“Then Paul answered, ‘Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’” – Acts 21:13
The apostle Paul is no doubt one of the most influential Christian leaders of all time. His exploits are there for all to see: he wrote about two-thirds of the New Testament, established and documented most of the doctrines of Christianity we have today, and crisscrossed the world of his day spreading the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, as we see even in verses 1–3.
“Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo.”(Acts 21:1–3)
There may be many factors that can be credited for such unmatched impact, but probably the single most important trait that stands out for Paul is his personal conviction and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
He was a man who could not be easily swayed by other people’s opinions. Indeed, not even prophecy could sway him from his determination to do God’s bidding. In Acts 21 we encounter the prophet Agabus, who prophesied by the Spirit what was going to befall Paul in Jerusalem (v10–11).
“And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” (Acts 21:10-11)
Yet the great apostle would not be dissuaded by the prophecy or even the pleadings of his brethren (v12). Not only was he ready to go to Jerusalem, but he was also prepared to die for his faith—wow!
Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”(Acts 21:12-13)
That is a life of deep conviction, and probably one of the key secrets to great accomplishments in life. Unfortunately, not many people live like that today. Many are led by popular opinions, strange prophecies or even easier options.
Beloved, it is often said that “what is not worth dying for is not worth living for.” Be prepared to die for something worthwhile and watch your life catapult into significance.
Paul was so right when he declared, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38–39)
I challenge you today to live by your convictions and make a difference in your generation.
– Rev. Simon Ampofo
