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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 21:5 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:5 documents an emotional departure of Paul and his companions from the Christian believers in Tyre. After spending time with them, Paul prepares to continue his journey, and the community escorts him and his team out of the city to see them off.

This suggests a deep bond and shared affection between Paul and the believers in Tyre. The act of kneeling on the beach to pray signifies a collective invocation of God's guidance and protection, reflecting the Christian values of fellowship and prayer.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The book of Acts, also known as 'The Acts of the Apostles', is the fifth book in the New Testament and provides an account of the early Christian church after Jesus' resurrection and ascension.

Acts 21:5 takes place within the framework of Paul's missionary travels.

Tyre was an ancient Phoenician port city, which by the first century A.D. was under Roman control.

This location was significant for trade and would have been a cross-cultural hub, including early Christians.

Theological Insights

This scripture showcases the Christian practice of prayer and community.

Theological reflection reveals a model for Christian departure and missionary work, parting as a faith community with prayer, suggesting God’s presence is sought in all transitions.

It emphasizes the importance of community support and the sacredness of farewells among believers.

Furthermore, the posture of kneeling in prayer symbolizes humility and submission to God's will.

Practical Applications

Acts 21:5 presents several applications for daily life: the role of community in providing support during transitions, the practice of prayer when facing new journeys or challenges, and the value of taking time for proper goodbyes.

It also encourages believers to be sources of hospitality and to show genuine care for fellow Christians, fostering deep connections within the faith community.

Cross-References

Acts 20:36 – "And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all."
Luke 22:41 – "And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,"
Ephesians 3:14 – "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,"
Acts 9:40 – "But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise.

And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up."

Language Study

Some key words worth examining in the original Greek language include:

"Accomplished" (Greek: "exartizo"): To finish or complete; here it indicates the completion of their time together.
"Departed" (Greek: "exerchomai"): To go or come out, signaling movement away from a place.
"Wives and children," (Greek: "guné kai tekna"): This indicates whole families were involved in the farewell, showing the inclusiveness of the early Christian community.
"Kneeled down" (Greek: "theiromai"): To kneel, which conveys a posture of submission and reverence.
"Prayed" (Greek: "proseuchomai"): To pray or offer prayers, suggesting communication with God in seeking blessings or protection.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The act of kneeling in prayer has parallels in various cultures and religions, symbolizing devotion and humility.

For example, in some strands of Judaism, kneeling is reserved for special times like Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

In Islam, prostration during Salat conveys submission to Allah.

The community farewell depicted in Acts 21:5 resonates with other cultural traditions that emphasize the importance of collective blessings or rituals when parting.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might focus on the psychological benefits of group support, as seen in this verse, recognizing that social bonds can provide emotional strength in times of change.

The act of prayer is of interest to cognitive scientists studying religious behavior; some studies suggest that prayer can have beneficial effects on the health and well-being of practitioners by reducing stress and promoting a sense of connectedness.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries reflect on this verse with a shared acknowledgement of the strength of early Christian fellowship and the significance of prayer in Paul's ministry.

For example, Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the tenderness of the farewell and the seriousness with which the believers approached God's providence.

John Calvin highlights the universality of Christian love, transcending geographic boundaries, as displayed by the believers accompanying Paul out of the city.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:5 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 21:5 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?