The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 403

Scan transcription helps with searching and selection. Use the printed page above for exact spelling and punctuation.

JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM 397 Pursuing tlieir journey southward, the travelers arrived at Csesarea, and "entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him." Here Paul spent a few peaceful, happy days — the last of perfect freedom that he was to enjoy for a long time. While Paul tarried at Caesarea, 'Hhere came down from Judea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us," Luke says, "he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said. Thus saith the Hoh^ Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles." "When we heard these things," Luke continues, "both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem." But Paul would not swerve from the path of duty. He would follow Christ if need be to .prison and to death. "What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart?" he exclaimed; "for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." Seeing that they caused him pain without changing his purpose, the brethren ceased their importunity, saying only, "The will of the Lord be done." The time soon came for the brief stay at Csesarea to end, and accompanied by some of the brethren, Paul and his company set out for Jerusalem, their hearts deeply shadowed by the presentiment of coming evil. Never before had the apostle approached Jerusalem with so sad a heart. He knew that he would find few friends and many enemies. He was near-