Crisis in Jerusalem
We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
Acts 21:4
Paul was urged and warned not to go but he knew that God had called him to go. So no matter what would happen he was determined to go.
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 will hand him over to the Gentiles.' "
Acts 21:11
This is exactly what happened to him later.
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."
Acts 21:13
Paul knew that this was God's will for him and he was willing even to die for Jesus.
The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar.
Acts 21:30-31
When spiritual forces are at work, we see how the crisis gets escalated in unimaginable ways.
Paul answered, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people." After receiving the commander's permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic :
Acts 21:39-40 NIV
Paul knew how to relate to people in the best ways depending on the audience. To the Roman soldiers he mentions that he is a Roman citizen and speaks in Greek. To a Jewish audience he speaks in Aramaic.
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