Acts 21
BSB1 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we sailed directly to Cos, and the next day on to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 Finding a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we boarded it and set sail. 3 After sighting Cyprus and passing south of it, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 We sought out the disciples in Tyre and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they kept telling Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 5 But when our time there had ended, we set out on our journey. All the disciples, with their wives and children, accompanied us out of the city and knelt down on the beach to pray with us. 6 And after we had said our farewells, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home. 7 When we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day. 8 Leaving the next day, we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. 10 After we had been there several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.’" 12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we fell silent and said, “The Lord’s will be done." 15 After these days, we packed up and went on to Jerusalem. 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to stay at the home of Mnason the Cypriot, an early disciple. 17 When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us joyfully. 18 The next day Paul went in with us to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and recounted one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 When they heard this, they glorified God. Then they said to Paul, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 But they are under the impression that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or observe our customs. 22 What then should we do? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 Therefore do what we advise you. There are four men with us who have taken a vow. 24 Take these men, purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know that there is no truth to these rumors about you, but that you also live in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality." 26 So the next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he entered the temple to give notice of the date when their purification would be complete and the offering would be made for each of them. 27 When the seven days were almost over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everywhere against our people and against our law and against this place. Furthermore, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place." 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31 While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. 32 Immediately he took some soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the people saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 The commander came up and arrested Paul, ordering that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, and some another. And since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks. 35 When Paul reached the steps, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob. 36 For the crowd that followed him kept shouting, “Away with him!" 37 As they were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?” “Do you speak Greek?” he replied. 38 “Aren’t you the Egyptian who incited a rebellion some time ago and led four thousand members of the ‘Assassins’ into the wilderness?" 39 But Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people." 40 Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew:
Study Notes — Acts 21
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Acts 21
- Themes from Acts 21
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Acts 21
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with Paul's departure from Ephesus and his journey to Jerusalem, where he would face opposition and arrest. Along the way, he stops in Tyre and Caesarea, where he is warned by disciples and prophets not to go to Jerusalem. Despite these warnings, Paul is determined to follow God's will and complete his mission. In Acts 21:10-14, the prophet Agabus prophesies Paul's arrest and imprisonment, but Paul is undeterred. The chapter concludes with Paul's arrival in Jerusalem, where he is met with hostility and opposition from the Jewish leaders.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of the book of Acts, which describes the early Christian church and its spread throughout the Mediterranean world. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes God's plan of redemption and His relationship with humanity. The events of this chapter take place after Paul's third missionary journey and before his arrest and imprisonment in Jerusalem. Understanding this context is crucial for grasping the significance of Paul's actions and the themes of the chapter.
Heart Application
This chapter challenges us to consider our own willingness to follow God's will, even in the face of adversity. Are we willing to surrender our own desires and plans to God's sovereignty? Are we willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel? The chapter also encourages us to trust in God's providence and to have faith in His plan, even when the outcome is uncertain. By applying these principles to our own lives, we can deepen our relationship with God and live out our faith with greater courage and conviction.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about Paul's journey to Jerusalem, where he will face opposition and arrest. Paul is determined to follow God's will, even if it means suffering and death. The chapter shows us the importance of trusting in God's plan and being willing to surrender our own desires and plans to His sovereignty. In Acts 21:14, we see Paul's commitment to following God's will, and in Acts 21:13, we see his willingness to suffer for the sake of the gospel.
Voices from the Church
“The will of the Lord is the great magnet that attracts the heart of the believer, and it is the great anchor that holds fast the soul in the midst of life's storms.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Christian life is a life of obedience, and obedience is the fruit of faith. We must be willing to surrender our own will to the will of God, and to follow Him wherever He leads.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Paul's Journey to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1-6) — Paul sets sail from Ephesus and travels to Jerusalem, stopping in Tyre and Caesarea along the way.
- The Warnings and Prophecies (Acts 21:7-14) — Paul is warned by disciples and prophets not to go to Jerusalem, but he is determined to follow God's will.
- Paul's Arrival in Jerusalem (Acts 21:15-17) — Paul arrives in Jerusalem and is met with hostility and opposition from the Jewish leaders.
- Paul's Testimony (Acts 21:18-26) — Paul testifies to the Jewish leaders about his conversion and his mission to the Gentiles.
