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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 21:7 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:7 details a portion of the apostle Paul's journey as recorded by Luke in the Acts of the Apostles, a book of the New Testament.

The verse describes Paul and his companions' arrival in the ancient city of Ptolemais after sailing from Tyre. Upon reaching their destination, they sought out fellow Christians ("the brethren") to offer greetings and then stayed with them for a day.

At its core, this verse captures the practice of Christian hospitality and fellowship in the early Church. It reflects the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities and their custom of welcoming and supporting traveling missionaries like Paul.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Ptolemais, known today as Acre, is an ancient port city in what is now northern Israel.

The city had a significant strategic and commercial value due to its location on the Mediterranean coast.

At the time of Paul's journey, it was part of the Roman Empire and would have been a diverse and bustling hub of trade and culture.

The term of 'course' indicates that Paul was on a missionary journey.

Paul made several missionary journeys across the Roman Empire, establishing Christian communities and spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The visit to Ptolemais would have been part of his larger itinerary, which is detailed throughout the book of Acts.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the concept of Christian unity and the bond between believers regardless of geographical location.

It also underscores the importance of sharing fellowship and hospitality as a way of strengthening the faith and supporting the missionary efforts of the early Church.

Different viewpoints may emphasize the fulfillment of Jesus' command to "love one another" (John 13:34) as reflected in such acts of hospitality.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by encouraging believers to practice hospitality and to provide support to those who are traveling or are in need.

It serves as a reminder to seek fellowship with other believers, to strengthen the bonds within the Christian community, and to treat others with kindness and generosity.

Cross-References

Romans 12:13: "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."
Hebrews 13:2: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
3 John 1:5-8: Discusses assisting and supporting traveling teachers of the faith.

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of Acts 21:7 such as "Tyre" (Τύρου, Tyrou), "Ptolemais" (Πτολεμαΐδα, Ptolemaida), and "brethren" (ἀδελφοί, adelphoi) carry specific meanings.

"Adelphoi" refers to fellow believers in Christ and is indicative of the familial bond among members of the early Christian communities.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The practice of hospitality seen in this verse is not unique to Christianity and can be compared to similar practices in other ancient cultures and religions.

For example, in ancient Greek culture, hospitality (xenia) was considered a sacred duty toward strangers.

In Judaism, welcoming travelers and showing hospitality are values that are deeply rooted in traditions, as seen in the stories of Abraham in Genesis.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, this verse does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings as it is a historical account of travel and fellowship.

However, the mention of travel over large distances can be connected to studies on ancient transportation methods and the spread of cultural ideas across regions.

Commentaries

Commentators on the Book of Acts have often focused on Paul's unwavering commitment to his mission and his strategic approach to evangelism.

In this verse, many experts highlight the networking aspect of Paul's journeys, as he utilized connections with Christian communities to further his work. They also note the significance of Paul's warm reception as indicative of his reputation and the respect he commanded among early Christians.

This verse often prompts biblical scholars to reflect on the practicalities and social dynamics of the early Church.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:7 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 21:7 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?