(Acts 21:13)
Introduction
As Paul stood in the house of Philip the evangelist, brethren pleaded with him not to go to Jerusalem. Danger awaited him there—arrest, persecution, perhaps death. But Paul’s response pierced through the emotion of the moment: “I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13, NASB). What gave Paul such peace in the face of death? How could he say that with such calm confidence?
In a world filled with fear and uncertainty, Paul’s courage shines like a beacon. Many people fear death—not because they love life so much, but because they are unprepared to meet their God. Paul wasn’t unafraid of pain or hardship—he was simply ready. This wasn’t a boast; it was the natural result of a life formed, shaped, and anchored in obedience to Christ.
So we ask the question: can we say with Paul, “I am ready to die”? What made Paul ready—and how can we be?
I. Paul Was Ready Because He Had Formed the Proper Relationship with the Lord
There are only two spiritual relationships a person can be in: either “in the evil one” or “in Christ.” John wrote, “We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). That’s the natural state of humanity without God. To be “in the evil one” is to be subject to Satan’s rule, to walk in rebellion, even unknowingly, against the Creator.
But Paul wasn’t in that condition. He had formed a different relationship—he was “in Christ.” That’s a specific, defined spiritual location. Romans 6:3–4 tells us how that happens: “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?” Paul had submitted to the gospel—faith, repentance, confession, and baptism. As Galatians 3:27 says, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
That’s how Paul got into Christ, and it’s how we do, too. This isn’t about church membership or morality—it’s about being spiritually relocated. If we’re outside of Christ, we’re in danger. If we’re in Christ, we’re safe. And that’s the foundation of readiness.
II. Paul Was Ready Because He Had Completely Divorced Himself from the World
Some love life so much they feel cheated to leave it early. But Paul said, “I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus” (Acts 20:24). His life had one purpose: to glorify God and finish the task. That’s why he could say with conviction, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
Paul didn’t dabble in the world while claiming Christ. He cut ties. His joy wasn’t in pleasures, distractions, or worldly goals. He didn’t belong to this world—and he knew it. He had “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). He didn’t let ball games, fishing, or entertainment rob him of his purpose. It wasn’t that those things are inherently sinful—but for Paul, nothing could interfere with the race he was running.
Many believers today are far too entangled. “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life” (2 Timothy 2:4). If we can’t say goodbye to the world, we aren’t ready to die. To be ready is to be unchained from this life.
III. Paul Was Ready Because He Had Faithfully Performed His Duties
Paul viewed his life as a stewardship. In 2 Timothy 4:6–7, he declared, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.”
Paul lived like a soldier, never retreating in the face of difficulty. He fought against sin, error, discouragement, and persecution. He didn’t quit. He also saw himself as a runner—focused on the finish line. Hebrews 12:1 urges us to “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Paul did.
He didn’t just live faithfully—he served faithfully. He taught, he worked, he prayed, he gave, he suffered. He poured himself out in service to the kingdom. He could face death, not with dread, but with anticipation. “In the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8).
We cannot be ready to die if we are idle in our faith. Some neglect their spiritual duties and hope grace will cover the difference. But God calls us to work. Not to earn salvation—but to walk in it.
IV. Faithful Obedience Was Not the Basis of Paul’s Salvation—But It Was the Condition
Let’s be clear: Paul wasn’t saved because he earned it. He knew better than anyone that salvation is by grace. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). But that grace was not unconditional.
Hebrews 5:9 says, “And having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him.” That’s plain. Paul obeyed—and he kept obeying.
No amount of good works can put God in our debt. But grace doesn’t cover rebellion. The same Lord who saves by grace “will deal out retribution to those who do not know God, and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thessalonians 1:8).
Grace is available. It’s wide. It’s free. But it’s not given to the disobedient. Paul knew this. That’s why he was diligent. That’s why he gave everything he had. Not to earn, but to honor. Not to merit, but to remain faithful.
Conclusion: Are You Ready to Die?
This isn’t a morbid question. It’s a necessary one. Are you ready to die? Not because you’ve lived a good life—but because you’ve been made right with God through the blood of Jesus, and have walked faithfully in Him?
If not, you can begin today.
If you haven’t yet formed the proper relationship with Christ, do what Paul did. Be baptized into Christ. Enter into Him.
If you’re entangled in the world—cut it off. Let go of what’s holding you back. Fix your eyes on eternity.
If you’ve grown lazy, or indifferent, or afraid—stand back up. Finish the race. Fight the fight.
You can have the same assurance Paul had. You can face death without fear. But not by accident. Not without surrender.
The question isn’t just “Am I living right?” It’s deeper. It’s eternal.
Am I ready to die?
If not—what will you do about it?
Now is the time.
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