- The Riot in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-36) — Paul is seized by the crowd and is about to be killed, but he is rescued by the Roman soldiers.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God and His control over all things. Paul's actions are guided by his trust in God's plan, and he is willing to surrender his own will to God's sovereignty.
- The Importance of Obedience
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's will. Paul is determined to follow God's plan, even if it means suffering and death.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit
- The chapter highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and directing Paul's actions. The Holy Spirit is the one who is leading Paul to Jerusalem, and He is the one who is giving the disciples and prophets their warnings and prophecies.
- The Perseverance of the Saints
- The chapter teaches us about the perseverance of the saints and the importance of trusting in God's plan. Paul is willing to suffer and die for the sake of the gospel, and he trusts that God will bring him through even the most difficult circumstances.
Lessons from Acts 21
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Sovereignty — This chapter teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and surrendering our own will to His plan.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives — The chapter highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and directing our actions, and the importance of listening to His voice and being sensitive to His leading.
- The Perseverance of the Saints — The chapter teaches us about the perseverance of the saints and the importance of trusting in God's plan, even in the face of adversity and uncertainty.
- The Importance of Obedience to God's Will — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's will, and the need to surrender our own desires and plans to His sovereignty.
- The Power of Faith in Overcoming Adversity — The chapter shows us the power of faith in overcoming adversity, and the importance of trusting in God's plan and having faith in His providence.
Themes from Acts 21
- The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God and His control over all things. Paul's actions are guided by his trust in God's plan, and he is willing to surrender his own will to God's sovereignty.
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's will. Paul is determined to follow God's plan, even if it means suffering and death.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit — The chapter highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and directing Paul's actions. The Holy Spirit is the one who is leading Paul to Jerusalem, and He is the one who is giving the disciples and prophets their warnings and prophecies.
- The Perseverance of the Saints — The chapter teaches us about the perseverance of the saints and the importance of trusting in God's plan. Paul is willing to suffer and die for the sake of the gospel, and he trusts that God will bring him through even the most difficult circumstances.
- The Power of Faith — The chapter shows us the power of faith in overcoming adversity, and the importance of trusting in God's plan and having faith in His providence.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that we can surrender our own will to God's sovereignty in our daily lives?
- How can we trust in God's plan when the outcome is uncertain or difficult?
- What are some ways that we can demonstrate our commitment to the gospel and our willingness to suffer for its sake?
- How can we balance our desire to follow God's will with our own desires and plans?
- What are some ways that we can trust in God's providence and have faith in His plan, even when we do not understand what is happening?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Paul's Journey to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1-6)
| Acts 21:1 | Paul sets sail from Ephesus and travels to Jerusalem, stopping in Tyre and Caesarea along the way. |
| Acts 21:2 | He is accompanied by his companions, who are concerned about the dangers that lie ahead. |
| Acts 21:3 | They arrive in Tyre, where they spend seven days and are warned by the disciples not to go to Jerusalem. |
| Acts 21:4 | Paul is determined to follow God's will, despite the warnings and prophecies. |
| Acts 21:5 | They set sail from Tyre and travel to Caesarea, where they are met by Philip the evangelist. |
| Acts 21:6 | They stay with Philip for several days, and Paul is prophesied to be bound and imprisoned in Jerusalem. |
2. The Warnings and Prophecies (Acts 21:7-14)
| Acts 21:7 | Paul and his companions travel to Caesarea, where they are met by Philip the evangelist. |
| Acts 21:8 | They stay with Philip for several days, and Paul is prophesied to be bound and imprisoned in Jerusalem. |
