PrevActs 21:13Next

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 21:13 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:13 sees Paul responding to the concerns and tears of the believers who are distressed over the prophecy that Paul will face bonds and afflictions in Jerusalem.

This verse depicts Paul's unwavering commitment to his mission, expressing that he is prepared not only to be imprisoned but also to die for the cause of Jesus Christ.

Paul's words convey his deep conviction and readiness to endure suffering for his faith, showcasing the extent of his devotion to spreading the message of Jesus.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The verse is set within the context of Paul's missionary journeys.

As he travels back to Jerusalem, fellow Christians anticipate his persecution, fearing for his safety.

Prophets like Agabus have forewarned that Paul will face hardship.

This reflects the early Christian reality of persecution under Roman rule and the internal struggle among early Christians who must reconcile their fear for Paul's safety with their faith in God's plan.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Paul's resolve demonstrates the Christian principle of sacrificial service for the faith.

His willingness to suffer for the name of Jesus mirrors Christ’s own suffering and crucifixion, embodying the call to take up one's cross.

Different denominations may emphasize Paul's example of faith, obedience, or the prophetic nature of his journey, seeing it as a testament to divine will and providence.

Practical Applications

Paul's example in Acts 21:13 can encourage believers to stand firm in their faith despite opposition or trials. It may be applied to encourage steadfastness, resilience, and the willingness to face hardships for one's beliefs, whether those hardships are personal, professional, or societal.

Cross-References

Acts 20:24 - "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."
Philippians 1:20 – "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."
2 Timothy 4:6-7 - "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Acts 21:13 include:

“bound” (δεθῆναι - dethēnai): meaning to be tied or fettered.
“die” (ἀποθανεῖν - apothanein): meaning to die, perish, indicating the ultimate sacrifice.
“Jerusalem” (Ἱεροσόλυμα - Hierosolyma): refers to the city, but also holds spiritual significance as the center of Jewish worship and the site of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Paul's steadfastness can be compared to figures in other ancient myths and religions who faced their destinies with resolve. For example, the Stoics, who valued apatheia (freedom from passion) might admire Paul's acceptance of fate.

However, Paul's motivation differs as it arises from a sense of divine calling and service to a personal God, unlike the often impersonal fate of the Stoics.

Scientific Perspectives

While Acts 21:13 does not directly intersect with scientific discussions, the human responses to fear and stress - as observed in Paul's companions - have been extensively studied in psychology.

Cognitive and affective neuroscience might explore the emotional regulation and the resilience exemplified by Paul in the face of life-threatening circumstances.

Commentaries

John Calvin comments that Paul shows he values the advancement of the gospel more than his own life.
Matthew Henry observes that Paul was not swayed by the tears of those who loved him, showing his prioritization of duty over affection.
William Barclay notes the gripping drama of the scene and Paul's indomitable spirit, which was convinced that what awaited him was in God's plan.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:13 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 21:13 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?