In Acts 21-23, Paul makes a bold, determined decision. God allowed Paul foreknowledge of what awaited him if he went to Jerusalem. “While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands 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.’” (21:10-11)

Most people, if they knew that a path of suffering was before them, would want to steer clear of that path and choose another. This would be especially true if others expressed their concerns and tried to dissuade from that option. 

“When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.” (21:12)

But, Paul was not most men. Paul, who used to persecute Christians because he did not believe Jesus could be the promised Messiah, was a true believer. Because he believed, he wanted the opportunity to extend that knowledge and understanding to as many as would receive it. The gain, to Paul, was worth the cost.

“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.”” (21:13)

In Chapter 23, Paul receives more forewarning but Christ encourages him at the same time. “The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”” (23:11)

As we continue reading, we learn that Paul’s special condition of being a Roman citizen puts him in a unique position of being protected initially from the angry mobs and put into protective custody by the Romans. He was given the opportunity to speak to the angry crowd of fellow Jews that opposed him. He was also given the opportunity to influence the Roman guards and officials. Because Paul was willing to be imprisoned for Christ, countless numbers of people living then and through all the thousands of years to follow would be given the opportunity to become believers too! Matthew Henry writes about how God intervened to use Paul’s unique circumstances and bold, determined faith: “But God seasonably interposes for the safety of his servants, from wicked and unreasonable men; and gives them opportunities to speak for themselves, to plead for the Redeemer, and to spread abroad his glorious gospel.”

There were many who heard Paul’s words and their hearts remained hardened but it was worth it to Paul to endure their hatred and persecution. Paul was focused on extending the love of Christ, even to his enemies. To reach any with truth and love outweighed every loss and persecution. 

Reading about these events in the life of Paul reminded me of Dietrich Bonhoeffer Bonhoeffer was a German pastor who boldly opposed Hitler and the evil of the Nazi Regime. He had the opportunity for asylum in America. Many people, concerned for his life, urged him to remain in America, but Bonhoeffer knew that he needed to be in the midst of the German circumstances to have the opportunity to end the terror. Bonhoeffer knew the high risks and dangers but he was a believer and was compassionate to help others. He was determined to give his very life if necessary to make a difference and to show others the love of Christ. He intentionally returned to Germany and took action. His motivations and resolve are evident in the following statements.

"Jesus Christ lived in the midst of his enemies. At the end, all his disciples deserted him. On the cross, he was utterly alone, surrounded by evildoers and mockers. For this cause he had come, to bring peace to the enemies of God. So the Christian too, belongs not in the seclusion of a cloistered life, but in the thick of foes. There is his commission, his work.  The kingdom is to be in the midst of your enemies. And he who will not suffer this does not want to be of the kingdom of Christ. He wants to be among friends; to sit among roses and lilies, not with the bad people but the devout people. Oh, you blasphemers and betrayers of Christ! If Christ had done what you are doing, who would ever have been spared?" - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

These were 2 extraordinary men who willingly suffered imprisonment and death to promote the love and truth of Christ. Only God’s spirit at work could account for such devotion and resolve. 

We see here a power greater than evil, greater than fear, and greater than death. We see the power of Christ’s love, conquering and overflowing to embrace the whole world with compassion, mercy, and unmerited grace. It’s a beautiful thing!