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Acts 20

And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

These going before tarried for us at Troas.

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

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.

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

What does Acts 20:22 mean?

Explanation

The verse in Acts 20:22 contains a declaration from the Apostle Paul about his impending journey to Jerusalem.

The phrase "bound in the spirit" suggests that Paul felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to take this trip, despite not knowing what would happen to him there.

The reference to the spirit here suggests a strong inner conviction or divine guidance rather than physical chains or compulsion by other people.

This verse reveals Paul's commitment to his mission and trust in God's plan for his life, even in the face of uncertainty and potential suffering. It also shows his willingness to obey God's will above his own personal safety or desires.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is situated within Paul's third missionary journey as recorded in the Book of Acts, an account of the early Christian church's expansion.

Paul was a Pharisee who converted to Christianity and became one of its most significant missionaries and theologians.

During this period, Paul traveled extensively to preach the gospel and strengthen the early Christian communities.

His visit to Jerusalem would have likely entailed risks, as the city was a center of both Jewish and Roman authority, and Paul's teaching often encountered opposition.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer unique insights into this verse:

Providence and Predestination: Some theologians may see Paul's journey as being predestined by God.

Paul's sense of "being bound" could be interpreted as God's sovereign plan for his life.

Spirit-Led Ministry: Charismatic and Pentecostal theologians might focus on Paul's submission to the Holy Spirit's guidance as an essential practice for the Christian minister.
Suffering and Discipleship: Theology of the cross, prominent in Lutheran and other traditions, might emphasize the role of suffering and sacrifice in Christian discipleship, as exemplified by Paul's willingness to face danger.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can teach several lessons:

Following Divine Guidance: Christians are encouraged to seek and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their lives, even when the path is unclear or difficult.
Courage and Faithfulness: Believers may find inspiration in Paul's example to courageously face their own uncertainties and trials, trusting that God is with them.
Sacrificial Service: The verse can serve as a call to put others and the mission of the church ahead of personal comfort or security.

Cross-References

[Romans 8:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A14&version=KJV) ("For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.")
[2 Timothy 4:7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A7&version=KJV) ("I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:")
[Philippians 1:20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+1%3A20&version=KJV) ("According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.")

Language Study

Bound (δεδεμένος - dedemenos): This Greek word implies being tied or compelled, indicating a sense of obligation or necessity.
Spirit (πνεῦμα - pneuma): Often in the New Testament, this term refers to the Holy Spirit or the spiritual realm.

Here it suggests divine influence or directive.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons with other ancient religious practices:

In Greco-Roman culture, there were stories of gods and oracles firmarily compelling people to take certain actions, somewhat akin to Paul's feeling "bound in the spirit."
The Hebrew prophets also often described being called or driven by God to undertake difficult missions, a potential parallel in Jewish tradition to Paul's conviction.

Scientific Perspectives

The concept of being guided by something beyond oneself intersects with psychological discussions on intuition, conscience, and the subconscious.

While science generally does not deal with the supernatural, it does recognize that people often feel internally compelled to make certain choices, guided by a complex mix of cognitive and emotional factors.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse offer a variety of perspectives:

John Calvin sees Paul's expression as being demonstrative of the Holy Spirit setting him apart for a specific task.
Matthew Henry comments on the uncertainty Paul faced, highlighting his commitment to God's service, irrespective of the consequences.
The Pulpit Commentary discusses the sense of constraint that Paul felt, and his acknowledgment of potential hardships and even martyrdom, as part of his Christian witness.

Acts 20

Acts 20

What does Acts 20:22 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 20:22 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?