“A Change of Way?"
Acts 21:1-25

And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. [Acts 21:4]

Being led by the Spirit is what disciples desire. And the result? Usually a change of way. The challenge, however, is going the right way and the lure of emotion. Sometimes we think we are following God when in fact we are following emotion.

Our passage is an example. Paul was on his way to Jerusalem only to be discouraged by those who loved him. Disciples from Tyre, “through the Spirit,” warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem [ref. Acts 21:4]. But Paul was led by the Spirit to Jerusalem. Which was right?

In Caesarea, Agabus prophesied “took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, ‘Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’’” [Acts 21:11] Paul, however, even with these warnings, continued to Jerusalem.

Was Paul stubborn? Was he not open to prophecy? Or was he following the Lord despite emotion? These are questions to ponder in our passage this morning.

Have you ever been given a word from the Lord from another? The Bible tells us to “test all things.”  “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophesies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.” [1 Thessalonians 5:19-21]

Scripture, therefore, tells us to be open to prophecy, i.e., “Do not quench the Spirit,” and “Do not despise prophesies.”  We should be seeking words from the Lord, and there are times when God speaks a personal word through another.

But here is the critical detail: We must “Test all things,” and “hold fast what is good.”  Just because someone claims a word, does not mean it is from God, and then interpretation is an additional matter. In our passage the disciples from Tyre had it wrong, Agabus in Caesarea had a right, only the interpretation was the issue. The word from Agabus certainly came true and it was indeed God’s sovereign plan. Paul was not to avoid it but embrace it.

Jesus encouraged Paul in that same word, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” [Acts 23:11] The way to Rome was through Jerusalem. It was God’s way.

We must be open to prophecy; we must also test all things through the revelation of God’s word. Prophetic words never contradict God’s word.

Be open to prophecy; “hold fast what is good.”