Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Acts » Chapter 21 » Verse 1-40

Acts 21:1-40 King James Version (KJV)

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,


Acts 21:1-40 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 And G1161 it came to pass, G1096 that after G5613 we G2248 were gotten G645 from G575 them, G846 and had launched, G321 we came G2064 with a straight course G2113 unto G1519 Coos, G2972 and G1161 the day following G1836 unto G1519 Rhodes, G4499 and from thence G2547 unto G1519 Patara: G3959

2 And G2532 finding G2147 a ship G4143 sailing over G1276 unto G1519 Phenicia, G5403 we went aboard, G1910 and set forth. G321

3 Now G1161 when we had discovered G398 Cyprus, G2954 G2532 we left G2641 it G846 on the left hand, G2176 and sailed G4126 into G1519 Syria, G4947 and G2532 landed G2609 at G1519 Tyre: G5184 for G1063 there G1566 the ship G4143 was G2258 to unlade G670 her burden. G1117

4 And G2532 finding G429 disciples, G3101 we tarried G1961 there G847 seven G2033 days: G2250 who G3748 said G3004 to Paul G3972 through G1223 the Spirit, G4151 that he should G305 not G3361 go up G305 to G1519 Jerusalem. G2419

5 And G1161 when G3753 we G2248 had G1096 accomplished G1822 those days, G2250 we departed G1831 and went our way; G4198 and they all G3956 brought G4311 us G2248 on our way, G4311 with G4862 wives G1135 and G2532 children, G5043 till G2193 we were out of G1854 the city: G4172 and G2532 we kneeled down G5087 G1119 on G1909 the shore, G123 and prayed. G4336

6 And G2532 when we had taken our leave G782 one of another, G240 we took G1910 G1519 ship; G4143 and G1161 they G1565 returned G5290 G1519 home G2398 again. G5290

7 And G1161 when we G2249 had finished G1274 our course G4144 from G575 Tyre, G5184 we came G2658 to G1519 Ptolemais, G4424 and G2532 saluted G782 the brethren, G80 and abode G3306 with G3844 them G846 one G3391 day. G2250

8 And G1161 the next G1887 day we that were of G4012 Paul's G3972 company G4012 departed, G1831 and came G2064 G2064 unto G1519 Caesarea: G2542 and G2532 we entered G1525 into G1519 the house G3624 of Philip G5376 the evangelist, G2099 which was G5607 one of G1537 the seven; G2033 and abode G3306 with G3844 him. G846

9 And G1161 the same man G5129 had G2258 four G5064 daughters, G2364 virgins, G3933 which did prophesy. G4395

10 And G1161 as we G2257 tarried G1961 there many G4119 days, G2250 there came down G2718 from G575 Judaea G2449 a certain G5100 prophet, G4396 named G3686 Agabus. G13

11 And G2532 when he was come G2064 unto G4314 us, G2248 G2532 he took G142 Paul's G3972 girdle, G2223 and G5037 bound G1210 his own G846 hands G5495 and G2532 feet, G4228 and said, G2036 Thus G3592 saith G3004 the Holy G40 Ghost, G4151 So G3779 shall G1210 the Jews G2453 at G1722 Jerusalem G2419 bind G1210 the man G435 that G3739 owneth G2076 this G3778 girdle, G2223 and G2532 shall deliver G3860 him into G1519 the hands G5495 of the Gentiles. G1484

12 And G1161 when G5613 we heard G191 these things, G5023 both G5037 we, G2249 and G2532 they of that place, G1786 besought G3870 him G846 not G3361 to go up G305 to G1519 Jerusalem. G2419

13 Then G1161 Paul G3972 answered, G611 What G5101 mean ye G4160 to weep G2799 and G2532 to break G4919 mine G3450 heart? G2588 for G1063 I G1473 am G2192 ready G2093 not G3756 to be bound G1210 only, G3440 but G2532 also G235 to die G599 at G1519 Jerusalem G2419 for G5228 the name G3686 of the Lord G2962 Jesus. G2424

14 And G1161 when he G846 would G3982 not G3361 be persuaded, G3982 we ceased, G2270 saying, G2036 The will G2307 of the Lord G2962 be done. G1096

15 And G1161 after G3326 those G5025 days G2250 we took up our carriages, G643 and went up G305 to G1519 Jerusalem. G2419

16 G1161 There went G4905 with G4862 us G2254 also G2532 certain of the disciples G3101 of G575 Caesarea, G2542 and brought G71 with them G3844 one G5100 Mnason G3416 of Cyprus, G2953 an old G744 disciple, G3101 with whom G3739 we should lodge. G3579

