PrevActs 21:20Next

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 21:20 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:20 is a passage describing a conversation between the Apostle Paul and the elders of the church in Jerusalem.

They are responding to Paul's report of his missionary work among the Gentiles, and they acknowledge the work of God in bringing many Jews to faith in Jesus Christ.

Their response acknowledges the conversion of thousands of Jewish believers and notes that these believers were still zealous for the Law of Moses.

This suggests a tension in the early church between Jewish Christians who maintained their traditional practices and the new Gentile converts, who were not bound by Jewish customs.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 21:20 is set in the First Century AD during a period when the Christian movement was still predominantly Jewish.

It was common for Jewish Christians at that time to continue observing the Law of Moses, including ceremonial practices and dietary laws.

This was a period of significant transition as the church was beginning to diversify with an influx of Gentile believers.

The backdrop of this verse is Paul's return to Jerusalem after his missionary journeys, where he is reporting back to the Jewish Christian elders about his work among the Gentiles.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints may interpret this verse in varying ways.

From a traditional Christian standpoint, this verse illustrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about Jews turning to Christ. Others may view the verse as highlighting the challenge faced by the early church in integrating the Law of Moses with the new faith in Christ.

The concept of Jewish believers maintaining their zeal for the Law even after conversion also brings into question the idea of the New Covenant and what it means for the observance of the Old Covenant laws.

Practical Applications

The application of Acts 21:20 today can be seen in how believers manage the tension between tradition and new understandings within the faith.

It can encourage modern Christians to respect different practices and traditions within the church, provided they do not conflict with the core teachings of Christianity.

This verse can also remind believers of the importance of celebrating the work of God in diverse cultural contexts.

Cross-References

Romans 10:12: "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him."
Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
Acts 15:11: "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word used for "zealous" is "ζηλωταί" (zēlōtai), from which the English word "zealot" is derived.

The term means one who is ardently devoted to a cause or a person.

The term used for "thousands" is "μυριάδες" (myriades), indicating a very large number, often translated as "tens of thousands." The use of these words reflects the strong devotion of the Jewish believers to their traditional law as well as the magnitude of their number.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse could be compared to other religious movements that encounter a need to balance adherence to traditional laws and customs with new religious insights or revelations.

For example, one might draw parallels with the reforms brought by figures like Martin Luther in Christianity or the challenges faced in other religions as they encounter modernity.

Scientific Perspectives

From a sociological perspective, the dynamics within the early Christian community, as reflected in Acts 21:20, can provide insight into how religious groups adapt to change and inclusion of new members with different cultural backgrounds.

Anthropologically, it can highlight the role of religious belief in forming group identities and in the negotiation between tradition and change.

commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 21:20 offer a range of perspectives.

Many note the challenge facing the early church as it tried to integrate Jewish and Gentile Christians and the various ways this tension was addressed by the apostles and elders of the church.

Some commentators may focus on the importance of unity within the church despite differences, while others might dwell on the missional aspect of the church and its growth despite internal and external challenges.

There is often a recognition of the historical importance of the early Jerusalem church in navigating these complex issues and laying foundations for the future of Christianity.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:20 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 21:20 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?