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^22 “What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. ²³ Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; ²⁴ take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law.” (Acts 21:22–24)

False rumors have the capacity to inflame people’s emotions within a church. If emotions run high enough, the result can be a church split. I have witnessed such splits. They are never pretty and they can result in a long-lasting impact affecting not only individuals, but also a community.

Paul, James and the Jerusalem church elders were concerned about such a church split occurring within the believing community in Jerusalem. They were afraid the church would divide along ethnic lines. Knowing that people would soon learn that Paul was in town, the church leaders knew they had to act fast.

The elders proposed to Paul that he demonstrate his piety as a law-abiding Jew. They said, “²³ Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; ²⁴ take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law.” Such a public display of his integrity towards God’s Word would be more effective, they reasoned, than any verbal explanation.

The elders reasoning involved four Jewish Christians. Apparently, they had taken Nazarite vows (Numbers 6). Unfortunately, they could afford the cost of the animals to sacrifice when the vows are concluded. The elders encouraged Paul to pay those expenses. This would be viewed by people as an act of piety.

Since Paul had also been with Gentiles, the elders additionally proposed that Paul join the aforementioned four in ceremonial purification rites. The elders were convinced this would put an end to any questions concerning Paul’s commitment to the Mosaic Law. Unfortunately, as we will soon see this would not be the case.

Church splits are hard to avoid if gossip and false rumors are allowed to persist within a local church. Resolve to not spread gossip or false rumors and to not listen to any. When a conversation begins to become gossip, leave immediately. Do not partake of gossip in any way.

Soli deo Gloria!      

^20 “And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, ²¹ and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs.” (Acts 21:20–21)

Following his greeting to James and the Jerusalem church elders, the Apostle Paul related to them all the things God had done through him among the Gentiles in his ministry (Acts 21:19). It was also at this time that Paul probably presented the gifts from the Gentile churches (Romans 15:25-28; I Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4).

When the church leaders heard all that Paul had shared, they glorified the Lord. In other words, they gave God the praise and the honor. That is as it should be: then and now.

It was also then that the elders brought up a serious matter concerning Paul’s life and the overall unity of the church. The elders said to the apostle, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law.”

From the Day of Pentecost when 3,000 Jews were converted to the Gospel (Acts 2:1-41), many more Jews trusted Christ as their Savior and Lord. Like all believers in Christ, but especially the Jews, they sought to keep and obey God’s law.

Unfortunately, rumors spread throughout the Jerusalem church that Paul did not encourage the Gentile believers to keep the law of God. The fact was that the Jerusalem Council freed Gentile Christians from a strict observance to the Mosaic Law except in behavior that was particularly offensive to the Jews (Acts 15). While the council did not give strict instructions to Gentiles to obey the law, they also did not order the Jews to abandon the law.

The elders continued by saying, “and they (the Jews) have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs.” Paul endeavored to be a Jew to the Jews and a Gentile to the Gentiles (I Corinthians 9:19-23). He never instructed the Jews to abandon the Mosaic Law. It is interesting to observe that the elders apparently did little or nothing to stem the flood of these rumors.

The Jewish Christians wanted more from Paul. They wanted Gentile believers in Christ circumcised and also for them to follow other Mosaic customs. As previously noted, this Paul and the church leadership, would not do. Consequentially, Jewish Christians were angry with Paul and unconverted Jews were enraged.

How often are pastors, and church elders, accused of preaching and teaching something they do not, and did not, proclaim? How often are other believers? The rumor mill plagued the church in Paul’s day, and does so also in our own.

How may believers in Christ stop rumors from spreading in their own church? First, don’t repeat gossip. Do not do so even under the guise of sharing a prayer request. Also, don’t jump to conclusions. This is easy to do and hard to resist, but resist we must. Finally, do not concern yourself about a situation which does not directly affect you. If you must use your tongue, do so in the discipline of private prayer and not in public gossip.

Soli deo Gloria!

^17 “When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. ¹⁸ On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. ¹⁹ After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.” (Acts 21:17–19)

Have you ever taken a motor trip and felt that the journey would never end? I remember the first time my wife and I, along with our small children, traveled to Florida by car to spend a week with dear friends who had recently moved to a community just north of Daytona Beach. The kids thought that once we crossed into Florida that the trip was done. Frustratingly for them, we still had another couple of hours yet to go.

I wonder how Paul, Luke, and their companions (Acts 20:4-5), felt after traveling for well over a month when they finally arrived in Jerusalem. It must have been a welcome relief to reach their destination, although they knew that the city was fraught with danger for Paul and those committed to the Gospel.

When they arrived, the Jerusalem believers in Christ gladly welcomed them. Luke recorded, “the brothers received us gladly.” To receive means to personally accept and have as a guest in one’s home.