17 And G1161 when we G2257 were come G1096 to G1519 Jerusalem, G2414 the brethren G80 received G1209 us G2248 gladly. G780

18 And G1161 the day following G1966 Paul G3972 went in G1524 with G4862 us G2254 unto G4314 James; G2385 and G5037 all G3956 the elders G4245 were present. G3854

19 And G2532 when he had saluted G782 them, G846 he declared G1834 particularly G2596 G1520 G1538 what things G3739 God G2316 had wrought G4160 among G1722 the Gentiles G1484 by G1223 his G846 ministry. G1248

20 And G1161 when they heard G191 it, they glorified G1392 the Lord, G2962 and G5037 said G2036 unto him, G846 Thou seest, G2334 brother, G80 how many G4214 thousands G3461 of Jews G2453 there are G1526 which G3588 believe; G4100 and G2532 they are G5225 all G3956 zealous G2207 of the law: G3551

21 And G1161 they are informed G2727 of G4012 thee, G4675 that G3754 thou teachest G1321 all G3956 the Jews G2453 which are among G2596 the Gentiles G1484 to G575 forsake G646 Moses, G3475 saying G3004 that they G846 ought G4059 not G3361 to circumcise G4059 their children, G5043 neither G3366 to walk G4043 after the customs. G1485

22 What G5101 is it G2076 therefore? G3767 the multitude G4128 must G1163 needs G3843 come together: G4905 for G1063 they will hear G191 that G3754 thou art come. G2064

23 Do G4160 therefore G3767 this G5124 that G3739 we say G3004 to thee: G4671 We G2254 have G1526 four G5064 men G435 which have G2192 a vow G2171 on G1909 them; G1438

24 Them G5128 take, G3880 and purify thyself G48 with G4862 them, G846 and G2532 be at charges G1159 with G1909 them, G846 that G2443 they may shave G3587 their heads: G2776 and G2532 all G3956 may know G1097 that those things, G3754 whereof G3739 they were informed G2727 concerning G4012 thee, G4675 are G2076 nothing; G3762 but G235 that thou thyself G846 also G2532 walkest orderly, G4748 and keepest G5442 the law. G3551

25 As G1161 touching G4012 the Gentiles G1484 which believe, G4100 we G2249 have written G1989 and concluded G2919 that they G846 observe G5083 no G3367 such thing, G5108 save only G1508 that they keep G5442 themselves G846 from G5037 things offered to idols, G1494 and G2532 from blood, G129 and G2532 from strangled, G4156 and G2532 from fornication. G4202

26 Then G5119 Paul G3972 took G3880 the men, G435 and the next G2192 day G2250 purifying himself G48 with G4862 them G846 entered G1524 into G1519 the temple, G2411 to signify G1229 the accomplishment G1604 of the days G2250 of purification, G49 until G2193 that G3739 an offering G4376 should be offered G4374 for G5228 every G1538 one G1520 of them. G846

27 And G1161 when G5613 the seven G2033 days G2250 were almost G3195 ended, G4931 the Jews G2453 which were of G575 Asia, G773 when they saw G2300 him G846 in G1722 the temple, G2411 stirred up G4797 all G3956 the people, G3793 and G2532 laid G1911 hands G5495 on G1909 him, G846

28 Crying out, G2896 Men G435 of Israel, G2475 help: G997 This G3778 is G2076 the man, G444 that teacheth G1321 all G3956 men every where G3837 against G2596 the people, G2992 and G2532 the law, G3551 and G2532 this G5126 place: G5117 and G5037 further G2089 brought G1521 Greeks G1672 also G2532 into G1519 the temple, G2411 and G2532 hath polluted G2840 this G5127 holy G40 place. G5117

29 (For G1063 they had G2258 seen before G4308 with G4862 him G846 in G1722 the city G4172 Trophimus G5161 an Ephesian, G2180 whom G3739 they supposed G3543 that G3754 Paul G3972 had brought G1521 into G1519 the temple.) G2411

30 And G5037 all G3650 the city G4172 was moved, G2795 and G2532 the people G2992 ran together: G1096 G4890 and G2532 they took G1949 Paul, G3972 and drew G1670 him G846 out of G1854 the temple: G2411 and G2532 forthwith G2112 the doors G2374 were shut. G2808

31 And G1161 as they went about G2212 to kill G615 him, G846 tidings G5334 came G305 unto the chief captain G5506 of the band, G4686 that G3754 all G3650 Jerusalem G2419 was in an uproar. G4797