| Acts 21:9 | The prophet Agabus prophesies that Paul will be bound and imprisoned in Jerusalem, and that he will suffer for the sake of the gospel. |
| Acts 21:10 | The disciples and prophets warn Paul not to go to Jerusalem, but he is determined to follow God's will. |
| Acts 21:11 | Paul is willing to suffer and die for the sake of the gospel, and he trusts that God will bring him through even the most difficult circumstances. |
| Acts 21:12 | The disciples and prophets are convinced that Paul will face great danger in Jerusalem, and they urge him to turn back. |
| Acts 21:13 | Paul is determined to follow God's will, and he says, 'I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.' |
| Acts 21:14 | The disciples and prophets cease to persuade Paul, saying, 'The will of the Lord be done.' |
3. Paul's Arrival in Jerusalem (Acts 21:15-17)
| Acts 21:15 | Paul and his companions travel to Jerusalem, where they are met with hostility and opposition from the Jewish leaders. |
| Acts 21:16 | They are accompanied by some of the disciples from Caesarea, who take them to the house of Mnason, a Cypriot believer. |
| Acts 21:17 | When they arrive in Jerusalem, they are welcomed by the brothers, who are concerned about the dangers that lie ahead. |
4. Paul's Testimony (Acts 21:18-26)
| Acts 21:18 | Paul meets with James and the elders of the church in Jerusalem, and he reports on his missionary journeys and the spread of the gospel. |
| Acts 21:19 | They are pleased to hear about the spread of the gospel, but they are concerned about the rumors that have been circulating about Paul's teachings. |
| Acts 21:20 | They urge Paul to take a vow and to purify himself, in order to show that he is still a faithful Jew and that he has not abandoned the Law. |
| Acts 21:21 | Paul agrees to take the vow and to purify himself, in order to show that he is still a faithful Jew and that he has not abandoned the Law. |
| Acts 21:22 | They tell Paul that there are many thousands of Jews who have believed in Jesus and who are zealous for the Law. |
| Acts 21:23 | They urge Paul to take a vow and to purify himself, in order to show that he is still a faithful Jew and that he has not abandoned the Law. |
| Acts 21:24 | Paul agrees to take the vow and to purify himself, and he pays for the expenses of the four men who are under a vow. |
| Acts 21:25 | They go to the temple and they begin the ceremony of purification, but they are recognized by some of the Jews from Asia. |
| Acts 21:26 | They stir up the crowd and they seize Paul, dragging him out of the temple and trying to kill him. |
5. The Riot in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-36)
| Acts 21:27 | The Jews from Asia recognize Paul and they stir up the crowd, seizing him and dragging him out of the temple. |
| Acts 21:28 | They cry out, 'Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place.' |
| Acts 21:29 | They seize Paul and they try to kill him, but he is rescued by the Roman soldiers. |
| Acts 21:30 | The soldiers take Paul into custody and they try to find out what is happening, but the crowd is too large and too violent. |
| Acts 21:31 | The soldiers are about to take Paul away, but he asks to speak to the commander, and he explains what has happened. |
| Acts 21:32 | The commander takes Paul into custody and he begins to question him, but he does not know what to do with him. |
| Acts 21:33 | The commander orders Paul to be taken to the barracks, and he is bound with two chains. |
| Acts 21:34 | The soldiers are about to take Paul away, but he asks to speak to the commander, and he explains what has happened. |
| Acts 21:35 | The commander takes Paul to the stairs, and he is about to be taken away, but the crowd is too violent and the soldiers have to carry him. |
| Acts 21:36 | The crowd is crying out, 'Away with him!' and they are trying to kill Paul, but he is rescued by the Roman soldiers. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Paul's journey to Jerusalem?
Paul's journey to Jerusalem is significant because it marks the beginning of a new phase in his ministry, one in which he will face opposition and arrest. As seen in Acts 21:10-14, Paul is warned by disciples and prophets not to go to Jerusalem, but he is determined to follow God's will. This event is also significant because it shows Paul's commitment to the gospel and his willingness to suffer for its sake.
Why did Paul take a vow and purify himself?
Paul took a vow and purified himself in order to show that he was still a faithful Jew and that he had not abandoned the Law. As seen in Acts 21:20-24, this was a strategic move to help him connect with the Jewish believers in Jerusalem and to demonstrate his respect for their traditions. However, this move ultimately backfired, and Paul was recognized by some of the Jews from Asia, who stirred up the crowd and tried to kill him.
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in this chapter?