The next day, presumably after a good night’s rest, Paul, Luke and others went to see James, the half-brother of the Lord (Galatians 1:19) and an elder in the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15). The other Jerusalem church elders were also present at the gathering. Following his greetings, Paul relayed in detail the events of the third missionary journey and all the things God had done among the Gentiles though his ministry in preaching the gospel of God.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “The mention of elders indicates that the apostles, often away on evangelistic work, had turned over rule of the Jerusalem church to them. Some have speculated that there were 70 elders, paralleling the Sanhedrin. Given the large size of the Jerusalem church, there probably were at least that many. God had decreed that after the apostles were gone, the church was to be ruled by elders (cf. 14:23; 20:17; 1 Tim. 5:17; Titus 1:5; James 5:14; 1 Pet. 5:1, 5). Paul’s official report of his missionary work did not involve meaningless generalities; he related specific incidents from his journeys (cf. 11:4). As always (cf. 14:27; 15:4, 12), Paul gave all credit and glory for his accomplishments to God.”

Do you have a relationship with any of the missionaries supported by your church? If so, and even if not, make the effort to write a letter, or send an e-mail, to these families and get to know them. Inquire as to what needs they may have and uphold them in prayer. You may even ask them about their successes and encourage them because of any disappointments.

Soli deo Gloria!

^13 “Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” ¹⁴ And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” ¹⁵ After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. ¹⁶ And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.” (Acts 21:13–16)

 The Apostle Paul’s reaction to the Caesarean believers’ efforts to convince him to not go to Jerusalem touched him deeply. However, he would not be dissuaded from his mission. Paul said, ““What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Upon realizing they could not convince Paul otherwise, the Caesarean Christians, including Paul’s companion Luke, finally ceased their pleadings. “And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

Dr. John Walvoord explains that, “Though Luke did not say so, apparently one reason this trip to Jerusalem was important to Paul was that he was taking an offering to the Jerusalem believers (cf. 24:17; Rom. 15:25–27; 1 Cor. 16:1–4; 2 Cor. 8:13–14; 9:12–13; Gal. 2:10). Paul wanted to make this presentation of money in order to fortify one of his basic doctrines, the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ (Eph. 2:11–22; 3:6).”

Luke then recorded what immediately transpired. “After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. ¹⁶ And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.”

Paul, and his companions, finally arrived in the capital city of Israel. It is estimated that with the Feast of Pentecost fast approaching, Paul spent at least 36 days, a little over a month, traveling from Philippi to Caesarea. This was followed by several days traveling from Caesarea to Jerusalem, to be there in time for the festival. Paul’s arrival would be an experience of the calm before the storm.

Hymn writer William Cowper wrote,

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unsearchable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

And ye fearful saints, fresh courage take
The clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings, on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
But trust Him for His grace
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast
Unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste
But sweet will be the flower.

Paul was prepared for whatever would happen in his life? Are we prepared in such a way? May the Lord give each of us a profound sense of His overarching providence. Have a wonderful day.

Soli deo Gloria!

^10 “While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. ¹¹ And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” ¹² When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.” (Acts 21:10–12)

A storm warning indicates that meteorologists have observed impending severe weather conditions. If a storm warning has been issued, it means potentially dangerous weather is imminent in or near your location.

Like a dangerous weather pattern, whether it be a hurricane, a tornado or a blizzard, the Apostle Paul was facing imminent and dangerous conditions in Jerusalem. Mind you, the danger for Paul had nothing to do with the weather. It had everything to do with truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

While Paul, Luke and others stayed at Phillip’s home in Caesarea, a prophet of God named Agabus came from Judea with a storm warning for Paul. Acts 21:11 says, “And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ”

Agabus utilized the apostle’s belt to illustrate what was going to occur to Paul when he arrived in Jerusalem: he would be arrested and bound. Agabus’ methodology was much like the Old Testament prophets (Isaiah 20:1-2; Jeremiah 13:1-11; Ezekiel 4:1-12). Agabus’ speech also resembled the OT prophet when he said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit.”

Upon hearing this storm warning from Agabus, the believers in Caesarea pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem. They feared that dire circumstances awaited him there.  However, Paul was not to be dissuaded.

Dr. Simon Kistemaker writes, “Paul understood the warnings as confirmation that ‘he must suffer many things for the Lord’s name’ (Acts 9:16). He considered these divine revelations to be symbols of God’s grace designed to prepare him for the immediate future.”

Paul was more than willing, ready and able to go Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit was leading Paul with a divine purpose (Acts 9:15-16). How is God leading you to fulfill His divine purpose for your life? It may not be easy. It may be downright hard. Regardless, if your life is being lived in accordance with Scripture, you are in the place the Lord would have you to be to accomplish His purpose for your life.

Sol deo Gloria!

