Paul Ignores the Prophets

Paul visited Caesarea and had a unique experience. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.^{Acts 21:10-12}

Paul was sought by prophets, bound and told not to go to Jerusalem. Why would God have to send prophets to prevent Paul from going to Jerusalem if Paul had so many revelations from Jesus? Why would Jesus not tell Paul himself?

Paul ignored these prophets. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.^{Acts 21:13}

And so Paul went and Paul brought Trophimus with him.^{(Acts 20:4.)} Trophimus's presence ended up defiling the temple. Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)^{Acts 21:28, 29}

We cannot blame Trophimus for this. He was not a Jew, whereas Paul was a learned Pharisee, who obviously should have know of this custom of the temple. Since Paul disobeyed God, who sent him a message via prophets, Paul caused the temple to be defiled. Such defilement enraged the Jews (evidenced by the fact that they apprehended Paul thereafter). This enragement would leave them less willing to listen to the gospel of the Kingdom and thus serves no real purpose.

Value of this Evidence

This is fantastic evidence that Paul was not a real apostle of Christ. That Paul would not listen to the prophets show that he was not a real apostle, as a real apostle would be humble enough to receive instruction even by the lowest of people. Did Jesus not say, But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve?^{Luke 22:26}