32 Who G3739 immediately G1824 took G3880 soldiers G4757 and G2532 centurions, G1543 and ran down G2701 unto G1909 them: G846 and G1161 when they saw G1492 the chief captain G5506 and G2532 the soldiers, G4757 they left G3973 beating G5180 of Paul. G3972

33 Then G5119 the chief captain G5506 came near, G1448 and took G1949 him, G846 and G2532 commanded G2753 him to be bound with G1210 two G1417 chains; G254 and G2532 demanded G4441 who G5101 he was, G302 G1498 and G2532 what G5101 he had G2076 done. G4160

34 And G1161 some G243 cried G994 one thing, G5100 some another, G243 among G1722 the multitude: G3793 and G1161 when he could G1410 not G3361 know G1097 the certainty G804 for G1223 the tumult, G2351 he commanded G2753 him G846 to be carried G71 into G1519 the castle. G3925

35 And G1161 when G3753 he came G1096 upon G1909 the stairs, G304 so it was, G4819 that he was borne G941 of G5259 the soldiers G4757 for G1223 the violence G970 of the people. G3793

36 For G1063 the multitude G4128 of the people G2992 followed after, G190 crying, G2896 Away G142 with him. G846

37 And G5037 as Paul G3972 was to be G3195 led G1521 into G1519 the castle, G3925 he said G3004 unto the chief captain, G5506 May G1487 G1832 I G3427 speak G2036 G5100 unto G4314 thee? G4571 G1161 Who G3588 said, G5346 Canst thou speak G1097 Greek? G1676

38 Art G1488 not G3756 thou G4771 G686 that Egyptian, G124 which before G4253 these G5130 days G2250 madest an uproar, G387 and G2532 leddest out G1806 into G1519 the wilderness G2048 four thousand G5070 men G435 that were murderers? G4607

39 But G1161 Paul G3972 said, G2036 I G1473 am G1510 G3303 a man G444 which am a Jew G2453 of Tarsus, G5018 a city in Cilicia, G2791 a citizen G4177 of no G3756 mean G767 city: G4172 and, G1161 I beseech G1189 thee, G4675 suffer G2010 me G3427 to speak G2980 unto G4314 the people. G2992

40 And G1161 when he had given G2010 him G846 licence, G2010 Paul G3972 stood G2476 on G1909 the stairs, G304 and beckoned G2678 with the hand G5495 unto the people. G2992 And G1161 when there was made G1096 a great G4183 silence, G4602 he spake G4377 unto them in the Hebrew G1446 tongue, G1258 saying, G3004


Acts 21:1-40 American Standard (ASV)

1 And when it came to pass that were parted from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course unto Cos, and the next day unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

2 and having found a ship crossing over unto Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set sail.

3 And when we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed unto Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

4 And having found the disciples, we tarried there seven days: and these said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not set foot in Jerusalem.

5 And when it came to pass that we had accomplished the days, we departed and went on our journey; and they all, with wives and children, brought us on our way till we were out of the city: and kneeling down on the beach, we prayed, and bade each other farewell;

6 and we went on board the ship, but they returned home again.

7 And when we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais; and we saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

8 And on the morrow we departed, and came unto Caesarea: and entering into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we abode with him.

9 Now this man had four virgin daughters, who prophesied.

10 And as we tarried there some days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

11 And coming to us, and taking Paul's girdle, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, Thus saith the Holy Spirit, 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 do ye, weeping and breaking my 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 these days we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem.

16 And there went with us also `certain' of the disciples from Caesarea, bringing `with them' one Mnason of Cyprus, an early 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 rehearsed one by one the things which God had wrought among the Gentiles through his ministry.

20 And they, when they heard it, glorified God; and they said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of them that have believed; and they are all zealous for the law:

21 and they have been informed concerning thee, that thou teachest all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children neither to walk after the customs.

22 What is it therefore? They will certainly hear that thou art come.

23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men that have a vow on them;

24 these take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges for them, that they may shave their heads: and all shall know that there is no truth in the things whereof they have been informed concerning thee; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, keeping the law.

25 But as touching the Gentiles that have believed, we wrote, giving judgment that they should keep themselves from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication.

26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them went into the temple, declaring the fulfilment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them.

27 And when 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,

28 crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place; and moreover he brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath defiled this holy place.

29 For they had before seen with him in the city Trophimus the 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 laid hold on Paul, and dragged him out of the temple: and straightway the doors were shut.

31 And as they were seeking to kill him, tidings came up to the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in confusion.

32 And forthwith he took soldiers and centurions, and ran down upon them: and they, when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, left off beating Paul.

