by Prisca | 23 July 2021 08:46 am07
Question: Did the Apostle Paul truly ignore the warnings given to him by the Holy Spirit through the prophet Agabus concerning his journey to Jerusalem?
Answer: To answer this, let’s carefully examine the biblical account:
Acts 21:10–15 (NIV)
10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “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.’”
12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
15 After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem.
Many Christians often interpret this passage as Paul disregarding divine warnings, which then led to unnecessary suffering in Jerusalem. However, this interpretation overlooks key theological principles about prophecy, obedience, and divine sovereignty.
Paul’s response shows a profound understanding of the role of prophecy and human responsibility. Paul respected prophecy, as seen in his clear instruction: “
Do not treat prophecies with contempt” (1 Thessalonians 5:20, NIV).
This demonstrates his reverence for the Spirit’s revelations.
However, it is important to distinguish between a prophetic warning and a divine command. While God may reveal future events (prophetic insight), He may not necessarily command avoidance or disobedience of a task. Theologically, this reflects the tension between God’s foreknowledge and human free will.
Throughout Acts, Paul shows a consistent pattern of obedience to the Spirit’s guidance. For example, God forbade Paul to preach in certain regions like Asia (Acts 16:6-7, NIV), and Paul obeyed. Conversely, when the Spirit called Paul to Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10), Paul obeyed that vision.
In Acts 20:22-23 (NIV), Paul says:
“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit warns me in every city that imprisonment and hardships are facing me.”
Here Paul acknowledges the Spirit’s warnings of suffering but does not treat them as prohibitions. Rather, he embraces his calling despite the risks, embodying the theological concept of faithful obedience amid trials.
Paul’s decision to proceed to Jerusalem aligns with the biblical theme that God’s sovereignty does not negate human responsibility. Paul knew the dangers but trusted God’s ultimate plan that through his suffering, God’s purposes would be fulfilled. This reflects a mature faith that embraces suffering as part of the Christian journey (cf. Philippians 1:29; 2 Timothy 3:12).
Jesus gave Peter a prophetic word about his future suffering and martyrdom
(John 21:18, NIV):
“When you were younger, you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”
This prophecy was not a call to avoid suffering but an encouragement to prepare for it, emphasizing God’s foreknowledge and the believer’s courage to face trials.
Today, believers receive the Holy Spirit’s guidance in two main ways:
It is crucial to obey direct commands. When God says, “Do not go,” we must not go. But when God shows us what might happen such as suffering or persecution we should prepare but not necessarily avoid our calling.
Jesus warned His followers that they would face hatred and persecution
(John 16:1-4, NIV):
“All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God.”
This prepares believers to expect opposition but to remain steadfast.
May the Lord help us discern His voice rightly and walk faithfully in His will.
Maranatha.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2021/07/23/did-paul-ignore-the-warnings-about-going-to-jerusalem/
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