In Acts 21:1-7 Luke records this section in the first person, as he was present. You will recall that Paul had a pastor’s conference with the Ephesian pastors in Miletus. He revealed to them that he knew something’s about his future as he said, “I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.”
Further more back at Paul’s conversion in chapter 9 Jesus told Ananias that He would show Paul “how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” It is important that we understand this as the context of this passage. Paul had a specific calling on his life but he also knew that what he had to face was not always easy.
Sometimes we all wish we knew the outcome or the future. In fact there has been many books and many movies on the subject about knowing ones future and then altering it for our benefit. But what if you were able to know what was in store for you in the future and to alter it for your benefit would mean that you would miss God’s will for you? What would you do? Paul clearly knew that he was going to suffer many things as he served Jesus.
Clearly in this section he had amble opportunity to change his course and all the Church would have agreed, but yet he did not do so as Paul understood God’s will and course was best for him as well as God’s glory. Stay on the course beloved, stay on the course!