Paul's typical association with grace and mission gives way to an unusual convergence of fellowship and prophecy as disciples repeatedly warn him through the Spirit about Jerusalem's dangers.
Acts 21
On to Jerusalem
1When we had departed from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
2Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.
3When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for the ship was there to unload her cargo.
4Having found disciples, we stayed there seven days. These said to Paul through the Spirit that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
5When those days were over, we departed and went on our journey. They all, with wives and children, brought us on our way until we were out of the city. Kneeling down on the beach, we prayed.
6After saying goodbye to each other, we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.
7When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We greeted the brothers and stayed with them one day.
8On the next day, we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea. We entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
9Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
10As we stayed there some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
11Coming to us and taking Paul’s belt, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘So the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt, and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”
12When we heard these things, both we and the people of that place begged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
14When he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The Lord’s will be done.”
15After these days we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem.
16Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we would stay.
Paul's Arrival at Jerusalem
17When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.
18The day following, Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present.
19When he had greeted them, he reported one by one the things which God had worked among the Gentiles through his ministry.
20They, when they heard it, glorified God. They said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law.
21They have been informed about you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children and not to walk after the customs.
22What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come.
23Therefore do what we tell you. We have four men who have taken a vow.
24Take them and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses for them, that they may shave their heads. Then all will know that there is no truth in the things that they have been informed about you, but that you yourself also walk keeping the law.
25But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written our decision that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from food offered to idols, from blood, from strangled things, and from sexual immorality.”
26Then Paul took the men, and the next day purified himself and went with them into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them.
Paul Arrested
27When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the multitude and laid hands on him,
28crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place. Moreover, he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place!”
29For they had seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.
30All the city was moved and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple. Immediately the doors were shut.
31As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
32Immediately he took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. They, when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, stopped beating Paul.
33Then the commanding officer came near, arrested him, commanded him to be bound with two chains, and inquired who he was and what he had done.
34Some shouted one thing and some another, among the crowd. When he couldn’t find out the truth because of the noise, he commanded him to be brought into the barracks.
35When he came to the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd;
36for the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, “Away with him!”
37As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he asked the commanding officer, “May I speak to you?” He said, “Do you know Greek?
38Aren’t you then the Egyptian who before these days stirred up to sedition and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the Assassins?”
39But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.”
40When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. When there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,
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Theme
Paul continues his journey to Jerusalem despite repeated prophetic warnings of imprisonment and suffering awaiting him there. Upon arrival, he meets with James and the Jerusalem elders, who express concern about rumors that Paul teaches Jews to abandon the law, and suggest he participate in a purification ritual to demonstrate his respect for Jewish customs. The chapter culminates with Paul's arrest in the temple when Asian Jews recognize him and incite a riot, accusing him of defiling the holy place by bringing Gentiles into it.
Context
This chapter marks the climactic end of Paul's third missionary journey and the beginning of his final imprisonment that will dominate the remainder of Acts.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-6 Journey from Miletus to Tyre Paul travels by ship to Tyre where disciples warn him through the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem.
- 7-14 Prophetic Warnings at Caesarea The prophet Agabus dramatically predicts Paul's binding in Jerusalem, but Paul remains resolute despite pleas to turn back.
- 15-16 Departure for Jerusalem Paul and his companions, accompanied by disciples from Caesarea, make the final journey to Jerusalem.
- 17-26 Meeting with Jerusalem Leaders James and the elders receive Paul's ministry report but express concern about rumors regarding his teaching on the law.
- 27-36 Riot in the Temple Asian Jews recognize Paul in the temple, incite a mob against him, and he is nearly killed before Roman soldiers intervene.
- 37-40 Paul Requests to Address the Crowd Paul asks the Roman commander for permission to speak to the hostile crowd that sought to kill him.
On to Jerusalem
21:1–21:16 narrative narration urgent
Paul continues his journey to Jerusalem despite prophetic warnings and pleas from disciples to avoid the city. His determination to fulfill God's will remains unwavering even when faced with predictions of imprisonment.
person_contrast
Paul's typical association with grace and mission gives way to an unusual convergence of fellowship and prophecy as disciples repeatedly warn him through the Spirit about Jerusalem's dangers.
