8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. 10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. 11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. 12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. 14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done. (Acts 21:8-14 KJV)
Warnings on the Journey to Jerusalem
Paul and his companions finally arrived at Caesarea, where he intended to stay for a while. This was the city where the gospel had first been preached to the Gentiles, and where the Holy Spirit had come upon them (Acts 10:1, 44).
As was typical for Paul, he didn’t need to lodge at a public inn. Wherever he traveled, there was always someone in the Christian community ready to take him in. After each voyage, fellow travelers would usually part ways depending on their business. Some remained where the ship was unloaded (Acts 21:3), others headed off to different destinations, but Paul’s companions continued on with him to Caesarea.
At Caesarea, they were welcomed by Philip the evangelist, the same man we last saw baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch before settling in this city (Acts 8:40). He had started as one of the seven deacons chosen to serve in the early church (Acts 6:5), but he had since become an evangelist—one who traveled to spread the gospel and strengthen churches. His faithful service as a deacon led to greater responsibility and honor in ministry. Philip owned a home in Caesarea large enough to host Paul and his group, and he received them warmly (Acts 21:8). This hospitality reflects the Christian responsibility to open our homes to others according to our means, just as 1 Peter 4:9 teaches.
Philip also had four unmarried daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:9). They likely spoke of Paul’s coming hardships in Jerusalem, either as a warning or to encourage him in advance. Their prophetic gift was a fulfillment of Joel 2:28, where God promised to pour out His Spirit so that sons and daughters would prophesy.
Paul and his companions stayed for many days in Caesarea. Perhaps Cornelius still lived there and supported them in ways that encouraged them to remain. Though Paul had once seemed eager to reach Jerusalem quickly, here he took his time. Whatever the reason, we can be sure he didn’t idle away his days—he was always deliberate with his time.
During their stay, Agabus the prophet came down from Judea. He was the same man who had earlier predicted a great famine (Acts 11:27-28). The Holy Spirit distributed different gifts to different people: Paul was given wisdom, knowledge, and healing, while Agabus and Philip’s daughters had the gift of prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:8, 10). Once the most prominent gift under the Old Covenant, prophecy was now shared even with less prominent believers. Agabus likely came specifically to deliver a message to Paul.
When he arrived, Agabus gave a vivid prophecy about what awaited Paul. In the style of the prophets of old—like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel—he used a symbolic act. Taking Paul’s belt, he bound his own hands and feet, showing what would happen to Paul. Then he explained, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: In this way, the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles” (Acts 21:11).
Just as Jesus was handed over (Matthew 20:18-19), Paul would face betrayal and imprisonment. This wasn’t meant to scare him off, but to prepare him, so that when suffering came, he wouldn’t be caught off guard. Scripture tells us that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22), and such warnings are God’s mercy to help us endure.
When the believers heard this, they begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem (Acts 21:12). Not only local Christians, but even Paul’s closest companions—including Luke—pleaded with him in tears to take a different path. This showed how much they loved him and valued his role in the church. Still, there was weakness in their response, especially since they knew he was being led by divine guidance. They had seen him persevere through opposition before, but now that the danger felt so near, their courage faltered.
Paul responded with holy boldness and deep emotion. “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart?” he asked. Their sorrow affected him deeply, as Peter’s earlier plea once did to Jesus. Their tears tempted him to reconsider. “I know suffering lies ahead,” he seemed to say, “and instead of strengthening me, you’re weakening my resolve. Didn’t Christ tell us to take up our cross?” It also hurt him that he had to deny their request. Paul had a tender heart and often wept himself.
So the pressure from those he loved was especially painful. Well-meaning as it was, their compassion added to his burden. Still, had they known the outcome, they might have felt differently. After Paul’s arrest, he was sent right back to Caesarea (Acts 23:33), where he stayed at least two years (Acts 24:27). He lived under loose custody with the freedom to receive visitors (Acts 24:23). In God’s providence, they actually had more of his company during his imprisonment than they might have had otherwise. Often what we dread turns out to be for our good.
Paul then reaffirmed his decision with clarity and strength: “Why are you weeping? I’m ready not only to be bound, but to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13). He had prepared himself like a soldier before battle. He expected suffering, and it wouldn’t catch him by surprise. He had known from the start that he would suffer for Christ (Acts 9:16). And he was equipped for it—by a clear conscience, deep trust in God, disdain for worldly comfort, faith in Jesus, and the hope of eternal life.
He could welcome suffering like a friend he had prepared to meet. He was fully resolved: “You’re afraid I’ll be bound, but I’m ready not only for that, but even to die, if it’s God’s will.” Wise believers prepare for the worst and ground themselves in God’s will, so they can remain steady when it comes. What gave Paul this courage was his love for Christ. Most people would give anything to preserve their lives. Paul was ready to give his for the name of Jesus.
Finally, Paul’s friends accepted his decision (Acts 21:14). They trusted his judgment and stepped back: “When he wouldn’t be persuaded, we gave up.” They didn’t accuse him of being stubborn or reckless. They knew he had reasons—even if he kept them private—and they believed God was leading him. When someone won’t be persuaded in their own calling, it’s not our place to criticize.
More importantly, they submitted to God’s will. “The Lord’s will be done,” they said. They saw God’s hand in Paul’s unshakable resolve and acknowledged that it came from above. When the direction God leads is different from what we want, we must still honor His hand in it. They also surrendered to the hard truth of Paul’s coming suffering. “If he must be imprisoned, then so be it,” they concluded. When we anticipate hardship—especially the loss or silencing of our ministers—we must learn to say, “The Lord’s will be done.” God is wise, and He works all things together for good.
We shouldn’t merely resign ourselves and say, “God’s will must be done,” as if helpless. Rather, we should say it with faith: “Let the Lord’s will be done,” trusting that His purposes are always guided by wisdom and love. Whether trouble has come or is just approaching, our response should be the same—“Amen, let it be so.”