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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 21:15 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:15 narrates a simple, historical detail as part of the apostle Paul’s journey.

"Carriages" in this context does not refer to wheeled vehicles, as one might assume from modern English usage, but rather to "baggage" or "packs." Thus, this verse describes Paul and his companions preparing their belongings and departing to journey towards Jerusalem.

The deeper meaning suggests a purposeful advance towards a significant destination and goal.

Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious life and often symbolized the presence of God, making any pilgrimage there particularly meaningful.

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Historical Context

Acts 21:15 is set in the narrative of the Book of Acts, traditionally authored by Luke, and it describes the history of the early Christian church with a particular focus on the ministry of Paul.

The verse is part of a larger narrative in which Paul, despite knowing that hardship awaits him, is determined to return to Jerusalem.

This was likely during the period around 57-58 AD.

Jerusalem at this time was a city with many tensions, both religiously among various Jewish sects, and politically under Roman occupation.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this passage is often understood within the Christian context as demonstrating trust and obedience to God’s will. It signifies Paul's commitment to the mission Christ entrusted to him, to spread the gospel even if it means facing persecution.

Some view it as a parallel to other biblical journeys towards Jerusalem, particularly Jesus’ final journey there as depicted in the synoptic Gospels. This can suggest a theme of fulfilling one's mission and the journey that life with God entails.

Practical Applications

The verse can be seen as an encouragement for individuals to undertake their own journeys of faith with determination and preparation.

It suggests a need for followers of faith to be ready for the challenges ahead while remaining steadfast in their course. In daily life, it can be reflected in the way one approaches tasks, goals, or spiritual endeavors with intent and practical readiness.

Cross-References

Luke 9:51 - "And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem," which shares the theme of a determined journey to Jerusalem.
Acts 20:22 - "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there," showing Paul's attitude towards going to Jerusalem.
Acts 19:21 - "After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome."

Language Study

The important term in this verse is "carriages," which comes from the Greek word "skeuos," meaning "vessels" or "equipment." In this context, it likely refers to the bags or personal belongings that people carried with them while traveling.

This reveals that the word did not mean a wheeled vehicle in that historical and linguistic context but referred to the travelers’ personal provisions or luggage.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Jewish people in ancient times, as well as many other ancient cultures, made pilgrimages to major religious centers as expressions of faith.

The Islamic Hajj to Mecca or the Hindu pilgrimage to the Ganges River can be seen as modern equivalents.

The act of journeying to a sacred site is present in multiple religions and can serve as a physical manifestation of one's spiritual journey.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly offer much in terms of scientific insight, it does touch upon the human act of traveling.

Modern studies in the psychology of travel highlight the importance of journeys in contributing to personal growth and understanding.

This aligns with the transformative potential seen in religious narratives of pilgrimage.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators typically parse this verse in its narrative aspect, noting its place in the story of Paul's travels.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible mentions that the preparations signified an eagerness and readiness to go up to Jerusalem.

Matthew Henry's Commentary remarks on the solemnity of Paul's resolution to face the dangers that awaited him in Jerusalem.

These commentaries tend to focus on the dedication of Paul to his mission and the foreshadowing of the trials he would soon face.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:15 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 21:15 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?