It’s a little tricky trying to interpret this passage. Were the prophesies concerning Paul going to Jerusalem meant merely to warn him of what was ahead of him? Or were they meant to turn him from the course he was headed?
My guess is the former. From the very day he was converted, he was told that he would have to suffer for the name of Jesus in taking the gospel to both Jew and Gentile. (Acts 9:15-16)
It was perhaps because of this, that when the people pleaded that he not go back to Jerusalem, Paul said,
Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 21:13)
In other words, he was determined to follow Christ no matter the cost, and nothing and no one would ever dissuade him from doing so.
How about you? God never promised that life would be smooth if we followed him. He never promised that everyone would love us for doing so. In fact, he promised the exact opposite. (John 16:33 and 2 Timothy 3:12 among others).
It’s one thing to know God has said this, however. It’s another to face it head on. Will you?
May God give us the grace and courage to face such situations when they do come.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 