Paul's Arrival at Jerusalem
21:17–21:26 narrative narration contemplative
Paul meets with James and the Jerusalem elders, reporting on his Gentile ministry. To address concerns about his teaching, he agrees to participate in a purification ritual to demonstrate his respect for Jewish law.
person_contrast
Paul, typically portrayed championing grace over law, paradoxically embraces Jewish purification rituals here—one of only two passages where he voluntarily submits to ceremonial law for unity's sake.
Paul Arrested
21:27–21:40 narrative narration urgent
Paul is falsely accused of defiling the temple and is violently seized by a mob. Roman soldiers intervene to rescue him from the crowd that seeks to kill him.
person_contrast
Paul's transformation from persecutor to persecuted reaches its climax as Roman soldiers—representing the very imperial authority he once wielded against Christians—now become his unlikely protectors against Jewish accusers.
Insights
Paul, typically portrayed championing grace over law, paradoxically embraces Jewish purification rituals here—one of only two passages where he voluntarily submits to ceremonial law for unity's sake.
Paul's transformation from persecutor to persecuted reaches its climax as Roman soldiers—representing the very imperial authority he once wielded against Christians—now become his unlikely protectors against Jewish accusers.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Acts 21:1 1 reference
Acts 21:2 1 reference
Acts 21:4 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 28:14 Lexical
where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome.
Galatians 1:18 Lexical
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days.
Acts 19:21 Lexical
Now after these things had ended, Paul determined in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go…
Acts 20:16 Lexical
For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it…
Matthew 16:21 Lexical
From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, c…
Acts 21:5 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 16:13 Lexical
On the Sabbath day we went outside of the city by a riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat…
Matthew 13:48 Lexical
which, when it was filled, fishermen drew up on the beach. They sat down and gathered the good into containers, but the…
Luke 4:42 Lexical
When it was day, he departed and went into an uninhabited place and the multitudes looked for him, and came to him, and…
Acts 9:40 Lexical
Peter sent them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes…
Acts 20:36 Lexical
When he had spoken these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
Acts 21:7 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 28:13 Lexical
From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we cam…
1 Corinthians 7:24 Lexical
Brothers, let each man, in whatever condition he was called, stay in that condition with God.
Acts 9:43 Lexical
He stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.
John 1:39 Lexical
He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about…
John 4:40 Lexical
So when the Samaritans came to him, they begged him to stay with them. He stayed there two days.
Acts 21:8 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 8:27 Lexical
Jesus went out, with his disciples, into the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, “Who do m…
John 1:43 Lexical
On the next day, he was determined to go out into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”
Acts 14:20 Lexical
But as the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and entered into the city. On the next day he went out with Barnabas…
Luke 8:41 Lexical
Behold, a man named Jairus came. He was a ruler of the synagogue. He fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come int…
Mark 6:10 Lexical
He said to them, “Wherever you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from there.
Acts 21:10 4 references
Lexicals 4
Acts 11:27 Lexical
Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
Acts 10:48 Lexical
He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.
Luke 9:37 Lexical
On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great multitude met him.
Luke 1:5 Lexical
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah.…
Acts 21:11 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 2:5 Lexical
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under the sky.
Acts 28:17 Lexical
After three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to th…
Acts 10:22 Lexical
They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the J…
Acts 19:6 Lexical
When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke with other languages and prophesied.
Acts 9:2 Lexical
and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or w…
Acts 21:12 1 reference
Acts 21:13 4 references
Lexicals 4
Acts 9:21 Lexical
All who heard him were amazed, and said, “Isn’t this he who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? An…
Luke 24:18 Lexical
One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things which have…
1 Corinthians 1:13 Lexical
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized into the name of Paul?
