The Holy Spirit in Acts 21
October 3, 2021
Since we are now in Acts 21, with all those references to the Holy Spirit in previous chapters we may ask, “What is the Holy Spirit up to in Acts?” What is he doing in the lives of disciples and in the church? Especially in this chapter, what is Holy Spirit up to in travelers of the Way like Paul? He and his fellow travelers are approaching Jerusalem (Acts 21:1-16) and finally arrive as planned by Pentecost (Acts 21:17-22:1). But they arrive for events which none, perhaps even Paul himself, anticipated when the Holy Spirit helped him plan that journey.
On the big question of what the Holy Spirit is up to in the whole of Acts, the primary answer is found in Acts 2 at Pentecost. Is it visions and dreams, prophesying by men and women, young and old? Is it speaking in tongues? Is it apostles saying, Hear the word of the LORD, Jesus of Nazareth…? Is it believers repenting, being baptized and receiving the Holy Spirit? Yes, it is all that.
Yes, we see all that in Acts 19-21. Read 19:2, 21; 20:22-23; 20:28; 21:4; & 21:10-11). At first reading we may wonder if Holy Spirit knows what he’s up to; on the one hand, helping Paul resolve to go to Jerusalem and, on the other hand, warning him not to go, and predicting that he will be bound and handed over to Gentiles when he does go.
Our confusion is cleared up when we see all the parallels between Paul’s journey to Jerusalem and Jesus’ journey. Luke highlights these parallels in his Gospel and in Acts. Both are sent out on ministries led by the Holy Spirit (Lk 4; Acts 13). Both resolved to go to Jerusalem (Lk 9:51; Acts 19:21). Both have Passover suppers with disciples (Lk 22; Acts 20). Both are warned not to go (Lk 13:31ff; Acts 21:4, 11). Both go to testify (Lk. 22:71; Acts 22:1). Both seek God’s will not their own will -- to which each receives a “no” answer. Finally, both hear a mob cry “Away with him” and are handed over.
This insight into the Holy Spirit’s work raises questions about another version of what the Holy Spirit is up to. It is based on Jesus’ wonderful teachings on prayer and the Holy Spirit, I tell you, ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened . . . the heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Lk. 11:9, 13). For many, this alleged “theology of glory” promises that God will empower disciples through the Holy Spirit to receive all they ask of the abundant life. All of the benefits, gifts, and powers of the Holy Spirit are available for the asking. That this is a false theology is seen by its negation in subsequent teaching by Jesus, especially the parable of the rich fool (Lk 12:13-21). We will explore these two versions of the Holy Spirit’s work as we read the story of what happened when Paul arrives in Jerusalem.
--Tom Yoakum
