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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 21:17 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:17 recounts a moment in the Book of Acts where the apostle Paul and his companions arrive in Jerusalem and are welcomed warmly by the local Christian community.

The "brethren" refers to the believers or fellow Christians in Jerusalem.

This passage is situated near the end of Paul's third missionary journey, as he returns to Jerusalem with aid for the Christians there, against the backdrop of increasing tensions and the threat of persecution.

The verse, though brief, conveys a sense of fellowship and the supportive nature of the early Christian community.

The fact that they were received "gladly" implies a positive relationship between Paul, his companions, and the Jerusalem church, as well as their anticipation of Paul's visit.

It also demonstrates the unity present among the believers, despite the diverse backgrounds and the various challenges they faced.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

At the time of Acts 21:17, the early church was expanding throughout the Roman Empire.

Paul had been traveling extensively to Gentile regions, spreading the Christian message and establishing churches.

Jerusalem held a special place as the birthplace of Christianity and the location of the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and other significant events in the life of Jesus Christ.

Paul's arrival in Jerusalem in Acts 21 is a culmination of his extensive travels throughout Asia Minor and Greece, during which time he had been collecting donations for the impoverished Christians in Jerusalem.

His journeys and the collection were significant in fostering unity between Jewish and Gentile believers.

The historical context is further complicated by the undercurrent of tension between the Jewish religious establishment and the burgeoning Christian movement, with its increasing Gentile inclusion. This tension would soon lead to Paul's arrest in Jerusalem.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 21:17 can be seen as an affirmation of Christian hospitality and the importance of community.

This verse encapsulates the spirit of unity and mutual support that is considered integral to Christian life and practice. Paul's welcome highlights the communal nature of the early Church and how belonging to the Christian community meant participating in a shared life and mission.

Furthermore, Paul's reception can be viewed as an embodiment of Jesus' teachings on receiving the "prophets and righteous persons" (Matthew 10:41) and therefore, receiving a reward.

Theologically, this might illustrate the blessings associated with embracing God's servants.

Practical Applications

Acts 21:17 can inspire contemporary Christians to maintain and cultivate a sense of fellowship and support within their own communities.

The warm reception Paul and his companions experienced can be a model for how individuals and church communities today are encouraged to welcome and aid fellow believers, especially those who are in service to others or are in need.

This passage also serves as a reminder about the importance of community solidarity, as the early Christians set an example of how to stay united despite external pressures and internal diversity.

Cross-References

Romans 15:25-27 (KJV): "But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

And it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem."

Acts 15:4 (KJV): "And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them."
3 John 5-8 (KJV): "Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "brethren" is "ἀδελφοί" (adelphoi), which refers to brothers or siblings, and by extension, fellow believers or members of the Christian community.

The term "received" comes from the Greek word "ἐδέξαντο" (edexanto), a verb that indicates a warm, welcoming reception, conveying a sense of acceptance and hospitality.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of cultural and religious comparisons, the early Christian practice of hospitality can be paralleled with the Jewish virtue of welcoming guests (hachnasat orchim), which is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures and Jewish tradition.

Similarly, many ancient cultures, including Greco-Roman society, placed a high value on the hospitality shown to guests and travelers, often attributing religious significance to the act.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, while there is no direct connection between this verse and specific scientific concepts, the idea of community support has been studied in various fields such as psychology and sociology.

Research has shown that strong social support networks can lead to better mental health outcomes, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being, thereby reinforcing the value of the supportive community highlighted in the verse.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have provided varied insights into this passage.

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the unity of the Jewish and Gentile Christians and interprets the joy of the believers in Jerusalem as evidence of their love for Paul and their respect for his ministry.

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible highlights the fulfillment of Paul's resolve to go to Jerusalem despite the dangers that awaited him, showcasing his faith and dedication to his Christian mission.

Modern commentaries often focus on the significance of fellowship and the need for community support as key factors in the growth and sustenance of the early church.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:17 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 21:17 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?