Exposition of Acts: Firm Convictions
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A Sermon by Dr. Bob Griffin, Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church
I. CONVICTION TO STAY THE COURSE
A. NOT DETERED
>>1. HARD PARTING
Acts 21:1 When we tore ourselves away [from Ephesian elders], we sailed a direct course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
>>2. HIGH PRIORITY
Acts 21:2-3 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we boarded and set sail. After we had come in sight of Cyprus and passed it on the left, we continued to Syria, landing at Tyre for the scheduled cargo off-load.
B. NOT DIVERTED
>>1. HOSPITABLE FRIENDS
Acts 21:4 And having looked up the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
(also Acts 20:22-23; 9:15-16)
>>2. HEAVENLY COMFORT
Acts 21:5-6 When our days there concluded, we departed and continued our journey. They all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed and said farewell to one another. Then we boarded the ship, and they returned home.
C. NOT DISTRACTED
>>1. HAILING BRETHREN
Acts 21:7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day.
>>2. HIGHLY ESTEEMED
Acts 21:8-9 The next day we left and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. (He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.)
(also Acts 6:5; Acts 8:5ff; Acts 8:26ff; Acts 8:40 Eph 4:11; II Tim 4:5)
II. CONVICTION TO PAY THE PRICE
A. NOT DISCOURAGED
>>1. HINDERING MESSENGER
Acts 21:10-11a While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Meeting us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands
(also Eph. 4:11)
>>2. HOLY SPIRIT PROPHECY
Acts 21:11b and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'”
(also Mt 16:21-24)
B. NOT DISILLUSIONED
>>1. HEARTFELT URGING
Acts 21:12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
(also Acts 19:21; Acts 20:22)
>>2. HEAVY HEARTED
Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
C. NOT DISCONTENTED
>>1. HALTED PLEAS
Acts 21:14 And since he would not be dissuaded, we stopped and said, “Let God’s will be done.”
>>2. HELPFUL DISCIPLES
Acts 21:15-16 After these days we packed and went up to Jerusalem. And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the home of Mnason from Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.
(also Rom 9:2-3)