I Appeal To Caesar!

Cornelius and Philip are now long-time friends, both are filled with the Holy Spirit, both are ardent followers of Jesus, and both are evangelistic! Paul is delighted to meet Cornelius and hear first-hand how the Spirit first came to the Gentiles; he listens with particular interest as the Centurion tells how the Lord has been working among the Roman soldiers. Could God do a work like this in Rome? Paul is impressed with the grace and strength of the Roman Centurion, his wife and the two converted soldiers with him. All of their sincere testimonies and discussion greatly encourage and excite Paul. Yet another visitor arrives after several more days: none other than the famous prophet Agabus, a man whose spiritual gifting is well known. Paul knew him from his early days in Antioch. Agabus is now a much older man, and well established as a prophet. After delightful fellowship and prayer, Agabus gives “a demonstrative prophecy” to Paul. Taking Paul’s belt, Agabus binds his own hands and feet, and says that Paul will be so bound when he goes to Jerusalem, and “he will be delivered into the hands of the Gentiles.” Agabus does not say, “Don’t go!” It actually is a simple statement of what Paul is to expect in Jerusalem. This amazing prophetic action stirs the whole group to urge Paul to give up his determination to go to Jerusalem. Paul’s mind, however, is already made up! He knows that it is God’s will and that the prophecy is merely a confirmation, a