But Paul would not turn aside from the path of duty. He would follow Christ to prison and to death if needed. “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart?” he exclaimed. “For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 4TC 202.2
The time soon came for his brief stay at Caesarea to end, and Paul and his companions set out for Jerusalem, their hearts shadowed by the premonition of coming evil. 4TC 202.3
The apostle knew he would find few friends and many enemies at Jerusalem. Remembering his own bitter prejudice against the followers of Christ, he felt the deepest pity for his mistaken countrymen. And yet how little hope he had that he would be able to help them! The same blind hatred that had once burned in his own heart was now inflaming the hearts of a whole nation against him. 4TC 202.4
And he could not count on the sympathy of even his own brothers in the faith. Even among the apostles and elders, some had believed the most unfavorable reports about Paul as true, making no attempt to contradict what they had heard and showing no desire to support him. 4TC 202.5
Yet the apostle did not despair. He trusted that the Voice that had spoken to his own heart would still speak to the hearts of his countrymen, and that the Master whom his fellow disciples served would still unite their hearts with his in the work of the gospel. 4TC 202.6