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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 21:8 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:8 documents a part of the apostle Paul's journeys as recounted in the Book of Acts, specifically during his travel to Jerusalem.

The verse narrates that the group accompanying Paul arrived in Caesarea and they stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, who is identified as one of the seven, a reference to the seven deacons selected in Acts 6 to assist with the daily distribution to widows and the needy in the early Christian community.

The phrase 'the next day' indicates continuity from the previous events, highlighting the ongoing narrative of Paul's travels and missionary work. The mention of staying with Philip implies a hospitable reception and possibly a period of rest and fellowship with a fellow laborer in the faith.

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Historical Context

This verse is set in the early Christian period, during Paul's final journey to Jerusalem, which took place around 58-60 AD.

The setting of Caesarea suggests the Caesarea Maritima, an important city on the Mediterranean coast of Judea, which served as the seat of the Roman governor and was a significant hub for early Christian activity.

Philip the evangelist is distinguished from Philip the apostle and was one of the original seven deacons chosen to serve in the Jerusalem church, along with Stephen and others.

This trip precedes Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem and his subsequent trials and appeals as recorded later in Acts.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, one can extract the importance of Christian hospitality and fellowship which is demonstrated by Philip's reception of Paul and his company.

This event also serves to connect back to the growth of the early Church and the roles of different individuals within it.

Philip as 'one of the seven' emphasizes the importance of service and leadership in the community; his role had transformed from a practical server of needs to an evangelist who had a house where missionaries such as Paul could find refuge.

Practical Applications

The practice of hospitality is a key takeaway from this verse, encouraging believers to open their homes and lives to fellow Christians, especially those who are in ministry.

It also serves as an example of the interconnectedness of the body of Christ, where each member plays a significant role in supporting and furthering the mission of the church.

It underscores the value of rest and fellowship in the midst of ministry work.

Cross-References

Acts 6:1-6 - Introduction to the seven deacons including Philip.
Acts 8:5-40 - Philip's evangelical work, particularly his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch.
Hebrews 13:2 - Encouragement to show hospitality to strangers.
3 John 1:5-8 - Admonishment to support fellow Christians, especially those who are traveling on missionary work.

Language Study

"Philip the evangelist" in the Greek is "Φίλιππον τὸν εὐαγγελιστήν". Here, εὐαγγελιστής (euangelistēs) literally means "bringer of good tidings" highlighting Philip's role in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.

"One of the seven" conveys that he was one of the select group called to serve, designated by the Greek word for 'seven' - "ἑπτά" (hepta).

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Philip's designation as an evangelist sets him apart as someone who advances the faith, similar to figures in other religious traditions who play significant roles in disseminating spiritual teachings.

For instance, in Buddhism, the term 'Dharma-bearer' might be analogous, denoting someone who carries and spreads Buddha's teachings.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct intersection between this specific verse and modern scientific understandings.

However, the archaeological significance of Caesarea Maritima as a historical site offers insights into the urban environment where early Christians lived and the strategic locations that Paul and other missionaries traveled to spread Christianity.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have viewed this verse as documentation of early Christian fellowship and missions.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes the evangelical work of Philip and the significance of his hospitality towards Paul and his companions.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary emphasizes the personal names and places, suggesting Luke’s (the author of Acts) emphasis on the historical accuracy of his account.

The Pulpit Commentary delves into Philip’s continued role in the early church and highlights the transition from Philip's role as a deacon to an evangelist, thus indicating the dynamism in early Church leadership roles.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:8 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 21:8 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?