Acts 16:14 Lexical
A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshiped God, heard us. The Lord open…
Acts 21:15 1 reference
Acts 21:16 1 reference
Acts 21:18 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 15:4 Lexical
When they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders, and they reported e…
Acts 24:24 Lexical
After some days, Felix came with Drusilla his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him concerning the fai…
Acts 17:10 Lexical
The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish synag…
Acts 15:22 Lexical
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and sen…
Acts 25:23 Lexical
So on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and they had entered into the place of hearing wi…
Acts 21:20 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 22:3 Lexical
“I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according…
Acts 8:13 Lexical
Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was…
Acts 13:48 Lexical
As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of God. As many as were appointed to eternal life beli…
1 Corinthians 11:18 Lexical
For first of all, when you come together in the assembly, I hear that divisions exist among you, and I partly believe it…
Acts 15:5 Lexical
But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command…
Acts 21:21 2 references
Acts 21:24 1 reference
Acts 21:25 3 references
Lexicals 3
Acts 15:20 Lexical
but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled,…
Acts 15:29 Lexical
that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from wh…
Revelation 19:2 Lexical
for his judgments are true and righteous. For he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her sexual…
Acts 21:26 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 15:22 Lexical
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and sen…
Luke 20:1 Lexical
On one of those days, as he was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the Good News, the priests and scribes c…
Acts 1:22 Lexical
beginning from the baptism of John to the day that he was received up from us, of these one must become a witness with u…
Matthew 4:5 Lexical
Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple,
1 Corinthians 4:5 Lexical
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darknes…
Acts 21:27 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 19:27 Lexical
Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis…
Acts 19:26 Lexical
You see and hear that not at Ephesus alone, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many…
Matthew 26:55 Lexical
In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I s…
Luke 22:53 Lexical
When I was with you in the temple daily, you didn’t stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the po…
Acts 19:33 Lexical
They brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would h…
Acts 21:28 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 5:25 Lexical
One came and told them, “Behold, the men whom you put in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.”
Acts 6:13 Lexical
and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the la…
Luke 2:27 Lexical
He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him a…
Acts 3:12 Lexical
When Peter saw it, he responded to the people, “You men of Israel, why do you marvel at this man? Why do you fasten your…
John 7:28 Lexical
Jesus therefore cried out in the temple, teaching and saying, “You both know me, and know where I am from. I have not co…
Acts 21:29 1 reference
Acts 21:30 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 16:19 Lexical
But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the mark…
Mark 1:33 Lexical
All the city was gathered together at the door.
Acts 14:19 Lexical
But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him…
Acts 26:11 Lexical
Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I pe…
Acts 17:14 Lexical
Then the brothers immediately sent out Paul to go as far as to the sea, and Silas and Timothy still stayed there.
Acts 21:31 1 reference
Acts 21:32 3 references
Lexicals 3
Acts 23:17 Lexical
Paul summoned one of the centurions and said, “Bring this young man to the commanding officer, for he has something to t…
Acts 27:31 Lexical
Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these stay in the ship, you can’t be saved.”
Acts 23:18 Lexical
So he took him and brought him to the commanding officer and said, “Paul, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to brin…
Acts 21:33 2 references
Acts 21:34 3 references
Lexicals 3
Acts 23:10 Lexical
When a great argument arose, the commanding officer, fearing that Paul would be torn in pieces by them, commanded the so…
Acts 22:30 Lexical
But on the next day, desiring to know the truth about why he was accused by the Jews, he freed him from the bonds and co…
Acts 22:24 Lexical
the commanding officer commanded him to be brought into the barracks, ordering him to be examined by scourging, that he…
Acts 21:36 1 reference
Acts 21:37 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 23:10 Lexical
When a great argument arose, the commanding officer, fearing that Paul would be torn in pieces by them, commanded the so…
Acts 22:28 Lexical
The commanding officer answered, “I bought my citizenship for a great price.” Paul said, “But I was born a Roman.”
Acts 23:17 Lexical
Paul summoned one of the centurions and said, “Bring this young man to the commanding officer, for he has something to t…
Acts 23:18 Lexical
So he took him and brought him to the commanding officer and said, “Paul, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to brin…
Acts 25:23 Lexical
So on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and they had entered into the place of hearing wi…
Acts 21:38 1 reference
Acts 21:39 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 22:3 Lexical
“I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according…
Acts 14:19 Lexical
But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him…
Acts 13:50 Lexical
But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution again…
Acts 14:4 Lexical
But the multitude of the city was divided. Part sided with the Jews and part with the apostles.
Acts 18:14 Lexical
But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked cr…
Acts 21:40 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 13:16 Lexical
Paul stood up, and gesturing with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.
Acts 26:1 Lexical
Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand, and made his defense.
Acts 26:14 Lexical
When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you perse…
Acts 22:2 Lexical
When they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they were even more quiet. He said,
Luke 6:17 Lexical
He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a crowd of his disciples and a great number of the people from a…
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