Back to the Bible Podcast — Episode 128: Acts 21:1-26

Host: Larsen Plyler
Date: October 19, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of "Back to the Bible Podcast" continues the in-depth study of the Book of Acts, focusing on Acts 21:1-26. Larsen Plyler discusses the Apostle Paul’s journey back to Jerusalem, the significant events and warnings he receives along the way, and the theological complexities surrounding Jewish customs for Christian believers. Larsen emphasizes the importance of biblical authority, the nuances of Paul’s approach to Jewish law, and the early church’s commitment to unity and faithfulness.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recap & Setting the Stage (00:00–04:30)

• Larsen reaffirms the podcast’s core commitment: “God's Word alone, our authority, every word, every step in the name of Christ.” [00:03]
• Brief recap of the previous episode’s tangent on speaking in tongues and encouragement for listener questions.
• Transition back to Acts, focusing on Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders and his journey toward Jerusalem, highlighting the emotional send-off and warning of coming dangers.
  • Notable quote: “They are brokenhearted because they suppose that they would not see his face again.” [02:26]

2. Paul's Travel Narrative and Spiritual Warnings (04:31–11:30)

• Reading Acts 21:1-14: Paul’s journey from Miletus to Tyre, then Ptolemais, and finally Caesarea.
  • The detailed nautical itinerary sets the historical context.
• Disciples’ Warnings: In Tyre, local disciples repeatedly warn Paul through the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem.
  • Larsen clarifies, “Paul is not disobeying the Spirit… they're both getting the same information […] but the disciples… understanding that as Paul doesn't need to go,” whereas Paul interprets it as preparation for impending hardship. [08:11]
• Posture in Prayer: Larsen pauses to reflect on the significance of kneeling in prayer, highlighting humility and reverence.
  • Memorable moment: “There is something, isn't there, about our bodily position demonstrating respect and reverence?” [09:02]
• Emotional Farewell: The scene of men, women, and children kneeling on the beach to pray—Larsen paints this as a powerful moment of Christian community and devotion.

3. Significance of Place Names & Early Disciples (11:31–15:50)

• Larsen explains the historical background of names like Ptolemais and Caesarea, noting their ties to Greek/Roman rule.
• Meeting Philip the Evangelist:
  • Brief recap of Philip’s work with the Ethiopian eunuch and his current role as a long-term evangelist in Caesarea.
  • Mention of Philip’s four prophesying daughters—a detail highlighting the continuing work of the Spirit.

4. Prophecy of Agabus & Paul’s Resolve (15:51–19:55)

• Prophet Agabus' Symbolic Warning: Agabus binds himself with Paul's belt, prophesying Paul's impending arrest by the Jews and delivery to the Gentiles.
• Companions, including Luke, plead with Paul not to go.
  • Notable quote (Paul): “I am not ready only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of Jesus.” [17:20]
  • Larsen’s reflection: “Your tears… are trying to pull me away from this task that is set before me.”
• The final communal resignation: “The will of the Lord be done.” [18:56]
  • Emphasized as a model response in the face of looming hardship for righteousness.

5. Arrival in Jerusalem & Addressing Rumors (19:56–26:35)

• Paul and companions lodge with Mnason, an early disciple from Cyprus.
• In Jerusalem, Paul is warmly welcomed by James (the Lord’s brother) and the elders.
• Paul recounts his ministry among the Gentiles; the elders glorify God but raise concerns over rumors:
  • “You are teaching all the Jews… to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children, nor to walk according to the customs.” [22:15]
• The complex problem:
  • Jewish Christians in Jerusalem are zealous for the law and troubled by the idea that Paul is undermining Jewish tradition among Jews—not just Gentiles.

6. Navigating Jewish Customs as a Christian (26:36–42:11)

• Paul’s Stance on Jewish Law:

  • Larsen clarifies that Paul is not hostile to Jewish customs for Jewish believers, as long as they’re not imposed on Gentiles or seen as necessary for justification.
    • Key explanation: “Paul is not telling the disciples who are Jewish not to follow the law… He is not telling them not to circumcise their son.” [31:00]
  • Memorable analogy: The difference between Paul’s approach to Timothy (who was circumcised for ministry among Jews) versus Titus (who was not circumcised as a Gentile), showing sensitivity but also resistance to imposing the law where inappropriate.
    • “Anything that Paul could do to reach the Jews and bring them to Christ, he was willing to do. But anything that would take the Gentiles and put them back under the law of Moses, he was hostile to.” [33:05]

• Action Plan:

  • Paul agrees to a public act of purification with four men under a vow—to demonstrate his continued respect for the law and refute slander.
    • Key verse: “Then all will know there is nothing to the things which they have been told about you, but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the law.” [36:11]
  • Larsen stresses, “Paul’s attack is against misinterpretations of the law… not against the law itself.” [37:10]
  • Paul never imposes the law on Gentiles but accommodates Jewish custom for the sake of deeper ministry.

• Theological Takeaway:

  • “His [Paul’s] problem is not with the law. It was not as if the law was some unreachable, unattainable standard… But what it was intended to be was a means by which God could dwell among them and by which they could be a light to the nations.” [39:20]

7. Bridge to Future Studies & Closing Thoughts (42:12–end)

• Larsen notes the continuing narrative: coming episodes will follow the Jewish nation’s response to Paul's actions in Jerusalem.
• Short preview: plans to study Romans after Acts, providing an opportunity for deeper examination of the Jew-Gentile dynamic in the early church.
  • Host’s intention: “I'm going to try to walk through the Book of Romans at a good pace and see if we can make sense of some of the things that Paul has said.” [44:46]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “The will of the Lord be done.” — Paul’s companions, after failing to dissuade him (18:56)
• “Anything that Paul could do to reach the Jews and bring them to Christ, he was willing to do. But anything that would take the Gentiles and put them back under the law of Moses, he was hostile to.” — Larsen (33:05)
• “Paul’s attack is against misinterpretations of the law… not against the law itself.” — Larsen (37:10)
• “If the king was to come in and we knelt down, that would say, okay, this man's respectful. […] We know that certain bodily postures show respect or reverence or honor.” — Larsen, reflecting on kneeling in prayer (09:13)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Recap, Authority of the Bible – 00:00–04:30
• Paul’s Journey & Warnings in Tyre – 04:31–11:30
• Historical Context of Cities & Meeting Philip – 11:31–15:50
• Agabus’ Prophecy and Paul’s Resolve – 15:51–19:55
• Arrival in Jerusalem, Rumors & Meeting Elders – 19:56–26:35
• Paul and Jewish Law, Custom, and Ministry Strategy – 26:36–42:11
• Future Studies & Concluding Remarks – 42:12–end

Summary

Larsen Plyler offers a thorough, context-rich study of Paul’s return to Jerusalem in Acts 21, underscoring themes of obedience, humble prayer, Christian unity, and nuanced application of the law. Key points include Paul’s unwavering resolve in the face of prophetic warnings, his strategic accommodation of Jewish tradition for the sake of outreach, and the lesson that controversy over law should not overshadow the unity found in Christ. The session sets up the next stage of Paul’s trials and hints at deeper studies to come.