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Acts 21

And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

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.

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.

And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purifcation, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

Crying out, 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.)

And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.

Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

What does Acts 21:4 mean?

Acts 21:4

"And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem."

Explanation

Acts 21:4 provides a glimpse into the journey of the Apostle Paul as he travels to Jerusalem, despite being warned by his fellow believers through the Holy Spirit.

The literal reading of the verse indicates that Paul found believers, referred to as disciples, in a certain location where he and his companions decided to stay for seven days.

The disciples, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, advised Paul against going to Jerusalem, suggesting that they were aware of dangers or trials he would face there.

The deeper meaning here may be interpreted as a test of faith and obedience for Paul, who seemingly has to choose between the counsel of his fellow disciples and what he believes to be his divine mission.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

At the time this verse was written, Paul was on his way to Jerusalem near the end of his third missionary journey.

These events took place in the first century AD, a period when the early Christian church was expanding but also facing persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities.

The disciples' warning to Paul reflects the perilous conditions for Christian leaders who were often targeted for spreading what was then considered a new and controversial faith.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse can be seen in various ways:

Predestination and God’s Sovereignty: Some may view the warning Paul received as part of God’s plan to test his faith and determination.
The Role of the Holy Spirit: The mention of the Spirit’s guidance indicates the active presence of the Holy Spirit in the early church.
Discernment and Obedience: The contrast between divine guidance and human advice offers insight into the challenges of discernment for Christians.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse might be applied in daily life in these ways:

Seeking God’s Will: Christians are often reminded to seek divine guidance when making decisions, especially when faced with contradictory advice.
Courage in the Face of Adversity: Believers could draw inspiration from Paul’s example of perseverance despite being warned of the dangers ahead.
The Importance of Community: The involvement of other believers in providing guidance highlights the value of Christian fellowship and mutual care.

Cross-References

Acts 20:22-23: "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me."
Acts 21:10-11: "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."

Language Study

In the original Greek, key words in this verse include:

"Disciples" (μαθητάς, mathētas): This term refers to learners or followers, in this context, of Jesus Christ.
"Tarry" (ἐπέμειναν, epemeinan): To stay or remain; the sense includes a deliberate stopping for a period of time.
"Through the Spirit" (διὰ τοῦ πνεύματος, dia tou pneumatos): Signifies prophecy or revelation by the Holy Spirit.
"Go up" (ἀναβαίνειν, anabainein): A term often used for going to Jerusalem, which is situated on higher ground.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of divine guidance and prophecy in Christianity has parallels in other ancient religions where oracles or seers played crucial roles. In Greek mythology, the Oracle of Delphi comes to mind; in Jewish tradition, prophets like Elijah and Samuel were believed to convey God’s messages.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific thought, modern psychology might analyze the influence of group dynamics on decision-making, as well as the psychological phenomena that could explain visions or the sense of divine guidance.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have examined this verse:

John Calvin commented on the tension between the guidance of the Holy Spirit and Paul's determination to proceed to Jerusalem, showing the complex nature of divine calling and human responsibility.
Matthew Henry’s commentary highlights the importance of Christian fellowship and spirituality in understanding the will of God, even when that will seems to lead to suffering.
More contemporary commentators like N.T. Wright focus on the role of prophecy in the early church, suggesting that such guidance played an integral part in the missionary activities of the early Christians, including Paul.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:4 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 21:4 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?