Paul held a deep conviction that he must journey to Jerusalem, a conviction confirmed by God’s revelation that he would face significant suffering and eventually be taken to Rome. This knowledge weighed heavily on those around him, who grew increasingly troubled as they became aware of the dangers awaiting him. Having parted from the elders of Ephesus with tears, they were deeply grieved at the thought that they might never see him again. Paul continued his journey, sailing to Tyre, where the disciples, through the Spirit, urged him not to go to Jerusalem. Pressing on toward his destination, he stayed at the home of Philip the Evangelist, where a prophet from Judea arrived with a stark message.
He came to us, took Paul’s belt, tied his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him over to the Gentiles.’” When we heard this, both we and the local people pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem.
The repeated warnings from godly disciples, informed by the Holy Spirit, might seem to suggest that Paul should abandon his journey. One could reasonably interpret these messages as a divine directive to turn back, especially as those around him—moved to tears—pleaded with him not to proceed. Their concern was genuine, rooted in love and a clear understanding of the suffering that awaited him. Yet, Paul’s response reveals a deeper conviction.
Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Despite the heartfelt pleas of his companions, Paul remained steadfast. He acknowledged their tears, which broke his heart, but his resolve was unshaken. God had revealed to him the hardships he would face, and Paul understood this journey as his cross to bear—a calling he could not abandon. The warnings, rather than deterring him, may have served as a test of his obedience or a means of preparing him for the trials ahead. By knowing the cost in advance, Paul was strengthened to remain resolute when the difficulties came, a reminder that God had foretold the path of suffering.
Since he would not be persuaded, we said no more except, “The Lord’s will be done.”
In the end, Paul’s companions ceased their pleading and submitted to the Lord’s will. This phrase, “The Lord’s will be done,” echoes the prayer Jesus taught His disciples: “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10). It also recalls Jesus’ own prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He pleaded, “Take this cup from Me,” yet surrendered with, “Not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). Paul’s unwavering commitment to God’s will, even in the face of suffering, models the surrender we are all called to embrace.
This account challenges us to examine our own lives. When faced with godly counsel urging us to turn back from a difficult path, do we take the opportunity to retreat, even if we know God has called us to press forward? What if we discover that the journey God has set before us will bring great pain, loss, or even the ultimate sacrifice—would we still obey, despite the tears and opposition of those who see the cost? Not all of us are called to suffer as Paul did, but we must recognize that even well-intentioned believers may not fully discern what God has purposed for us, though they may clearly see the price of obedience. Like those who struggled to handle the truth of Paul’s calling, we too may find it difficult to accept a path of suffering. Yet, as Scripture reminds us, we must “make our calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10), seeking God’s will and following it, regardless of the cost or the concerns of others.
Let us pray that we would earnestly seek God’s will for our lives and have the courage to obey, even when the path is marked by hardship. May we, like Paul, trust that the Lord’s will, though costly, is always good, and may we surrender fully to His purpose for us.
