Chapter 18—Paul’s Last Journey to Jerusalem
Paul greatly desired to reach Jerusalem before the passover, as he
would thus have an opportunity to meet the people who came from all
parts of the world to attend the feast. He had a continual hope that in
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some way he might be instrumental in removing the prejudice of his
countrymen, so that they might accept the precious light of the gospel.
He was also desirous of meeting the church at Jerusalem, and bearing
to them the liberalities donated by other churches to the poor brethren
in Judea. And he hoped, in this visit, to bring about a firmer Christian
union between the Jewish and Gentile converts to the faith.
Having completed his work at Corinth, he determined to sail di-
rectly for one of the ports on the coast of Palestine. All his arrange-
ments had been made, and he was about to step on board the ship,
when he was informed of a plot laid by the Jews to take his life. These
opposers of the faith had been foiled in all their efforts to put an end
to the apostle’s work. Since the unsuccessful attempt to secure his
condemnation by Gallio, five years before, they had been unable to
arouse the people or the rulers against him. The work of the gospel
had advanced, despite all their opposition. From every quarter there
came accounts of the spread of the new doctrine by which Jews were
released from their distinctive observances, and Gentiles admitted to
share equal privileges as children of Abraham. The success attending
the preaching of this doctrine, which with all their hatred they could
not controvert, stung the Jews to madness. Paul, in his preaching at
Corinth, presented the same arguments which he urged so forcibly in
his epistles. His strong statement, “There is neither Greek nor Jew,
circumcision nor uncircumcision,” was regarded by his enemies as
daring blasphemy. They determined that his voice should be silenced.
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While he was under the protection of the Roman authorities, it might
not be prudent to molest him; but they would have their revenge as
soon as the ship had left the shore. It would not be a difficult matter to
bribe captain or sailors to do any deed of violence.
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