Acts 21:10-16 10While we were staying for many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea, 11And coming to us and taking Paul’s belt, after tying his own feet and hands, he said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says, ‘As the man of this belt, so will the Jews of Jerusalem bind and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12And when we heard these things, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then 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.” 14And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” 15And after these days, after getting ready, we went up to Jerusalem. 16And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we could stay.
While the group was with Philip in Caesarea, a prophet named Agabus joined them. It appears that he came from Judea specifically to prophesy to Paul with a warning. In Jewish thinking, Judea was inland and uphill, their homeland, and Caesarea was more Gentile and along the coast. This is the second time Agabus is mentioned in Acts, with him previously prophesying in 11:27-30 about the famine that would soon take place in Judea. The offering Paul was collecting may have been in part to ward off the economic effects of this famine and the problems associated with it.
Agabus acted out his prophecy and explained its significance, much like the Old Testament prophets, such as Ezekiel. He used the long belt that was typical of first-century clothing to fasten around the waist. He spoke with the authority of the Holy Spirit, similar to the messenger formula of the Old Testament: “Thus says the Lord.” In this case, the inspiration came from the Holy Spirit. This was the second inspired warning given to Paul through the Holy Spirit. Since Paul already felt the leading and conviction of the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem, Abagaus’ message was not intended to deter Paul from his plans, but to prepare him for what lay ahead. Abagus’ message was simply stated but with significant implications. Paul would once again experience imprisonment. Like in other places, it would be caused by his own people, the Jews, but would be carried out by Gentiles, the Romans.
The believers in Caesarea responded like those in Tyre and urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. There was a forboding sense among the group that the days ahead would be difficult for Paul. The first-person plural we indicates that Luke was part of the group urging Paul to change his plans. Paul could have sent the offering with someone. Sometimes, well-meaning people can get in the way of God’s plans.
Paul’s response showed his firm conviction of where the Lord Jesus was leading him. He used a vivid image to describe the conflict in his heart. The word used for breaking into pieces (synthryptontes) was also used to describe the method of washing clothes in that time (and in some places today), which involved beating the clothes against rocks. Paul was so inspired and in love with Jesus that he was willing to go to prison and die for Jesus. Paul had devoted his life, literally, for the cause of Christ. Not even death could separate him from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:32). He would keep that same commitment over the next several years of trials and imprisonments (Philippians 1:21).
His amazing testimony of commitment convinced the others to accept his decision to continue his journey. The group then made plans and continued their journey to Jerusalem, which was about sixty-four miles, several days at least. This trip may have been the first time in Jerusalem for some in the group. The city and temple must have brought both a sense of awe and trepidation as they arrived. Fortunately, those from Caesarea who accompanied them knew Mnason, who had a house large enough to accommodate the group. Mnason had been a believer for a while and likely had many contacts with others in the city. Since he was from the island of Cyprus, he may have been a Hellenistic Jew and could help bridge any cultural issues the group of Hellenistic Christians faced in the Jewish capital city.
And thus Paul’s third missionary journey came to an end. In many ways, it was also an end to the era of his direct missionary efforts in the Greek-speaking world, though he would continue his witness through his letters, emissaries, and personal contacts along his way to Rome. His model of ministry is inspiring, not only for his methods but his sincerity and devotion to the cause of Christ.