Topical Bible: Joy of Paul, when he Went up to Jerusalem

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The Apostle Paul's journey to Jerusalem is a significant event in the New Testament, marked by a profound sense of joy despite the challenges and warnings he faced. This joy is rooted in his unwavering commitment to the mission of spreading the Gospel and his deep love for the early Christian communities.

Context and Background

Paul's decision to go to Jerusalem is recorded in the Book of Acts. After completing his third missionary journey, Paul felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to return to Jerusalem, despite being aware of the dangers that awaited him there. Acts 20:22-23 states, "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me."

Expressions of Joy

Paul's joy is evident in several aspects of his journey:

1. Obedience to the Holy Spirit: Paul's joy is deeply connected to his obedience to the Holy Spirit's guidance. His willingness to face persecution and hardship for the sake of the Gospel reflects a profound inner joy that transcends his circumstances. This joy is not dependent on external conditions but is rooted in his relationship with Christ and his commitment to God's will.

2. Fellowship with Believers: Throughout his journey, Paul found joy in the fellowship with other believers. In Acts 21:17 , it is recorded, "When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us joyfully." This warm reception by the Jerusalem church highlights the mutual encouragement and joy shared among the early Christians, reinforcing the unity and love within the body of Christ.

3. Testimony and Witness: Paul's joy is also evident in his eagerness to testify about his faith and the work God had done among the Gentiles. In Acts 21:19 , Paul "greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry." His joy in sharing the Gospel and witnessing its transformative power in the lives of others is a testament to his passion for the mission entrusted to him.

4. Endurance in Trials: Despite the warnings of impending suffering, Paul's joy remained steadfast. His letters, written during this period, reflect a deep-seated joy that comes from knowing Christ and participating in His sufferings. In Philippians 4:4 , Paul exhorts believers, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" This exhortation underscores the joy that Paul himself experienced, even in the face of adversity.

Theological Significance

Paul's joy in going up to Jerusalem is a powerful example of the Christian understanding of joy as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is a joy that is not contingent upon favorable circumstances but is anchored in the eternal hope and assurance found in Christ. Paul's journey to Jerusalem serves as an enduring reminder of the joy that comes from faithful obedience, fellowship with believers, and the privilege of participating in God's redemptive work in the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 20:22-24
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Paul's Last Journey to Jerusalem
... myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ... brethren, with their wives
and children, went with Paul to the ship, and before he stepped on ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 37 pauls last journey.htm

Paul and Barnabas in Foreign Lands
... The new disciples, however, were filled with joy and the ... and won over the crowds,
who stoned Paul, and then ... when the disciples had gathered about him, he got up ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/paul and barnabas in foreign.htm

Paul's Missionary Labors.
... was, would naturally receive him with joy and thanksgiving ... He had himself once denied
the Lord"not malignantly but from weakness"as Paul had persecuted ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 33 pauls missionary labors.htm

The Life of St. Paul the Apostle
... Then by the counsel of his friends he unbound Patroclus and ... to be baptized of you,
like as Paul hath said ... that they returned and baptized them with great joy. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the life of st paul.htm

Acts of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.
... Turn, therefore, and enter into the joy of your father Abraham ... And when Nero saw
him flying, he said to Peter ... This Simon is true; but thou and Paul are deceivers ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostles peter and paul/acts of the holy apostles.htm

He Wishes to have no Intercourse with those who Deny Divine Truth.
... the Husband, the chaste and strong delight, the solid joy, and all ... Jerusalem, though
far out of sight, when he went to God ... And as Paul was to the Colossians (ii ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter xvi he wishes to have.htm

Acts xx. 32
... unto Me." (ib.40.) Though it be not Paul, yet if ... and his wife: mark the unassuming
manner"he worships and ... and unless (his host) show excessive joy, he is as ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlv acts xx 32.htm

The Work of Paul.
... Yet he was never unhappy, but full of joy and peace. ... his conflicts with foes from
without and foes from within Paul was "more ... For I am persuaded," he writes to ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 32 the work of.htm

Paul and his Praying
... shame for His name, and to count it all joy when they ... "And when he had thus spoken,
he kneeled down ... And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xiii paul and his praying.htm

Acts XXI
... The main object of Paul's visit and of his prayers was now accomplished. He had
finished this much of his course and his ministry with joy, and his ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxi.htm