A Difficult but Encouraging Prophecy

Acts 21:8-15

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. 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. 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.

Story about the convertibles…I didn’t know how God would answer & I’m glad he did not reveal it to me.

·      Paul told his listeners about his UNCHANGEABLE future of opposition/suffering.

·      Acts 21:8-15 is narrative and historical not meant to be an exhortation or instruction to believers.

o   Yet, it gives an example of courage of conviction that is willing to pay any price & can't be diverted at any price.  Act 21:8-11, 2:17, 11:28

Philip was an original deacon, Samaria revival, Ethiopian eunuch. 

·      Married, 4 daughters, all virgins with the gift of prophecy.

o   God spoke to Paul, not thru them but thru proven prophet Agabus.  

Following the example of Old Testament prophets, he symbolically acted out Paul’s future arrest.

·      infallible/inerrant prophecy has ceased: inspiration of Word.

·      Another kind of prophecy continues in church; the gift of the Holy Spirit certain Christians have.  Acts 15:32, 1 Cor 12:28-29 & 14:1, 4, 39-40, 29, 1 Thess 5:19-21

o   Telling something, not with divine authority, but simply to report what God has spontaneously laid on the heart or brought to mind.

§  They are human words not God’s words…and are not equal to scripture in authority.

o   This gift commonly manifests itself in preaching and in counseling.

·      The general prophesy was fulfilled but the details may not have been fulfilled precisely.  Read Act 21:30-33

o   Romans bound and delivered Paul, not Jews who would kill him.

The Christians rightly discerned the outcome, but with a unanimously wrong response.  Act 21:12

·      Maybe they believed prophecy was a conditional warning not set prediction.

o   Because of their love for Paul, they had concern for his future ministry & the wrong belief that Paul was invaluable was an irreplaceable asset to church.

·      They wrongly concluded that the will of God is a course without trouble, trial, difficulty

·      Much bad council is given based upon the assumption that God does not want us to suffer.

o   Many well-intentioned concerns can lead to ill-conceived advice.

§  Well-meaning family and friends talk some out of doing God’s will. Like it is too risky!

·      Be discerning when you seek advice & carefully weigh the consequences.

o   Good advice should not be lightly or hastily given,

§  It’s should be based upon biblical principles over subjective feelings.

§  It should focus on others & what is right, not avoiding opposition and/or suffering.

No one enjoys pain, but the faithful disciple wants to please God above all else. Act 21:13-15 & 9:15, Rom 8:18, Phil 4:13, Mk 1:16-18

·      Their motive: love>Paul. Paul’s motive: love>God/Christians.

o   Paul understood that God’s will for his life included suffering for the gospel.

§  Prophecy did not only inform Paul of his fate (already knew that) but its purpose was to give courage for the future by assuring him of God’s presence in difficult events.

·      It showed Paul & friends that he would suffer due to obedience, not sin.

o   It said: God is in this. My Father loves me, is wise, has all authority & is conforming me to the image of Jesus Christ.

o   He knew that ultimately the eternal reward was greater than any sacrifice.

As the church, & personally, let’s seek God’s will through scripture, praying, and seeking out godly counsel.

·      Once it is revealed, ask Jesus for the courage of conviction that pays any price & can't be diverted at any price.