^7 “When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. ⁸ On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. ⁹ He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.” (Acts 21:7–9)

As Paul and his companions continued their journey, they departed from Tyre and sailed to Ptolemais, an ancient Phoenician port city. Upon their arrival, they sought our fellow believers as they had at Tyre. They stayed with them for one day.

They then traveled to Caesarea. Caesarea was named in honor of Augustus Caesar. The city was built by Herod the Great from 22 to 10 bc. The 8,000-acre (3,240-hectare) site lies 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of modern Haifa, in the beautiful Plain of Sharon on Israel’s Mediterranean coast. Known as Caesarea Marittima, it became the administrative center of the country throughout the period of Roman occupation. Three Roman governors of Palestine lived there: Felix (Acts 24), Festus (25:1, 4–6, 13), and Pontius Pilate, who visited Jerusalem on special occasions (as in John 19). Archaeologists found Pilate’s name carved in stone in the theater at Caesarea.

Caesarea served as the major seaport of Judea in NT times. Since the southern Palestinian coastline lacked a good harbor, Herod created one by building two huge breakwaters that could shelter ships from Mediterranean storms.

It was while they were in Caesarea, that Paul and his companions lodged with Phillip the evangelist, one of the first deacons of the church (Acts 6; 8). Luke also noted that Phillip had four unmarried daughters. Each of them prophesied.

Dr. R. C. Sproul notes that Phillip was “one of the seven chosen to handle the food distribution (Acts 6:1-6). He has preached to the Samaritans, the Ethiopian eunuch, and the people along the Palestinian coast (Acts 8). Although originally ordained to perform mercy ministry within the church, the gospel witness in Samaria, the Ethiopian, and the coastal towns warrants the title evangelist, an office mentioned rarely in the NT (Ephesians 4:11; 2 Timothy 4:5).”

Dr. John Walvoord comments that, “He (Phillip) had four unmarried (parthenoi, lit., “virgins”) daughters who had the gift of prophecy. This spiritual gift, evident in the early church, was not limited to men (cf. 1 Cor. 11:5). Their apparent silence in view of all the other prophecies regarding Paul’s suffering in Jerusalem is surprising.”

It was while Paul was staying at Phillips’ home that he would receive a providential visitor. We will study this encounter when next we meet. Have a blessed day.

Soli deo Gloria!

We will devote each Lord’s Day in 2021 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Two: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity. Part 1.

1. There is but one only^a living and true God,^b who is infinite in being and perfection,^c a most pure spirit,^d invisible,^e without body, parts,^f or passions,^g immutable,^h immense,ⁱ eternal,^k incomprehensible,^l almighty,^m most wise,ⁿ most holy,^o most free,^p most absolute,^q working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will,^r for his own glory;^s most loving,^t gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin;^u the rewarder of them that diligently seek him;^w and withal most just and terrible in his judgments;^x hating all sin,^y and who will by no means clear the guilty.^z
2. a. Deut 6:4; 1 Cor 8:4, 6. • b. Jer 10:10; 1 Thes 1:9. • c. Job 11:7-9; 26:14. • d. John 4:24. • e. 1 Tim 1:17. • f. Deut 4:15-16; John 4:24 with Luke 24:39. • g. Acts 14:11, 15. • h. Mal 3:6; James 1:17. • i. 1 Kings 8:27; Jer 23:23-24. • k. Psa 90:2; 1 Tim 1:17. • l. Psa 145:3. • m. Gen 17:1; Rev 4:8. • n. Rom 16:27. • o. Isa 6:3; Rev 4:8. • p. Psa 115:3. • q. Exod 3:14. • r. Eph 1:11. • s. Prov 16:4; Rom 11:36. • t. 1 John 4:8, 16. • u. Exod 34:6-7. • w. Heb 11:6. • x. Neh 9:32-33. • y. Psa 5:5-6. • z. Exod 34:7; Nahum 1:2-3.

Take the time today to read each attribute along with its corresponding biblical reference. You will be blessed and edified.

Soli deo Gloria!

^4 “And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. ⁵ When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed ⁶ and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.” (Acts 21:4–6)

Upon arriving at the seacoast city of Tyre, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, the Apostle Paul sought out fellow believers in Christ. Upon finding them, he remained there a week. During that time, the believers implored Paul not to go the Jerusalem.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Paul is not disobedient to the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is compelling him to go to Jerusalem (Acts 20:22), while also giving prophecies that hardship awaits him there (20:23). In response to such predictions, Paul’s friends, assuming that he should avoid such suffering if possible, tried to persuade Paul not to go to Jerusalem (Acts 21:11-12).”

However, in spite of their earnest pleas Paul was determined to reach Jerusalem. When the seven days were concluded, Paul, Luke and their other companions (Acts 20:4-6), resumed their journey.

