first seven deacons appointed in Jerusalem
          • Led the Ethiopian leader to Christ
          • Faithful proclaimer of the Gospel, especially after Stephen’s death
          • Now was a church leader in the city
        • Agabus prophecy (Acts 21:10-11)
          • A dramatic way to demonstrate God’s message
        • Paul’s response (Acts 21:12-16)
      • In Jerusalem (Acts 2117-36)
        • Visit with James (Acts 21:18-26)
          • Paul’s report (Acts 21:19)
          • James and the other’s report (Acts 21:20)
            • The wrong information (Acts 21:21-22)
            • A positive action (Acts 21:23-26)
              • The vow referred to here was a Nazarite vow
              • Paul had previously put himself under this vow
              • He would complete this vow with a ceremony of purification
                • The shaved hair was presented to a priest and burned as part of a sacrifice
          • Arrest in the temple (Acts 21:26-36)
            • An example of what false information can do (Acts 21:27-30)
            • False information results in false arrest (Acts 21:31-36)

Paul’s treatment is reminiscent of the events in Jesus’ life leading to His death.

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