The Holy Spirit plays a significant role in this chapter, guiding and directing Paul's actions and giving the disciples and prophets their warnings and prophecies. As seen in Acts 21:4 and Acts 21:11, the Holy Spirit is the one who is leading Paul to Jerusalem, and He is the one who is giving the disciples and prophets their warnings and prophecies. This emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice and being sensitive to His leading.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 21:10 → Matthew 16:21 | Both passages describe the prophetic warnings that Jesus and Paul received about their upcoming suffering and death. |
| 2 | Acts 21:11 → Isaiah 50:6 | Both passages describe the willingness of the servant to suffer and be humiliated for the sake of God's plan. |
| 3 | Acts 21:12 → 2 Timothy 1:12 | Both passages describe the importance of trusting in God's plan and having faith in His providence, even in the face of adversity and uncertainty. |
| 4 | Acts 21:13 → Philippians 1:20 | Both passages describe the willingness of the apostle to suffer and die for the sake of the gospel, and the importance of trusting in God's plan and having faith in His providence. |
| 5 | Acts 21:14 → Romans 8:28 | Both passages describe the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and having faith in His plan, even in the face of adversity and uncertainty. |
| 6 | Acts 21:18 → Galatians 2:9 | Both passages describe the importance of recognizing the authority of the Jerusalem church and the need to show respect for the traditions of the Jewish believers. |
| 7 | Acts 21:20 → 1 Corinthians 9:20 | Both passages describe the importance of being a servant to all and of being willing to adapt to different cultures and traditions in order to spread the gospel. |
| 8 | Acts 21:24 → Numbers 6:1-21 | Both passages describe the importance of taking vows and making sacrifices in order to show devotion to God and to demonstrate one's commitment to His plan. |
| 9 | Acts 21:27 → Matthew 24:9 | Both passages describe the importance of recognizing the signs of the times and of being prepared for the challenges and dangers that lie ahead. |
| 10 | Acts 21:36 → Psalm 2:1-3 | Both passages describe the importance of recognizing the sovereignty of God and the futility of human rebellion against Him. |
Sermons on Acts 21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Beware of Detours by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Apostle Paul's journey to Jerusalem and the challenges he faced. The preacher mentions that Paul had a burden for Israel and wanted to de |
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(Spain) the Supply of the Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony about his wife and daughter battling cancer. Despite the hardships, he emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God's wi |
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A True Widow by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the minister tells a story about a woman who confronts a man about breaking his promise to marry her. The story escalates as more women come forward with the same c |
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The Congregation of the Dead by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of going wherever God sends us to declare His goodness. He describes Shiloh as the place where the heart of God begins to wor |
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Dedication According to Renewed Knowledge by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the past year as a time of both blessings and challenges in their walk with God. They express a belief that God is doing something significa |
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(Through the Bible) Numbers 11-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the lessons that can be learned from the history of the children of Israel as recorded in the book of Exodus. He emphasizes the importance o |
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The Higher Call of Christ, Part Two by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother KP Johannon shares the story of a native missionary in India who faced persecution for his faith. The missionary was brutally beaten by a group of men, leav |
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(Colossians) the Mystery Revealed by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the message of the gospel, which is the assurance of heaven through Christ in us. He highlights the importance of seeking the advancement of |
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) Introduction by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's role in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem humanity. The preacher references Galatians |
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The Church - Part 6 by Les Wheeldon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of approaching the Bible as a living book, through which God can minister to our lives. He encourages listeners to lay their l |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 21
In this chapter, we see the prophetical spirit of the Christian church, which is the Spirit of Christ, guiding and directing Paul's actions. We also see the zeal and fervor of the Jewish believers, who are still clinging to the traditions of the Law. The chapter teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and having faith in His plan, even in the face of adversity and uncertainty. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The will of the Lord is the great magnet that attracts the heart of the believer, and it is the great anchor that holds fast the soul in the midst of life's storms.' We must learn to surrender our own will to God's sovereignty, and to trust in His plan, even when the outcome is uncertain. By doing so, we can demonstrate our commitment to the gospel and our willingness to suffer for its sake, just as Paul did in Acts 21:13. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The warnings and prophecies
The chapter is filled with warnings and prophecies about the dangers that Paul will face in Jerusalem. These warnings come from disciples and prophets, and they all point to the same conclusion: Paul will face opposition and arrest. This observation highlights the importance of listening to God's voice and being sensitive to His leading.
Paul's determination
Despite the warnings and prophecies, Paul is determined to follow God's will and complete his mission. This determination is rooted in his trust in God's sovereignty and his commitment to the gospel. This observation demonstrates the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity.
The role of the Holy Spirit
The chapter highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and directing Paul's actions. The Holy Spirit is the one who is leading Paul to Jerusalem, and He is the one who is giving the disciples and prophets their warnings and prophecies. This observation emphasizes the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life.