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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 21:6 mean?

Explanation

The verse in question, Acts 21:6, recounts a moment of departure between the author, traditionally thought to be Luke, and a group of individuals, likely members of the early Christian community.

The scene occurs as part of Paul's journey back to Jerusalem, which is documented in Acts 21.

Paul and his companions have been visiting with these believers, and the time has come for them to part ways.

They bid each other farewell, and while Paul and his group board a ship to continue their travels, the local believers return to their homes.

In a literal sense, this verse describes a simple act of parting ways. On a deeper level, it reinforces the theme of Christian fellowship and the emotional bond between believers as they support each other's missionary efforts.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 21:6 is situated within the narrative of Paul's missionary journeys in the Acts of the Apostles, a book in the New Testament.

The setting is in the early Christian era, possibly the late 50s or early 60s A.D., a time when the Christian movement was expanding across the Mediterranean region.

The apostle Paul, a central figure in spreading Christianity to non-Jewish communities, travels extensively to preach and establish churches.

This particular moment follows Paul’s visit to the disciples in Tyre, a coastal city in what is now Lebanon.

The believers mentioned are responding to a heartfelt departure, characteristic of the close-knit nature of ancient Christian communities.

Theological Insights

The verse, though brief, provides several theological insights.

From an ecclesiological standpoint, it underscores the unity and affection within the body of Christ; believers are seen as family, deeply connected even when separated by travel.

Eschatologically, such partings can also be viewed in light of the Christian hope of ultimate reunion in heaven, where separations are no more.

Theologically diverse interpretations of this verse may emphasize the mission of the church in evangelism, the spiritual support shared among believers, and the sense of loss when facing physical separation.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Acts 21:6 can serve as a reminder of the importance of fellowship and community in the Christian faith.

It encourages believers to forge strong bonds with one another and to support each other's work and calling.

It also calls for mindfulness in one's own departures and reunions, whether literal or metaphorical, and suggests valuing and savoring the time spent with fellow believers, acknowledging that such moments are precious.

Cross-References

Acts 20:38: "Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more.

And they accompanied him unto the ship."

Romans 1:11-12: "For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me."
1 Thessalonians 2:17: "But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire."

Language Study

The key phrase to consider in the original Greek includes "αποταξάμενοι" (apotaxamenoi), which is translated as "we had taken our leave," a word indicative of bidding farewell with solemnity or formality. "επέβημεν" (epebemen) or "took ship," signifies embarking on a vessel, reflecting the common mode of travel by sea in that era.

The repetition of "again" ("πάλιν") at the end of the verse, "and they returned home again," implies a return to a former state or place, which in this context, is the believers returning home.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The act of parting ways with friends or fellow believers and the rituals surrounding such departures have analogs in various cultures and religions.

For example, in Jewish tradition, farewells can be marked with prayers and blessings for safe travel.

In Greco-Roman culture, departures were often accompanied by rituals for good fortune and safe passage.

In this verse, the emotional impact of partings in the early Christian community can be compared to similar sentiments in contemporary and historical cultural practices.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective does not typically intersect directly with the content of this verse in Acts 21:6, as it recounts a historical event rather than making scientific claims.

However, the mention of sea travel can invite consideration of ancient seafaring technology, the geography of the Mediterranean region, and the physical and psychological effects of travel and separation on humans.

Commentaries

Commentators on the Book of Acts might note the significance of the personal touch Luke provides in the narrative, suggesting it underscores the humanity of the early Christian experience.

They often focus on the emotional weight such departures carried, as the early Christians formed closely bonded communities.

Commentators also highlight how such partings were seen as necessary sacrifices for the sake of missionary work, with Paul consistently shown as a model for evangelistic zeal, willing to leave behind the companionship of fellow believers to spread the gospel.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:6 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 21:6 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?