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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 21:1 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:1 describes a part of Paul's journey to Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary trip.

The passage is a straightforward narrative detailing the travel route Paul and his companions took by sea.

Leaving the elders of Ephesus, they set sail and arrived at Coos (Kos), a Greek island in the Aegean Sea.

The following day, they reached Rhodes, another island in the same area, and then moved on to Patara, a city on the southwest coast of Asia Minor.

The narration portrays the efficiency and urgency with which Paul is moving towards his destination.

While it does not contain deep theological teaching, it connects to the broader context of Paul's mission and the spread of Christianity through his journeys.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts was written by Luke as a continuation of the Gospel of Luke, and it details the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to Rome.

The book was likely composed in the second half of the first century AD.

This verse is set during the first century Mediterranean world, a time when the Roman Empire controlled much of the known world, including the regions mentioned.

Travel was predominantly by sea, and the mention of Coos, Rhodes, and Patara indicates a route taken along the eastern Mediterranean coast, which was a common sea route at the time.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, while this verse doesn't offer direct teaching, it illustrates the fulfillment of Jesus' command to take the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Paul's journey reflects his obedience and determination to spread the Christian message.

Additionally, the narrative demonstrates the providence of God as He guides Paul's journey, ensuring that the gospel reaches different regions.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can inspire believers to be diligent and purposeful in their own life missions.

It can be seen as an encouragement to overcome obstacles and to pursue one's goals with determination.

The route that Paul takes also illustrates the importance of planning and strategic thinking in the execution of tasks or the pursuit of a calling.

Cross-References

Acts 20:38: "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."

Acts 19:29: "And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre."
Acts 27:1-2: "And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us."

Language Study

Key words in the original language (Greek) including:

"gotten from them" (aphentes autous): implies leaving or separating from a group, suggesting an emotional parting.
"launched" (anachthentes): means to set sail or embark, indicating the beginning of a new stage of the journey.
"straight course" (euthudromesantes): suggests they took the most direct route possible, emphasizing efficiency and perhaps urgency in their travel.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman world, sea travel was common and integral to commerce, communication, and transportation.

Voyages in ancient texts often have symbolic meanings, such as journeys of discovery or transformation.

Unlike mythical voyages like that of Odysseus, Paul's journey emphasizes a historical and mission-driven purpose.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific understanding of ancient seafaring has grown thanks to archaeology and maritime studies.

Ancient ships and navigation techniques are better understood and indicate that the routes described in Acts are consistent with the capabilities of the time, and highlight the extensive network of ports in the Roman Empire.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars often view passages like Acts 21:1 as important for understanding the historical and geographic context of Paul's travels. These commentaries generally agree on the historicity of the route and its reflection of the common sea lanes of the time.

Some theologians also highlight the perseverance and commitment of Paul to his missionary calling as evident through his extensive travels.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:1 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 21:1 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?