Paul and his companions were staying in Caesarea at the home of Philip. A prophet named Agabus predicted that the Jews in Jerusalem would bind Paul and deliver him to the Gentiles. Paul's friends urged him not to go to Jerusalem, but Paul was willing to die for Jesus. They accompanied Paul to Jerusalem. An old disciple named Mnason housed them, having likely been a disciple since Pentecost. Spending time with long-time disciples can provide wisdom.

1. Stone
Creek
www.rossvillechurch.com
781 Salem Road, Rossville, GA 30741
October24, 2012 1

2. Paul and company are in Caesarea staying in the
home of Philip, one of the original seven deacons.
Acts 21
2

3. Acts 21:10 And
as we tarried there
many days, there came down
from Judaea a certain prophet,
named Agabus. 11 And when he
was come unto us, he took
Paul's girdle (belt), 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.
3

4. 12 And when we heard these things, both we, and
they of that place, besought him not to go up to
Jerusalem. 13 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.
We see here as we saw Sunday in 1 Samuel how
easily prophecy can be misunderstood.
4

5. God had told David that He would deliver his
enemy into David’s hand to do as he would.
David’s men took that to
mean that David should
kill Saul in that cave.
David knew that would
be wrong.
5

6. Here in Acts 21 the men and women in Caesarea
thought that this prophecy from Agabus
Was a warning not to go to Jerusalem.
But Paul knew that he was supposed
to go to Jerusalem.
His friends meant well, but they were making
it harder for him to do the Will of God.
Not a warning, it was preparation.
So Paul would not be shocked when it happened.
6

7. 14 Andwhen he would not be persuaded, we
ceased, saying, The Will of the Lord be done.
The Will of God is the only thing we should
ever desire in any situation.
Romans 12 2 And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and
acceptable, and perfect, Will of God.
7

8. Sometimes the Will of God may seem harsh to us;
But God is always working all things for our good.
Perhaps to bring a backslidden loved one back
to a right relationship with God.
Perhaps preparing the way for a life that is
much better than the one we have.
Perhaps to prepare us for a difficult ministry.
Agubus’ prophecy to Paul was not a warning;
it was preparation; Paul would not be shocked.
8

9. 15 And after those days we
took up our carriages
(baggage), and went up to
Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is south of
Caesarea, so why did Luke
say “went up?”
Elevation
9

10. 16 Therewent with us also certain of the disciples
of Caesarea, and brought with them {brought him
to} one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with
whom we should lodge.
When they could not persuade Paul not to go
to Jerusalem, they went with him.
They were fearful because of the prophecies,
but they went anyway.
10

11. “an old disciple” probably isn’t speaking only of
age, but rather time as a disciple of Jesus.
Maybe since the Day of Pentecost when the
Holy Ghost came, and 3000 were saved.
Perhaps he had become a disciple during the
lifetime of Jesus.
11

12. It is good to spend time with those who have
walked with the Lord for many years.
Proverbs 16:31 (NIV) Gray hair is a crown of
splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.
A man or woman who has walked with
God for many years can be a source of
wisdom and inspiration.
Don’t let the arrogance of youth cause you to lose
the blessing of time with such men and women.
12