From a spiritual standpoint, Paul was probably one of the greatest believers to ever live. But like all of us, he had a natural tendency to operate in his own will and power, apart from the will of God.

We’re going to look at Paul’s big mistake. Realize that it wasn’t necessarily a sin, but simply rejecting what God’s will for his life was. But keep in mind; even though Paul goes outside of the will of God, God will still use him and give him a great message. But we’ll get to that part!

Remember, Paul was originally Saul of Tarsus. Look what he said about himself as a Jew:

Philippians 3:5

5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;

Paul obviously has a soft spot for the Jews, but God has made him the apostle to the Gentiles.

Ephesians 3:8

8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,

When Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, look how God warns him.

Acts 21:4

4 After looking up the disciples, we stayed there seven days; and they kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem.

Look down a few verses:

Acts 21:8-14

8 On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him.

9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses.

10 As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.

11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, "This is what the Holy Spirit says: "In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"

12 When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem.

All the disciples and the locals heard what God was saying to Paul, but Paul didn’t! Look at his response:

13 Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

14 And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, "The will of the Lord be done!"

Paul’s answer sounds great. “I’m ready to die for Jesus!” But that’s not what God had in mind for Paul! God didn’t tell Paul (through the Spirit) that things would be difficult in Jerusalem, He told Paul NOT TO GO!

So off he goes. We’ll pick up the story when he gets there:

Acts 21:18-20

18 And the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.

19 After he had greeted them, he began to relate one by one the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

Paul relates to these Jews all that God had done among the GENTILES. That’s where Paul belonged! Paul had just finished writing two great epistles: Romans and Galatians! He had written these books explaining to those believers that keeping the Law was not part of the spiritual life of the church. Now he’s about to go out and practice the exact opposite of what he has preached.

20 And when they heard it they began glorifying God; (wouldn’t it have been great if they had just stopped right there!) and they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law;

The Jews at Jerusalem are being taught that being a Christian is great, but then you have to follow the entire Mosaic Law to live the Christian life. They thought it was all about doing and not doing certain things. Having heard all that Paul has been teaching about the grace of God, and about the Law, they were actually disturbed by the presence of Paul:

Acts 21:21-22

21 and they have been told about you, that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs.

22 "What, then, is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come.

“What can we do about this problem? They know you are here, and that you have been teaching about grace. What should we do to prove to them that you are also subject to the law?”

Paul should have immediately begun a dissertation on the grace of God, just like he had written in Galatians! But Paul is outside the geographical will of God. Once you’re in the wrong place, it’s just a matter of time before you’re not thinking or doing the will of God.

Paul should have avoided these men, and gotten out of Jerusalem. Make your own application – that there is a time when you should not be around certain kinds of people. Paul is now going to do some things that are completely opposite of what he believes.

Remember, Paul was warned at least three times not to go to Jerusalem. But out of emotion and sentimentality, he refused the warnings. When you let your emotions rule and base your decisions on how it feels instead of on what God’s will is, you will end up paying the price.

Tune in next time to see Paul’s big mistake.