Day 344

On the Way to Jerusalem

Acts 21:1–14

The apostles sailed across the eastern end of the Great Sea. Luke continues the story:

“We landed at Tyre and found the believers. Through the Spirit they told Paul, ‘Don’t go on to Jerusalem.’ After seven days, we were ready to leave. Everyone followed us out of the city. We knelt on the beach, prayed, and said farewell. Then we went on board the ship and they went home.

“A short voyage took us to Ptolemais and then to Caesarea. There we stayed with Philip. He had served with the martyr Stephen in Jerusalem. While we were there, a man named Agabus came down from Judea. Agabus warned us in this way: Taking Paul’s belt, he tied himself up. ‘These are the Holy Spirit’s words,’ he said. ‘The Jews in Jerusalem will tie up the owner of this belt. They will give him to the Gentiles.’ Then everyone urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem.

“ ‘What are you doing?’ asked Paul. ‘Your weeping is breaking my heart. I’m ready to die in Jerusalem for the Lord’s name.’

“We said nothing more except: ‘Let the Lord do what he wants.’ ”

Questions: What did Agabus say would happen to Paul in Jerusalem? What did Paul say he was ready to do?