Acts 21
Following Jesus, Even When It Costs Us
As we journey through Acts 21, we find ourselves walking alongside Paul—literally and spiritually—as he moves forward with conviction and a heart fully surrendered to the will of God. This chapter isn’t just about a missionary itinerary. It’s about trust, community, courage, and the power of story. And as we reflect on Paul’s journey, we can’t help but ask: Are we willing to live with the same kind of "all-in" faith?
The People Around Us Matter
Paul wasn’t walking alone. Early in Acts 21, we meet people who loved him and loved Jesus. They cared deeply about what he was about to face and tried to talk him out of going to Jerusalem, knowing danger awaited him there. And who can blame them?
We get this tender image of Paul staying at Philip the Evangelist’s home—Philip, a faithful brother in the faith with four daughters who prophesied. Then comes Agabus, a prophet who paints a vivid warning: if Paul goes to Jerusalem, he’ll be arrested. That could have easily been a moment to pull back. But Paul, unmoved, says, “I’m ready not only to be bound but to die.” And we’re reminded—when our conviction is rooted in Christ, we live with clarity and courage. Paul wasn’t reckless. He was resolved. That kind of mentality, grounded in God’s will, is the kind that sustains us when our feelings would rather run.
Sharing Stories Builds the Church
Something powerful happens in verse 19—Paul reports what God had done among the Gentiles. He tells stories. And all throughout Acts, we see this rhythm of retelling the works of God. Whether it’s in Lystra, Thessalonica, Philippi, or Ephesus, the believers are constantly building each other up with testimonies.
And isn’t that something we all need? When we hear about God moving—bringing healing, stirring hearts, disrupting lives in holy ways—it fires up our faith. We think about our own lives and circles: Where have we seen God at work? Have we shared it?
There’s this beautiful example from a young adult group where a young man with Down syndrome shows up—along with his grandparents. Before long, his siblings, who hadn’t been connected to the church, start showing up too. One even says, “I feel like this is a disruption of God.” And it was. These are the stories that edify, that awaken hope, and that call us back to the beauty of God's family.
Holding on to Truth While Reaching the World
Later in the chapter, Paul takes a Nazirite vow and participates in Jewish purification rituals. It’s not compromise—it’s compassion. Paul’s saying, “I’m still Jewish. I still value the heritage.” At the same time, he’s opening the door wide to the Gentiles. It’s not about changing the truth but changing the approach.
We wrestle with that balance today. In our own church, we see it in how we structure worship, events like Trunk or Treat, or even how we promote art and worship nights to the public. We’re asking, How can we reach people in ways they’ll understand without watering down the message? It’s not being sneaky—it’s being strategic.
Jesus-Like Resolve
The chapter ends with Paul getting arrested. The mob rises. The prophecy is fulfilled. But Paul, like Jesus, walks forward with peace. The parallels are striking: he’s misunderstood, unjustly accused, handed over to Roman authorities, and faces shouts of “Away with him!”—just like Jesus. And through it all, Paul keeps pointing people to the Savior.
We’re left inspired by his example. Paul laid down his life because Jesus first did. And now, we’re invited to do the same—to hold on to the cross and reach out to the world, no matter the cost.
So here’s our takeaway:
What stories are we sharing?
Who are we walking with?
And are we all in?
Let’s be people who follow Jesus wherever He leads—with boldness, with love, and with stories that speak of His goodness. We’re not telling our own tales. We’re telling His.
Thanks for journeying with us through Acts 21!
