In Luke's account, Paul travels from Asia to Tyre and stays with some disciples for a week. While in Tyre, believers tell Paul not to go to Jerusalem. The disciples resist Paul's leaving, but the reason they say they are doing so "through the Spirit" (Acts 21:4) is unclear. They neither command Paul nor expressly forbid him to go; they only express their wish for him not to go based on whatever the Spirit has communicated to them. Even though these disciples love Paul and know where he is going and what could happen, he does not believe their warning to be authoritative and continues his journey shortly after.

Paul travels to Caesarea; he encounters Philip, who has four daughters known for their gift of prophecy. This highlights that prophecy was a well-known gift in the early church, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13:2, 14:1, and 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21. Paul's friends hear Agabus's message in Acts 21:12 and become concerned. Although they plead with him, Paul's reply is straightforward and emotional. He's not upset because they don't understand why he's going to Jerusalem but because they are crying over him. This demonstrates his genuine love and friendship towards them. He is prepared to go to prison or face death for Jesus's sake, as stated in verse 13. Although he doesn't always follow his friends' advice, Paul is not being rebellious. Instead, he is following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. His friends understand this and agree to let God's will be done. This marks the end of Paul's public ministry in Acts, and the story now shifts to Jerusalem.

In Acts, it is clear that although there is conflict among some believers in Jerusalem, the leaders, such as James, support Paul and are happy to hear of his work with the Gentiles. However, there are concerns about Paul's teachings, mostly due to misinformation (Verse 21). The elders have devised a plan to prevent controversy and ease doubts and fears. They do not support the false ideas and misunderstandings the group opposing Paul has been spreading, as it is causing tensions. However, the elders' approach shows genuine care and concern for the church's unity, and Paul is willing to cooperate. Paul has taken a vow before, and by agreeing to the plan, Paul demonstrates the Christian ideal of living for the benefit of others, even though he is no longer bound to take vows according to the Mosaic law as a new covenant believer. However, if keeping some aspects of the law can benefit others, he is free to do so. In this case, accepting the plan brings unity to the church in Jerusalem, so Paul agrees. James confirms that the council's decision regarding the Gentiles still holds, as stated in verse 25. The apostolic teaching remains consistent with no double standards. Keeping the law does not save anyone, and believers are no longer bound by it. Only faith in Jesus and living for others matter in the new covenant. Paul's decision to take the vow is not fraudulent or insincere.

Paul encounters fresh difficulties from his previous adversaries. The individuals referred to as the "Jews from Asia" (v. 27) are likely from Ephesus since they recognize Trophimus, a native of Ephesus who is with Paul in Jerusalem (v. 29). This leads to a commotion resembling the one that occurred in Ephesus, once again centered on a temple. The Jews quickly stirred up the people and arrested Paul based on accusations he taught against the Jews, the law, and the temple. They were also angry because they believed Paul had brought Trophimus into a restricted area of the temple reserved for Jews only. The temple is divided into sections, with the outermost area being the court of Gentiles, which is off-limits to Gentiles under penalty of death. The accusations against Paul and Trophimus were false. The city quickly becomes chaotic as the people grab Paul from the temple and physically assault him with the intention of killing him. Upon hearing about the situation, a tribune and his soldiers from the nearby Roman garrison step in and arrest Paul, assuming he must have done something to deserve such violent treatment from the crowd. The tribune takes Paul back to the barracks to protect him from further harm and figure out what to do with him. This event marks the beginning of Paul's arrest that lasts for the rest of the book of Acts.