7. How did Paul set an example in submitting to God’s will?

⁷ As Paul’s third missionary trip neared its end (c. 56 C.E.), he set a fine example in submitting to God’s will. (21:1-14) In Caesarea he and his companions stayed with Philip, whose four virgin daughters “prophesied,” foretelling events by holy spirit. There the Christian prophet Agabus bound his own hands and feet with Paul’s girdle and was moved by the spirit to say that Jews would bind its owner in Jerusalem and deliver him into Gentile hands. “I am ready not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus,” said Paul. The disciples acquiesced, saying: “Let the will of Jehovah take place.”

9. As to mob violence, what parallel is there between the experiences of Paul and those of Jehovah’s Witnesses today?

⁹ Jehovah’s Witnesses have often maintained integrity to God in the face of mob violence. (For example, see the 1975 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, pages 180-90.) Jews from Asia Minor similarly fomented mob action against Paul. (21:27-40) Seeing Trophimus the Ephesian with him, they falsely accused the apostle of defiling the temple by taking Greeks into it. Paul was about to be killed when Roman tribune Claudius Lysias and his men quelled the riot! As foretold (but caused by the Jews), Lysias had Paul put in chains. (Acts 21:11) The apostle was about to be taken into the soldiers’ quarters adjoining the temple court when Lysias learned that Paul was not a seditionist but a Jew allowed to enter the temple area. Getting permission to speak, Paul addressed the people in Hebrew.