Acts 21:1-6
1 Now when we had parted from them and had set sail, we ran a straight course to Cos, and on the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara;
2 and having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.
3 When we came in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we kept sailing to Syria and landed at Tyre; for the ship was to unload its cargo there.
4 After looking up the disciples, we stayed there for seven days; and they kept telling Paul, through the Spirit, not to set foot in Jerusalem.
5 When our days there were ended, we left and started on our journey, while they all, with wives and children, escorted us until we were out of the city. After kneeling down on the beach and praying, we said farewell to one another.
6 Then we boarded the ship, and they returned home.
Comparison between Jesus and Paul
Three similarities
Before moving forward, let us review three similarities between Jesus and Paul as recorded by Luke.
(1) Opposition from the Jews and the conspiracy to hand them over to the Gentiles.
Both Jesus and Paul faced opposition from the Jews. (a) Regarding Jesus, there is the account in Luke 18:31-34. “Now He took the twelve aside and said to them, ‘Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem… for He will be handed over to the Gentiles, and will be ridiculed, and abused, and spit upon, and after they have flogged Him, they will kill Him; and on the third day He will rise.’ The disciples understood none of these things…” (b) Regarding Paul, there is the account in Acts 20:22-23: “And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me.”
(2) The prophecy of suffering in Jerusalem repeated three times.
(a) In Jesus’ case, they are Luke 9:21-22 (after the disciples’ confession of faith), Luke 9:43-45 (after the exorcism at the foot of the mountain), and Luke 18:31-34 (on the way to Jerusalem). (b) In Paul’s case, they are Acts 20:22-23 (to the Ephesian elders), Acts 21:4 (to the believers in Tyre), and Acts 21:10-11 (in Caesarea).
(3) Obedience to the Father.
Both Jesus and Paul demonstrated a firm resolve to obey the will of the Father. (a) Jesus said in Luke 22:42-44: “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (b) Paul said in Acts 20:22-24: “And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there… But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of God’s grace.”
Through these compairsons, Luke is testifying to the trustworthiness of Paul. The words of the Lord Jesus are trustworthy, and in the same way, the teachings of the apostles can be trusted at face value. Complete trust in the Bible is the foundation of a healthy Christian life. The Word of God is a lamp that guides our lives.
Today's prayer
Holy God, all Scripture is inspired by You and is beneficial for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. I trust in the Bible. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.