1 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:
2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.
3 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.
4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
5 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.
6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.
7 And when we had finished [our] course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
8 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.
9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
10 And as we tarried [there] many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
11 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.
12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 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.
14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
15 And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.
16 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.
17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
18 And the [day] following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
20 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:
21 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.
22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;
24 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.
25 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.
26 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 purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
27 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,
28 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.
29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
30 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.
31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
32 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.
33 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.
34 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.
35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.
36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.
37 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?
38 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?
39 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.
40 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,
Context and Background
Acts 21 is a pivotal chapter in the Book of Acts, which details the early Christian church’s history and the spread of the Gospel. This chapter focuses on the Apostle Paul’s journey to Jerusalem, highlighting his commitment to the mission despite the warnings he receives about the dangers that await him. The chapter also illustrates the tensions between Jewish customs and the emerging Christian faith.
Summary of Key Events
- Departure from Miletus (Acts 21:1-6):
Paul and his companions leave Miletus, sailing to various ports along the coast. They eventually arrive at Tyre, where they meet disciples who warn Paul through the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem.
- Arrival in Caesarea (Acts 21:7-14):
After leaving Tyre, Paul and his companions arrive in Caesarea, where they stay with Philip the Evangelist. Agabus, a prophet, warns Paul that he will be bound and handed over to the Gentiles in Jerusalem. Despite the warnings, Paul expresses his determination to go.
- Paul’s Arrival in Jerusalem (Acts 21:15-26):
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Paul is warmly received by the believers. However, he is also met with concern from the Jerusalem church regarding the rumors that he teaches Jews to abandon the Law of Moses. To address these concerns, Paul agrees to participate in a purification ritual.
- Paul’s Arrest (Acts 21:27-36):
While in the temple, Paul is seized by a mob who accuse him of teaching against the law and bringing Gentiles into the temple. The situation escalates, leading to his arrest by Roman soldiers.
- Paul’s Defense (Acts 21:37-40):
As Paul is led away, he requests to speak to the crowd. He is granted permission and begins to address them in Hebrew, which captures their attention.
Thematic Analysis
- Faith and Determination:
Paul’s unwavering commitment to his mission, despite the warnings of danger, showcases his deep faith and dedication to spreading the Gospel.
- Community and Tension:
The chapter highlights the complexities of the early Christian community, particularly the tensions between Jewish traditions and the new Christian faith. This is evident in the Jerusalem church’s concerns about Paul’s teachings.
- Prophecy and Warning:
The prophetic warnings Paul receives serve as a reminder of the challenges he will face. They also emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the early church.
- Identity and Belonging:
Paul’s identity as a Jewish Christian is central to the narrative. His participation in Jewish customs reflects his desire to bridge the gap between Jewish and Gentile believers.
Character Analysis
- Paul:
As the central figure, Paul embodies the traits of a dedicated apostle. His willingness to face persecution for the sake of the Gospel underscores his commitment and courage.
- Agabus:
Agabus serves as a prophetic voice, warning Paul of the impending danger. His role highlights the importance of prophecy in the early church.
- Philip the Evangelist:
Philip represents the early church’s outreach and evangelistic efforts. His hospitality towards Paul illustrates the supportive network among believers.
- The Jerusalem Church Leaders:
The leaders’ concerns about Paul reflect the struggle to maintain Jewish identity while embracing the new faith. Their response to Paul’s arrival reveals the complexities of early Christian leadership.
Conclusion
Acts 21 captures a crucial moment in the life of the Apostle Paul and the early church. It illustrates the challenges faced by early Christians as they navigated their faith in a complex cultural landscape. The chapter emphasizes themes of faith, community, and the ongoing struggle to reconcile differing identities within the burgeoning Christian movement.
