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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 21:39 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:39 documents an encounter where Paul, the apostle, addresses a Roman commander.

In this verse, Paul reveals his background to the commander who was about to have him flogged for causing a disturbance.

Paul clarifies that he is a Jew from Tarsus, which is a city in the region known as Cilicia.

He is asserting that he, too, is a citizen of a significant and well-known city.

Paul’s statement is a defense of his personal identity and legitimacy.

He is also gently requesting (or beseeching) permission to address the crowd that has been involved in the disturbance.

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Historical Context

Tarsus was an influential city in Cilicia during the Roman Empire and was known for its wealth and education. Being a citizen of such a city afforded certain privileges and status.

The cultural and historical significance of Paul mentioning his citizenship might have been aimed at establishing common ground with the Roman commander, as Roman citizenship carried legal rights and respect.

Acts 21 occurs during one of Paul's missionary journeys, specifically his return to Jerusalem, where he faces hostility from Jewish people who suspect him of teaching against their laws.

Theological Insights

From a theological point of view, this verse showcases Paul’s wisdom in handling hostile situations by using his identity and status to open doors for his mission.

It shows a practical aspect of divine providence in Paul’s life, as his Roman citizenship, which he inherited by birth, becomes a tool for God’s work.

The verse also indicates the sovereignty of God in preparing Paul for his role in bringing the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.

Practical Applications

Practically, Acts 21:39 reminds contemporary believers that their background and social standing can be used positively in their Christian witness.

It encourages believers to be aware of their rights and to use them appropriately for the advancement of the gospel.

It also exemplifies the need for wisdom in addressing authority figures and potential oppressors.

Cross-References

Acts 22:25-28: Paul again references his Roman citizenship to avoid unjust punishment.
Acts 16:37-38: Paul asserts his rights as a Roman citizen in Philippi.
Philippians 3:20: Paul speaks of the Christian's citizenship in heaven, showing a contrast with the earthly citizenship he references in Acts 21:39.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "citizen" used is "politeuomai," which can mean to be a citizen or to administer civil affairs.

The phrase “no mean city” could be translated as “not an obscure city," indicating that Tarsus was well-known and not insignificant.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient world, just like today, citizenship and one's place of origin could strongly influence one's social standing and rights.

Paul’s appeal to his citizenship resembles how individuals even in other cultures, such as Greco-Roman society, might invoke their heritage or city of origin to assert their position or identity.

Scientific Perspectives

There isn't a direct scientific perspective related to this specific verse; however, modern archaeological and historical studies support the existence of a city named Tarsus in Cilicia and its significant stature during the Roman Empire.

commentaries

Various biblical commentators have viewed this verse as Paul's strategic use of his legal and social standing.

John Gill commented on how it was wise of Paul to declare his citizenship, thereby preventing unlawful scourging.

Matthew Henry observed that Paul brought this to the commander's attention not out of pride or vainglory, but that he might gain an opportunity to preach the gospel.

Adam Clarke noted that Paul’s polite request to address the people was a manner of avoiding further violence and creating an opportunity to clarify the situation.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:39 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 21:39 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?