Paul's Final Journey

In the book of Acts, chapters 21 through 26 provide mostly historical information rather than doctrine and gospel principles. Historical background can be helpful in setting the context necessary to better understand Paul’s epistles, however, these particular chapters serve quite another function. Luke included this information as essential in fulfilling prophecy. Luke did not write the book of Acts as a doctrinal manual on how the church was run and what it was like for those early followers of Christ.

Looking back at Acts chapter 9, we recall when Christ tells Ananias to go heal and baptize Paul. Christ prophecies that Paul will bear testimony to Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Luke shows the fulfillment of this prophecy through his documentation of Paul’s final journey to Jerusalem.

By the power of the Holy Ghost, Paul knows his journey will end in Jerusalem. While at the temple in Jerusalem, Paul is arrested. He uses the fact that he is a born Roman citizen for his protection. Thus begins a journey of getting passed around through the various Jewish and Roman courts as they judge him. He suffers many afflictions including two years in prison. In this time period, however, he has several neat experiences that fulfill earlier prophecies of his life and teaching.

That he had dedicated his life to teaching the gospel was especially manifest through experiences like being in the Jewish court and bringing up the subject of the resurrection. He did this intentionally, knowing full well the disagreement it would bring up between the Sadducees and Pharisees present. His preaching even went as far to relate his conversion and testify of Christ to King Agrippa. Agrippa’s well-known acknowledgment to Paul that “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian,” demonstrates the respect and admiration a ruler of the land even had for Paul.

Though historical rather than doctrinal information is provided, these chapters are extremely important in bringing about one of Luke’s main purposes as its author. He shows through these experiences, the fulfillment of prophecy. As Christ said he would, Paul did bear testimony to Gentiles, the children of Israel, and even kings. It is not hard to perceive why Paul did not fear his approaching end. He knew with full confidence that he truly had “fought a good fight” and “kept the faith.” He lived to serve and bear testimony of his Savior and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ.