Acts 21

Some decisions are driven by circumstances; others have the power of permanence that keep us from becoming victims subordinated to circumstance. Paul’s decision concerning the relatively limited value of his life (20:24) freed him to face whatever would come (21:13). Paul never suggested their warnings were wrong in substance, but only that God’s purpose was greater than Paul’s safety. His insistence, in spite of the continual warnings (21:4,11,12), finally silenced the well-meaning, but short-sighted friends.

There are many lessons but at least two we cannot avoid. The first is that each of us must follow Christ according to His Word and the Holy Spirit, but without expecting or demanding that all others always agree with how we do so. The second is our need to be fully committed to Christ. This second lesson must be the foundation of all others.