Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

A prophet named Agabus prophesied that the Jews in Jerusalem would bind Paul and delivered him to the Romans. When the Christian brethren heard it, they pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. They loved Paul and hoped he stayed away from Jerusalem. But Paul, notwithstanding the loving and affectionate entreaties of his brethren, held on to his plan. The work of his Master must continue in spite of the danger to his life. He said: “What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13).

What can we learn from this event?

1.      The LOVE of the brethren.

They were crying. They loved him dearly. Paul was not their father or their son but just a Christian brother; but they love him nonetheless. Have you cried for a brother or a sister in Christ? I do not mean when they are dead and lying in a coffin, but when they are alive.

It is so easy to criticise and dislike a brother. But it takes effort to love a brother. Agape love is a love of the mind. It is telling oneself that he must love a brother in spite of. And because agape love does not come easily that it must be commanded. Christ commanded it: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).

Love is the Christian badge; the essential and distinctive mark that we are the disciples of Christ: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).

We have brethren who are living under communist rule who are oppressing Christianity. Let our love extend to them and remember them in our daily prayers. They need strength and encouragement and we thank God that they have continued to persevere.

2.      The FAITH of the apostle.

Paul was ready to die for the name of Christ. He wasn’t joking. In peace time, many can confidently declare their love for Christ and how they would die for His name sake. But, when it comes to the real test, many will chicken up. Peter is one example who boasted that he would never deny his Lord; but he did (Matthew 26:33; 69-73).

The spirit of martyrdom reigned in the hearts of the early Christians. I wonder if this spirit of martyrdom still exist today. It may exist as an exception and not as a norm. Our brethren in communist countries may be willing to go to prison than to denounce Christ. But, how about the rest of us? Why am I sceptical about the rest?

We have been too comfortable all our lives to be able to endure persecutions. How can one endure persecutions, imprisonment and death for Christ if he:

  i.       Can’t even wake up early on some Sundays to attend worship.

 ii.       Claims he is too busy to serve God.

iii.       Says he is too tired to attend Thursday night bible class.

iv.       Is not attentive in worship.

 v.       Is not living the Christian life.

Our Lord says: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much,” (Luke 16:10). Conversely, he that is unfaithful in the least is also unfaithful in much. You can’t count on a person to die for Christ if he is too busy now to serve Him.

God wants us to love our brethren and to have the unwavering and sincere faith for Him (Mark 12:30-31). Therefore, let us love as Christians and remain faithful unto death (Revelations 2:10).

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.