Understanding God’s Will in the Face of Suffering: Acts 21 and the Prophecy of Agabus

In Acts 21, we encounter a striking moment where the apostle Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit towards Jerusalem, receives a sobering prophecy about his future. This passage raises important questions about the nature of prophecy, human response to divine will, and the tension between well-meaning counsel and obedience to God’s calling.

The Prophecy of Agabus (Acts 21:10-14, ESV)

“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.”’ When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 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.’ And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, ‘Let the will of the Lord be done.’”

This passage follows Paul’s earlier declaration in Acts 20:22-24 (ESV):

“And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

1. The Nature of Agabus’ Prophecy

Agabus, a prophet from Judea, delivered a message from the Holy Spirit using symbolic action—a method reminiscent of Old Testament prophets (e.g., Ezekiel’s enacted prophecies in Ezekiel 4-5). His prophecy was predictive, not prescriptive: it revealed what would happen, not necessarily what Paul should do.

Some prophecies in Scripture are conditional, offering warnings that may be averted through repentance (e.g., Jonah’s message to Nineveh). However, Agabus’ words carried no hint of conditionality—they were a straightforward declaration of future events. This raises the question: if the prophecy was certain, why did the believers urge Paul to avoid Jerusalem?

2. The Believers’ Response: Love vs. God’s Will

The disciples, including Luke (the author of Acts), pleaded with Paul not to go. Their reaction was natural:

• They loved Paul and did not want him to suffer.
• They may have misinterpreted the prophecy as a warning rather than a confirmation of God’s plan.

This mirrors Peter’s reaction in Matthew 16:22 (ESV) when Jesus foretold His crucifixion:

“Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.’”
Jesus’ response was sharp: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (Matthew 16:23, ESV).

Similarly, the believers in Acts 21 were operating from human concern, not divine perspective. Their intentions were good, but their advice, if followed, would have diverted Paul from God’s purpose.

3. Paul’s Resolve: Embracing Suffering for Christ

Paul’s response was unwavering:

• He was “ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die” (Acts 21:13).
• He saw his suffering as part of his calling (Acts 20:24; Philippians 1:20-21).

His attitude reflects Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23-24 (ESV):

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”

Paul understood that obedience to God sometimes requires embracing hardship. His journey to Jerusalem was not reckless defiance but faithful surrender.

4. Lessons for Discerning God’s Will Today

This passage offers key principles for Christians facing difficult decisions:

• Prophecy Reveals, But Does Not Always Direct
  Agabus’ prophecy confirmed what awaited Paul, but it did not instruct him to avoid it. Likewise, God may reveal challenges ahead without necessarily calling us to evade them.
• Well-Meaning Counsel Must Be Weighed Against God’s Word
  The believers’ pleas were heartfelt, but Paul prioritised the Spirit’s leading. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) reminds us:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

• Suffering May Be Part of God’s Plan
  Scripture repeatedly associates faithfulness with endurance (Romans 5:3-5; 1 Peter 4:12-13). Avoiding suffering is not always the godliest choice.

Conclusion: “Let the Will of the Lord Be Done”

The believers’ final words—“Let the will of the Lord be done” (Acts 21:14)—mark their submission to God’s higher purpose. Paul’s example challenges us to:

• Seek God’s perspective over comfort.
• Trust that His plans, even when painful, are purposeful.
• Remain steadfast when well-meaning advice conflicts with divine calling.

In a world that prioritises safety and self-preservation, Paul’s resolve reminds us that the greatest fulfilment lies in surrendering to God’s will—whatever the cost.

It is always wise to listen to godly Council. The people who care about us, will naturally not want us to come to harm. We would not be sensible to simply ignore their love or advice. This is especially true on making a big decision, or one that potentially leads us down a dangerous path.

At the end of the day though, we are answerable only to God. If he is instructing us to do something, and the entire rest of the world is telling us not to, then of course we must follow him. God over man.

The most difficult part, for me at least, is discerning God’s will. Few of us will receive a clear prophecy as Paul did in today’s passage, so we must always be cautious to follow God’s will carefully. We all want a neon sign telling us which way to go, but for the most part, we are to study and understand the Bible and discern gods will from that alone.

Using appropriate wisdom and discernment, all any of us can do is try to follow God to the best of our ability. 

• Counting the Cost of Comfort (Matthew 8:19-20)
• A Determined Desire: Choosing a Life of Integrity (Psalm 101:2)
• A Heart Captivated: The Foundation of a Godly Life (Psalm 101:1)
• The Richness Within: Christ, Chorus and Christian Community (Colossians 3:16)
• The Sovereign’s Vow (Introduction to Psalm 101)