The believers accompanied Paul and his companions to the docks. These fellow Christians included women and children. Upon arriving at the beach, they all knelt, prayed, and said goodbye to one another. Following this, the missionaries boarded their ship.

Dr. John Walvoord comments that, “This was Paul’s first contact with this church at Tyre, and yet after only one week there was a strong bond of love. The departure scene is not as poignant as the one at Miletus (20:37), but it was meaningful.”

Such is the heartfelt fellowship Christians have with one another. The bond of love is strong and lifelong. Make every effort to foster such bonds of love with believers in Christ that you personally know. Have a blessed day.

Soli deo Gloria!

We will continue to devote each Lord’s Day weekend in 2022 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Twenty Three: Of the Civil Magistrate. Part 2.

3. The civil magistrate may not assume to himself the administration of the Word and sacraments; or the power of the keys of the kingdom of heaven:^a yet he hath authority, and it is his duty, to take order, that unity and peace be preserved in the Church, that the truth of God be kept pure and entire; that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed; all corruptions and abuses in worship and discipline prevented or reformed; and all the ordinances of God duly settled, administered, and observed.^b For the better effecting whereof, he hath power to call synods, to be present at them, and to provide that whatsoever is transacted in them be according to the mind of God.^c

a. 2 Chron 2:8 • b. Isa 49:23 • c. 2 Chron 19:8

4. It is the duty of people to pray for magistrates,^a to honor their persons,^b to pay them tribute and other dues,^c to obey their lawful commands, and to be subject to their authority, for conscience’ sake.^d Infidelity or difference in religion doth not make void the magistrate’s just and legal authority, nor free the people from their due obedience to him:^e from which ecclesiastical persons are not exempted;^f much less hath the Pope any power or jurisdiction over them in their dominions, or over any of their people; and least of all to deprive them of their dominions or lives, if he shall judge them to be heretics, or upon any other pretense whatsoever.^g

a. 1 Tim 2:1-2. • b. 1 Pet 2:17. • c. Rom 13:6-7. • d. Rom 13:5; Titus 1:3. • e. 1 Pet 2:13-14, 16. • f. 1 Kings 2:35; Acts 25:9-11; Rom 13:1; 2 Pet 2:1, 10-11; Jude 1:8-11. • g. 2 Thes 2:4; Rev 13:15-17.

I encourage you to read the portions of Scripture listed in this post. Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

Soli deo Gloria!

“And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. ² And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. ³ When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo.” (Acts 21:1–3)

Following the Apostle Paul’s encounter with the Ephesian church elders (Acts 20:17-38), Luke resumed his record of Paul’s journey to Jerusalem. Again, it should be observed that Luke inserted himself in the narrative by using the personal pronoun “we.”  It is very possible that Luke, along with the other companions (Acts 20:1-6), were passive observers to Paul’s final words to the elders.

Departing from Miletus (Acts 20:17), the missionaries came by a straight course to the Island of Cos. Cos was an island of the Sporades group in the Aegean, containing a city of the same name. Located off the coast of Caria in Asia Minor, it was a major shipping center, famous for its wheat, ointments, wines, and silk. It eventually became one of the financial centers of the eastern Mediterranean.

Hippocrates, the “father of medicine,” was born and practiced medicine there in the fifth and fourth centuries bc. Under King Herod’s rule, Cos received perpetual revenues, and a statue was built there to honor his son Herod Antipas.

The following day, Luke records that the group sailed to Rhodes. The island of Rhodes, an area of more than 500 square miles (1,295 square kilometers), is situated near the southeast coast of modern Turkey.

The Tyndale Bible Commentary states, “In Paul’s time the island had long been an important establishment of Dorian Greek culture, with several cities. Rhodes, the capital, lay on the busiest ancient sea route between the ports of Italy and the province of Asia to the west, and those of Syria and Egypt to the east. It was distinguished for its natural harbor and public works. Rhodes was a prominent center for business and supplied most of the precedents for Roman law of the sea.”

From Rhodes, Paul and his companions sailed for Patara, a seaport of the ancient region of Lycia, now located in modern Turkey. The ancient city, one of the largest and most prosperous of the region, was a center of trade and commerce. A temple to Apollo stood in Patara. Remains of a theater and baths still exist. Prevailing winds made Patara a convenient place for ships to begin their voyages to the eastern Mediterranean.

Finally, setting sail from Patara, the group journeyed to Phoenicia, which was a strip of land on the coastal plain of Syria. It was there that the city of Tyre existed. Tyre was an ancient Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast 20 miles (32.2 kilometers) south of Sidon and 23 miles (37 kilometers) north of Acre. Tyre consisted of two major parts: an older port city on the mainland and an island city a half mile (.8 kilometer) from the coast where the majority of the population lived.

Paul was coming ever closer to his destination of Jerusalem. More to come as we witness the Lord’s providence in the life of the apostle.  

Soli deo Gloria!