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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 21:11 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:11 is a verse found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible wherein a prophet named Agabus performs a symbolic act to deliver a message from the Holy Spirit to the Apostle Paul.

Agabus uses Paul's girdle (a belt-like garment) to tie his own hands and feet, demonstrating that the person to whom the girdle belongs (Paul) would be bound in the same way by Jewish authorities in Jerusalem.

This act is meant to forewarn Paul of the capture and hardships he would face if he continued on his journey to Jerusalem.

The deeper meaning here reflects the theme of prophecy and divine guidance, as well as a foreshadowing of the suffering that is to come for the sake of the Gospel.

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Historical Context

This event takes place as Paul is traveling back to Jerusalem after his third missionary journey.

During this period, tensions were high between the Jewish authorities and the burgeoning Christian movement.

Paul knew that his teachings about Jesus Christ and the fact that he taught both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) were controversial and potentially dangerous.

Agabus was a recognized prophet in the early Christian community, and his actions in this verse are situated in the tradition of prophets delivering warnings from God.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the Christian belief in the work of the Holy Spirit through gifts of prophecy to communicate with and guide God's people.

There are variations in how different Christian traditions understand the continuity of such gifts and prophecy in the modern church.

The verse also resonates with the recurring theme of apostolic suffering and martyrdom, emphasizing the expectation that following Christ can entail great personal sacrifice.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, this verse may be seen as a reminder of the importance of heeding warnings and guidance that one believes are from God, even when they might indicate imminent hardship.

It also speaks to the idea of preparedness and resolve in one's convictions, teaching that commitments can sometimes come with significant personal cost.

It encourages believers to be aware of potential consequences and to rely on their faith when confronted with difficulties.

Cross-References

Acts 20:23, where Paul states that the Holy Ghost witnesses in every city that bonds and afflictions await him.
Acts 9:16, where the Lord speaks about how much Paul must suffer for his name's sake.
2 Timothy 2:9, where Paul relates his own suffering and being bound like a criminal, but asserts that the word of God is not bound.

Language Study

"Bound" - The original Greek word used here is "desmeuo", which can translate to bind, tie or fasten. In the historical and cultural context, binding someone's hands and feet was a common practice for prisoners indicating a loss of freedom and submission to authority.

"Girdle" - In biblical times, a girdle was a belt worn around the waist, used to secure clothing or carry items, symbolizing readiness and purpose.

"Holy Ghost" - This term refers to the Holy Spirit, considered the third person of the Trinity in Christian theology, often associated with acts of inspiration and divine direction.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient religions and cultures, the act of binding carries symbolic weight, indicating submission, servitude, or the foretelling of some event.

Prophetic actions similar to Agabus's demonstration were common in the Jewish tradition (e.g., the Old Testament prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah) and can be seen in other cultures as a way to dramatize and emphasize the seriousness of a message.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the verse does not interact with contemporary scientific understandings in a typical sense, as its main focus is on a prophetic act and prediction rather than any scientific concept.

However, the study of psychology might consider the impact of such a visual and symbolic act on the human psyche and behavior, and its role in influencing group dynamics and personal conviction.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer varied interpretations of Acts 21:11.

Some interpret Agabus's act as a clear and accurate prophecy of what was to befall Paul. Others discuss the role of Christian prophets in the early church and the significance of their ministry.

Some commentators might point out the difference between Old Testament prophets, who often spoke of national concerns, and New Testament prophets like Agabus, who also dealt with individual direction and guidance.

Finally, some may reflect on how Paul's reaction to the prophecy (continuing on his journey, regardless of the warning) demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his mission.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:11 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 21:11 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?