"READY TO GIVE ALL" (An Article by Christian Henry) ~ 5/28/26

“Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:13)

Currently in Acts, Paul is on his way to Jerusalem. Paul had heard warnings for months not to go there; the Christians in Tyre and Caesarea specifically warned him. Once the prophet, Agabus, came down from Judea to meet them at Philip’s house, where he also warned him, even Paul’s own followers began pleading with him not to enter the city. But Paul would not be persuaded and responded with this verse. He both knows and believes that he needs to go preach Christ in Jerusalem, so that’s where He’ll go. And if the devil’s forces don’t want him there, it doesn’t matter. His perspective is essentially “if I die, I die.”

Paul is grieved by the grief of others, but he is ready for whatever comes. He is unafraid because Christ’s love for us was stronger than death, and so the believer must reflect that. In death, Paul will reflect His Savior’s truth and glory. His companions and the saints at Caesarea were crying over him, which deeply affected him, even more than the prophecies of Agabus did. While he was resolved to go to Jerusalem and nothing could stop him, their tears and importunity greatly afflicted him. Still, he knows that he could by no means comply with their requests.

It was revealed to him that he would be bound (arrested) in Jerusalem and that he would die one day, but it was not yet suggested to him where he should suffer death. Since he only knew that death in Jerusalem was a possibility, he was ready for it. Death itself wasn’t going to deter him from his intended journey, so obviously, bonds weren’t going to distress his mind either. His refusal to fret highlights the apostle’s unwavering fearlessness, courageous mind, firmness of will, and determination to do his duty.

Nathan Hale was a patriot, soldier, and spy for the Continental Army during the Revolution who gathered intelligence while in New York City. Hale was captured by the British in September 1776 and was executed shortly after. As he stood with the noose around his neck, ready to be hanged, he said: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” By this, he meant that the American cause was so just that he was overjoyed to lay down his life for it; if it provided encouragement to their side, all the better. He was ready to give it all for freedom. This quote exemplifies Paul’s attitude during this period, only instead of being proud to lay down his life for his nation; he is willing to put it all on the line for his Savior.

Paul is ready and, I believe, fully expects to be made a martyr for his faith. Let us all reflect his resolve when it comes to living for our Savior - even unto death.