February 22, 2026
Acts 21:10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” New International Version
Acts 21:12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. New International Version
Acts 21:13 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.” 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” 15 After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem. New International Version
Acts 21:20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. New International Version
HEALTHY CONSCIENCE
we build bridges, not barriers
1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. New International Version
Acts 21:32 When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. New International Version
HEART-CONNECTION
Acts 21:37 As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?” New International Version
Relationship earns me the right to speak into people’s lives
Acts 22:1 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.” 2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. New International Version
APOLOGETICS:
❌ Apologizing for our faith
❌ Being aggressive or argumentative
✅ Offering clear, thoughtful reasons for our faith
✅ Responding to objections with truth and grace
A man with an argument will always be at the mercy of a man with an experience.
HOLY COURAGE
Obedience doesn’t always lead to cheers, sometimes it leads to chains.
2 Timothy 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. New International Version
God didn’t rescue Paul from prison, God rescued Paul through prison.
Acts 23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” New International Version
God is closest when things are the darkest.