Acts 21
1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
Paul is sailing now.
2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.
3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
The ship was to "unlade" = unload. They are in Tyre, a place where trade was at its center. The kenites controlled it for the most part and their king was satan.
4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
The Holy Spirit has told Paul to go to Jerusalem, but the disciples warn him not to go. They are concerned for his well being, but we should always listen to God over humans. You can take this as a test for Paul. Who he will listen to. If someone says something to you about God, always check it out for yourself in The Word.
5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.
7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
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.
That's right folks! They taught The Word of God. So many are ignorant of The Word today when they say "A woman is to be silent in the church." Deborah, in the Bible, prophetess and judge of Israel, the only woman to hold that office. Under her guidance Barak conquered Sisera and delivered Israel from the oppression of the Canaanite King Yavin. Deborah served as Israel's Judge when no men were willing to lead. The triumphant "Song of Deborah" is one of the most ancient literary pieces in the Bible. The story of Deborah is found in the Judges Chapters 4-5. After 20 years of oppression, God told Deborah that it was time to deliver the people once again. She appointed Barak to lead the army, but he was afraid to go without Deborah. She had deep faith in God. She united the people of Israel and lead them to victory against the Canaanites. Deborah the Judge: Deborah used to sit under a palm tree and the people used to come to her for judgment. It was improper for a woman to be alone in a house with a man. So she went outside and sat down in a public place under a palm tree where she instructed the people in Torah. Sefer Ha-Aggadah 109:21. The Aggadah is part of Judaism and it's oral Laws (תורה שבעל פה) it's explanations of verses in the Tanakh. Deborah is one of only five women in the Bible called a "prophet". During Deborah's time, the valley in which she and her tribe lived was controlled by King Yavin of Hazor. Deborah asked Barak to take ten thousand soldiers and fight against Sisera on Mount Tabor. "Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead the way to Mount Tabor. I will lure Sisera, the commander of Yavin's army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands." Barak answered Deborah: "If you will go with me, I will go; if not I will not go." "Very well, I will go with you," Deborah agreed, but adds "However, there will be no glory for you in the course you are taking, for then the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman" (Judges 4:8-9). Deborah warned Barak that she would be remembered as the real leader. This prophecy was accurate as Sisera met his end at the hands of a woman named Jael and Deborah was considered to be the real leader of the people. The following is from Deborah's Song: Judges 5:24-27 24 Blessed above women shall Jael be, the wife of Heber the Kenite, blesses shall she be above women in the tent. 25 He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish. 26 She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when she had pierced and stricken through his temples. 27 At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead. Romans 16 1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: (Pheba is a women and leader of the church in her area.) 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. “Succourer” = she was the teacher. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: “Priscilla and Aquila” = also helped Paul in spreading God’s word. 4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Look at verse 6 and 7. 6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. 7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. “Junia” the wife of “Andronicus”, both being teachers of God’s Word where apostles before Paul. Skip down to verse 12 and 13. 12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Both “Tryphena and Tryphosa” whom where twins along with “Persis” which is a woman’s name in Persia. These three women served our Father in teaching God’s word. 13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. “His mother and mine”! Two more woman chosen of God. Continue to read Romans 16 for more praise of them and warnings to evil. Don’t ever let someone tell you women can’t preach. They lack understanding in one verse they use. 1 Corinthians 14:34 where the words “keep silence” = chatter. No one should be talking when they are being taught God’s Word. The bible says “men and man” all throughout His word. Do you really think it is just speaking the Male? NO! It’s to everyone!!
10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
"Agabus" = "locust" in the Greek.
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 Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
We should keep an eye on this Agabus, because he is twisting things a bit. Many come saying "The Holy Spirit says", but it's not what He said at all.
12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
Paul is on a mission and no humans words will change what God has directed him to do.
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.
We don't live for the flesh, but for our spirit. When we focus on God, our flesh is dust as our spirit lives forever. You want to understand Gods Word? You must NOT think the way of your flesh and the world.
14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
Here Luke knew Paul was right. He knew nothing he could say should be contrary to the will of God, so he agrees with Paul.
15 And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.
They picked up their "carriages" = "baggage" and headed for Jerusalem. Paul has now completed his vow of the Nazarite.
16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.
Mnason was one of the first to convert making him a Christian disciple longer than those who have just converted. That's what is meant for "old disciple."
17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
They're all back together, Paul, Luke and all the other Apostles, even those of the first assembly. All the "brethren" = Christians† I'm always glad when I'm with those of same mind In Christ †
18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
After the greetings, Paul went right into the things that had happened on the journey The LORD had sent him on.
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
They're glad of the news Paul had preached to all the tribes and Gentiles about Christ, but many have held to the law over Christ instead of Christ fulfilling the law. Be careful today, as many want to put you in bondage with the traditions of humans.
21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
In other words, "They know the things you have been teaching." The zealots love customs more than The Lord. The churches today will give more attention to the show, than The Word.
22 What is it therefore? the
multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
Those within strict laws of Moses want to hear from
Paul. They reject the things of Christ and Paul has no fear knowing what must
be done.
23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;
These four have the vow of a Nazarite.
24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.
The Apostles want Paul to shave his head and take the vow again to show he follows the law of Moses. If he would do this they believe the zealots will leave him alone. The vow, Numbers 6:12. This vow had to do with animal sacrifices. Christ has shed blood over 20 years before. There wasn't a need for doves or lambs because Christ Jesus has shed His blood once and for all times. This act of the vow was strictly for the protection of Paul against the violent acts of the orthodox Jews of the day.
25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
Paul is playing along with them and going through the ritual.
27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,
You can't touch a man that is under a vow and these kenites are just causing trouble.
28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
The kenites are stirring the mobs back up, bringing them against Paul.
29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
These kenites don't ever use facts. This is why they're "supposing" Paul took Trophimus and Ephesian into the temple. Accusations without facts are the ways of evil.
30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.
The kenites claim they follow the law, yet took Paul out of the temple by force. The law prohibits you to touch anyone under a vow, and they do it themselves. The law can't save anyone, ONLY Christ †
31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
Yep, the kenites are nothing but hypocrites wanting to murder Paul.
32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.
33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.
Paul isn't going to worry about anything. He knows God is The One in control and his Ministry isn't over until God says so.
34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.
Paul is being put in the castle for his protection from these mobs. Spiritually speaking The Gospel Armor is what we have been given today. Got it on yet? A battle is ensuing.
35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.
"borne" = held up in the air so the mob couldn't get to him.
36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.
The kenites and mob of people want Paul dead.
37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?
Paul was highly educated and could speak many languages including Greek.
38 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?
This guard is mistaking Paul for a man that was called "the Egyptian." These murderers were called "sikarios" =of the curved dagger and were bandits who infiltrated Judaea in the time of Felix.
39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.
Paul was of Benjamin, not of Judah, an Israelite of Tarsus. Paul wants the opportunity to speak to those of Jerusalem.
40 And when he had given him
licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people.
And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew
tongue, saying,
Paul is delivered up to speak, just as some Christians
will be very soon in this generation.