In Suffering

Determined to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost, Paul and his companions bid farewell to the Ephesian elders and set sail once again. Their journey included stops in Tyre and Ptolemais, where they benefited from the hospitality of local families of believers, before they arrived in Caesarea where they stayed with Philip the evangelist and his daughters. Through the Holy Spirit, the communities perceived the suffering that awaited Paul in Jerusalem and twice urged him not to go on. Whilst deeply moved by their plea, motivated by brotherly love, Paul would not be dissuaded from his mission, having already counted the cost as a witness to Christ.

Read Acts 21:1-17 and then consider:

1. In describing their journey, Luke was intentional about including the details of who they met along the way, such as the wives and children of the disciples in Tyre, Philip’s four prophetically gifted daughters, and an early believer from Cyprus. What picture does this paint of the church? What different roles might we be called to play in taking the gospel to the ends of the earth?
2. What is significant about Paul staying in the household of Philip, one of the seven (Acts 6:5, 8:5-40)? How might Philip's earlier experiences of being led by the Holy Spirit have provided encouragement for Paul? Take a moment to thank God for the people in your life who can encourage and support you in your leadership and ministry assignments.
3. The prophetic insight of Agabus affirmed an inner conviction that Paul had already expressed in Acts 20:23, that suffering was awaiting him in every city. Why was it important for Paul to exercise his own discernment before choosing whether to act upon the believers’ advice?
4. An Asian theologian described this passage as an example of "the fallible expression of community love." How does the believers’ desire for Paul to avoid harm contribute to his suffering? What lessons can we draw from Paul's experience?
5. The passage is marked by multiple moments of intimate fellowship between believers from different contexts. When have you experienced moments like this in your journey with the Lausanne Movement?