What is the meaning of Acts 21:13? Then Paul answered “Then Paul answered” places us in Caesarea, right after Agabus has prophesied that Paul will be bound in Jerusalem (Acts 21:10-12). Everyone pleads with him to stay away, but Paul replies: • Acts 20:22-24 already showed he was “bound by the Spirit” to go, counting his life as nothing so that he might finish his course. • His quick response reflects the pattern of Acts 13:46 and Acts 19:21, where Paul speaks firmly when the gospel’s advance is at stake. • By answering, Paul is not resisting friends’ love; he is clarifying his God-given mission. Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? Paul says, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart?”. The emotion is real: • Similar tears flowed at Miletus when the Ephesian elders “wept freely” over his coming absence (Acts 20:37-38). • Romans 9:2 reveals Paul’s own “great sorrow” for lost Israel; he is no stranger to deep feeling. • 2 Corinthians 2:4 shows him writing “out of much affliction and anguish of heart… with many tears.” Yet he will not let affectionate grief sidetrack obedience. Their weeping “breaks” (literally crushes) him, but he will still press on. I am ready not only to be bound “I am ready” is an expression of settled preparedness: • In 2 Corinthians 6:4-5 he lists imprisonments among the normal hardships of ministry. • 2 Timothy 2:9 reminds Timothy that Paul is “bound with chains as a criminal” yet the word of God is not bound. • Acts 16:23-25 shows him singing in a Philippian jail; chains have never stifled his joy or witness. His readiness is not bravado but trust in a sovereign Lord who turns bondage into opportunity (Philippians 1:12-13). but also to die in Jerusalem Paul continues, “but also to die in Jerusalem.” He echoes Jesus’ own resolute journey to that city (Luke 9:51): • Acts 20:24: “I do not consider my life of any value… if only I may finish my course.” • Philippians 1:20-21: “Christ will be exalted… whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” • 2 Timothy 4:6-8 later shows him pouring out his life like a drink offering, confident of the crown of righteousness. Death is a doorway, not a disaster, when it serves God’s redemptive plan. for the name of the Lord Jesus All of it—binding or dying—is “for the name of the Lord Jesus.” That name defines Paul’s identity and mission: • Acts 5:41 records the apostles “rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer disgrace for the Name.” • Colossians 3:17 calls believers to “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” • John 15:20-21 anticipates persecution “because of My name.” To act “for the name” means representing Jesus’ authority, reputation, and saving power. Paul’s willingness springs from love for Christ and confidence in resurrection hope (1 Corinthians 15:58). summary Acts 21:13 captures a disciple’s surrendered heart. Paul, moved yet unshaken by friends’ tears, declares himself ready for chains or death so long as Jesus is honored. He reminds us that obedience may cost comfort, freedom, even life—but the name of the Lord Jesus is worth everything, and His mission advances through servants who hold nothing back. |
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