Acts 21:1-14

Modern English Version

Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem

21 When we had withdrawn from them and set sail, we went on a straight course to Cos, the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. ² We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went aboard, and set sail. ³ Having come in sight of Cyprus, we passed to the south of it and sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre, for there the ship’s cargo was to be unloaded. ⁴ When we found the disciples, we remained there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. ⁵ But when our days were over, we parted and traveled on. Everyone, with wives and children, escorted us until we were outside the city. And we knelt on the shore and prayed. ⁶ After bidding farewell to one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home.

⁷ We finished the voyage from Tyre when we landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. ⁸ The next day we who were Paul’s companions departed, and arrived at Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. ⁹ He had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

¹⁰ While we stayed there many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. ¹¹ When he had arrived, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own hands and feet, saying, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this manner the Jews at Jerusalem shall bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ”

¹² When we heard these things, both we and the residents implored him not to go up to Jerusalem. ¹³ Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” ¹⁴ When he would not be persuaded, we kept silent and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”