“I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” —Acts 21:13
When Paul was in Ephesus, he decided to go to Jerusalem (Acts 19:21; 20:23). He didn’t know what awaited him, but the Spirit had told him to expect affliction.
In Acts 21, the Spirit indicated more of what would happen to Paul in Jerusalem. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t good. The disciples, who loved Paul fiercely, begged him not to go. Paul responded:
“I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (21:13)
The name of the Lord Jesus is worthy and precious. Paul knew it was better than life itself. He counted all things as loss for the sake of knowing the life, death, and resurrection of his Lord (Phil. 3:10–11).
For the majority of us, it’s tempting to shrink back at the mere thought of intense suffering. But Christ enables us to count the value of our life in light of how much it exalts the worthy and precious name of Christ alone.
Make it Personal
What suffering are you facing right now? How would you face it differently if you knew that through it, Christ is being proclaimed?