"Shared Stress"
EPISODE 143
Follow the Lord in Trials
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The tension builds, nerves are on edge, and time feels like it slips away in the hours before a big life moment. That’s what Acts 21 feels like as Paul prepares for his return to Jerusalem. His future isn’t certain — but he’s about to face an angry Jewish mob and face an unjust imprisonment.
This chapter shares a few similarities with those tense moments leading up to Jesus’ arrest in the garden (Luke 22). So let’s look at a few thing Paul and Christ shared in these stressful moments.
Prophesied Delivery
“While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 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’”” (Acts 21:10-11).
Before Jesus was led away, he reminded his disciples of Isaiah’s prophecy long ago, “For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment” (Luke 22:37). They both knew what was awaiting them — delivery into the hands of evil men.
Urging & Tears
“When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? ...” (Acts 21:12-13).
Remember when Peter once insisted that Jesus would never be delivered over for death (Matt. 16:21-23)? These disciples similarly urge Paul. And Paul was heartbroken, like Jesus — alone in the garden — crying out to the Lord with tears and sweat (Luke 22:44). So how did they proceed despite their agony?
The Lord’s Will Be Done
“... ”For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem” (Acts 21:13-15).
Both Paul and his friends echo Christ’s prayerful words to the Father, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). Of course, they didn’t want to face affliction, but if it was God’s will for them to suffer, that’s what they’d do! And suffering was what Jesus wanted for Paul. Remember back to Christ’s words to Ananias, “For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (Acts 9:16).
Both Christ and Paul handled their upcoming trials with courage and faith. So when we come to our own moments of difficulty — when our conviction is tested, and we have to suffer for Christ — let’s follow their lead and commit to the Lord’s will until the very end!
