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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 21:12 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:12 recounts a moment from the apostle Paul's missionary journeys where he is warned by fellow believers not to go up to Jerusalem.

Despite the prophecies and pleas he had received earlier, indicating that chains and tribulations awaited him (Acts 20:23), Paul is determined to complete his journey.

The verse captures the deep concern and affection that the local believers and his companions had for Paul, as well as their fear of the potential dangers he would face in Jerusalem. Their plea for him not to go is an expression of their desire to protect him from harm.

However, Paul's commitment to God's calling surpasses his friends' warnings and his own personal safety.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is set within the broader context of Paul's travels as documented in the Book of Acts, which is generally believed to have been written by Luke, a companion of Paul.

The setting is the early expansion of Christianity after the death and resurrection of Christ.

At this particular point in Acts 21, Paul is completing his third missionary journey and is determined to reach Jerusalem, despite the repeated warnings about the dangers that await him there.

Jerusalem at the time was a hotbed of religious and political tension, with Jewish authorities being particularly hostile to the emerging Christian movement and its claim that Jesus was the Messiah.

Theological Insights

The verse highlights the tension between God's providence and human free will.

From a theological standpoint, some may see Paul's insistence on going to Jerusalem as a display of his unwavering faith and obedience to what he perceives as God's will for his life.

On the other hand, some may argue that Paul's determination reflects his own personal zeal, possibly going against the warnings provided by other believers through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Different denominations may interpret this passage in light of their own understanding of how God's sovereignty and human agency interact.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Acts 21:12 can serve as a reminder to modern readers about the importance of discernment and courage in the face of adversity.

It raises questions about when to listen to wise counsel from others and when to continue on a path that one feels called to, despite the risks.

The verse also challenges believers to consider how they respond to God's calling, especially when it might lead to difficulties or require sacrifices.

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 21:4 - "And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem."
Acts 21:13 - "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."

Language Study

Key words in this verse when studied in their original Greek context enhance the understanding:

"Heard" (Greek: "akouontes") - This implies not just the act of hearing but also taking in and understanding the message.
"Besought" (Greek: "parekaloumen") - The verb used here is more intensive than just asking; it implies an earnest, intense plea, almost begging him not to go.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Christian narratives often have parallels with other religious traditions where a prophet or a divine figure is warned against an action but proceeds regardless because of a higher calling or destiny.

For instance, in many myths, heroes are often cautioned about their quests but choose to forge ahead, emphasizing their heroic qualities.

A key difference in Christian theology, however, is the centrality of obedience to God's will as a virtue over any heroic trait.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific perspective on this verse as it deals with historical events and personal decisions in a religious context.

However, the psychological aspect of decision-making under social pressure, as is evident in the verse, remains a significant research area within social and cognitive psychology.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 21:12 vary, but many scholars emphasize the difficulty of interpreting divine will and providence in historical events.

Renowned theologians like John Calvin and Matthew Henry highlight Paul's dedication to his apostolic mission at the expense of personal safety, acknowledging the deep concern his friends had for him.

They also note that Paul's journey to Jerusalem is pivotal in the spread of Christianity, as it leads to his eventual arrest and testimony in Rome.

Modern commentaries may discuss the balance of faith and wisdom in decision-making or the community's role in providing counsel while respecting individual convictions.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:12 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 21:12 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?