The Bible Teacher's Commentary
Paul J. Bucknell
The Holy Spirit and God's Will
Acts 21:4
A Question of Guidance
In Acts 20:17-21:14 Paul was getting ready to go back to Jerusalem, visiting brothers and sisters along the way. Many believers urged Paul not to go. In Acts 21:4, it explicitly says that "through the Spirit" the disciples urged Paul not to go. Yet Paul still went because of his convictions.
The central question: If God wanted Paul to go to Jerusalem, why did the Holy Spirit give so many warnings not to go?
“And after looking up the disciples, we stayed there seven days; and they kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem” (Acts 21:4, NASB).
Three Possible Interpretations
- Direct Prohibition: The Holy Spirit clearly told Paul through others not to go, but Paul was stubborn, feeling this trip was part of a larger calling.
- Warning of Facts: The Holy Spirit did not forbid the trip, but only revealed that he would suffer in each city (Ac 20:23; 21:11).
- Human Interpretation: Those giving advice allowed their feelings to guide their interpretation. They knew he would suffer (via the Spirit) and concluded on their own that he should not go.
Reflections on Paul's Decision
I personally am torn between two views, favoring the third but sympathizing with the first:
1) Possible Misstep in Timing: Paul might have been set on Jerusalem at a time when waiting could have provided a more positive response or extended his Gentile ministry. Instead, he ended up locked in prison.
2) Righteous Preparation: It was right for Paul to go. The Lord was merely preparing him and the church for his persecution and eventual death, much like Jesus prepared His disciples before the cross. I see Acts 21:4 not as the Spirit saying "Don't go," but as the Spirit revealing suffering, leading the Christians to conclude he should stay away.
Application
- Decision Making: Be attentive to advice from elders and family, but ultimately obey God. Sometimes the "what" is right, but the "timing" or "approach" is wrong.
- God is in Charge: The Holy Spirit warns us because God is in control. We need not fear suffering; God provided for Paul even in his imprisonment.
Commentators' Advice
Paul interpreted the action of the Holy Spirit as information and warning, although the disciples gave it the form of a prohibition. Duty called louder than warning to Paul even if both were the calls of God.
They, being ignorant of his undertaking that journey at God's command, out of commiseration and pity dissuade St. Paul. They knowing but in part, did, according to what they knew, dissuade Paul. They might think this prediction of his sufferings to be only conditional, in case he went to Jerusalem.
If you would like to add your thoughts, send them to info@foundationsforfreedom.net (Topic: Acts 21:4).
Acts: Other BFF Articles
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Acts Intro & Outline Acts 20:17-38 Paul's Farewell |
Acts 21:1-14 Paul in Tyre Protecting the Church from Error |
The sense is, that these disciples, by the spirit of prophecy, knew that if the apostle went to Jerusalem, many evil things would befall him; wherefore of their own spirit, and out of love to him, they advise him not to go. The Spirit did not contradict its own impulse in Paul.