is more blessed, more excellent. It makes us more like to God, who gives to all, and receives from
none; and to the Lord Jesus, who went about doing good. This mind was in Christ Jesus, may it be
in us also. It is good for friends, when they part, to part with prayer. Those who exhort and pray
for one another, may have many weeping seasons and painful separations, but they will meet before
the throne of God, to part no more. It was a comfort to all, that the presence of Christ both went
with him and stayed with them.
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Paul's voyage towards Jerusalem. (1–7)
Paul at Cesarea. The prophecy of Agabus, (8–18)
Paul at Jerusalem.
He is persuaded to join in ceremonial (19–26)
observances.
Being in danger from the Jews, he is rescued (27–40)
by the Romans.Verses 1–7
Providence must be acknowledged when our affairs go on well. Wherever Paul came, he inquired
what disciples were there, and found them out. Foreseeing his troubles, from love to him, and
concern for the church, they wrongly thought it would be most for the glory of God that he should
continue at liberty; but their earnestness to dissuade him from it, renders his pious resolution the
more illustrious. He has taught us by example, as well as by rule, to pray always, to pray without
ceasing. Their last farewell was sweetened with prayer.
Verses 8–18
Paul had express warning of his troubles, that when they came, they might be no surprise or
terror to him. The general notice given us, that through much tribulation we must enter into the
kingdom of God, should be of the same use to us. Their weeping began to weaken and slacken his
resolution Has not our Master told us to take up our cross? It was a trouble to him, that they should
so earnestly press him to do that in which he could not gratify them without wronging his conscience.
When we see trouble coming, it becomes us to say, not only, The will of the Lord must be done,
and there is no remedy; but, Let the will of the Lord be done; for his will is his wisdom, and he
doeth all according to the counsel of it. When a trouble is come, this must allay our griefs, that the
will of the Lord is done; when we see it coming, this must silence our fears, that the will of the
Lord shall be done; and we ought to say, Amen, let it be done. It is honourable to be an old disciple
of Jesus Christ, to have been enabled by the grace of God to continue long in a course of duty,