33 Then the chief captain came near, and laid hold on him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and inquired who he was, and what he had done.

34 And some shouted one thing, some another, among the crowd: and when he could not know the certainty for the uproar, he commanded him to be brought 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 crowd;

36 for the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, Away with him.

37 And as Paul was about to be brought into the castle, he saith unto the chief captain, May I say something unto thee? And he said, Dost thou know Greek?

38 Art thou not then the Egyptian, who before these days stirred up to sedition and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the Assassins?

39 But Paul said, I am a Jew, of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and I beseech thee, give me leave to speak unto the people.

40 And when he had given him leave, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with the hand unto the people; and when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew language, saying,


Acts 21:1-40 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 And it came to pass, at our sailing, having been parted from them, having run direct, we came to Coos, and the succeeding `day' to Rhodes, and thence to Patara,

2 and having found a ship passing over to Phenicia, having gone on board, we sailed,

3 and having discovered Cyprus, and having left it on the left, we were sailing to Syria, and did land at Tyre, for there was the ship discharging the lading.

4 And having found out the disciples, we tarried there seven days, and they said to Paul, through the Spirit, not to go up to Jerusalem;

5 but when it came that we completed the days, having gone forth, we went on, all bringing us on the way, with women and children, unto the outside of the city, and having bowed the knees upon the shore, we prayed,

6 and having embraced one another, we embarked in the ship, and they returned to their own friends.

7 And we, having finished the course, from Tyre came down to Ptolemais, and having saluted the brethren, we remained one day with them;

8 and on the morrow Paul and his company having gone forth, we came to Cesarea, and having entered into the house of Philip the evangelist -- who is of the seven -- we remained with him,

9 and this one had four daughters, virgins, prophesying.

10 And we remaining many more days, there came down a certain one from Judea, a prophet, by name Agabus,

11 and he having come unto us, and having taken up the girdle of Paul, having bound also his own hands and feet, said, `Thus saith the Holy Spirit, The man whose is this girdle -- so shall the Jews in Jerusalem bind, and they shall deliver `him' up to the hands of nations.'

12 And when we heard these things, we called upon `him' -- both we, and those of that place -- not to go up to Jerusalem,

13 and Paul answered, `What do ye -- weeping, and crushing mine heart? for I, not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem, am ready, for the name of the Lord Jesus;'

14 and he not being persuaded, we were silent, saying, `The will of the Lord be done.'

15 And after these days, having taken `our' vessels, we were going up to Jerusalem,

16 and there went also of the disciples from Cesarea with us, bringing with them him with whom we may lodge, a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an aged disciple.

17 And we having come to Jerusalem, the brethren did gladly receive us,

18 and on the morrow Paul was going in with us unto James, all the elders also came,

19 and having saluted them, he was declaring, one by one, each of the things God did among the nations through his ministration,

20 and they having heard, were glorifying the Lord. They said also to him, `Thou seest, brother, how many myriads there are of Jews who have believed, and all are zealous of the law,

21 and they are instructed concerning thee, that apostacy from Moses thou dost teach to all Jews among the nations, saying -- Not to circumcise the children, nor after the customs to walk;

22 what then is it? certainly the multitude it behoveth to come together, for they will hear that thou hast come.

23 `This, therefore, do that we say to thee: We have four men having a vow on themselves,

24 these having taken, be purified with them, and be at expence with them, that they may shave the head, and all may know that the things of which they have been instructed concerning thee are nothing, but thou dost walk -- thyself also -- the law keeping.

25 `And concerning those of the nations who have believed, we have written, having given judgment, that they observe no such thing, except to keep themselves both from idol-sacrifices, and blood, and a strangled thing, and whoredom.'

26 Then Paul, having taken the men, on the following day, with them having purified himself, was entering into the temple, announcing the fulfilment of the days of the purification, till the offering was offered for each one of them.

27 And, as the seven days were about to be fully ended, the Jews from Asia having beheld him in the temple, were stirring up all the multitude, and they laid hands upon him,

28 crying out, `Men, Israelites, help! this is the man who, against the people, and the law, and this place, all everywhere is teaching; and further, also, Greeks he brought into the temple, and hath defiled this holy place;'

29 for they had seen before Trophimus, the Ephesian, in the city with him, whom they were supposing that Paul brought into the temple.

30 All the city also was moved and there was a running together of the people, and having laid hold on Paul, they were drawing him out of the temple, and immediately were the doors shut,

31 and they seeking to kill him, a rumour came to the chief captain of the band that all Jerusalem hath been thrown into confusion,

32 who, at once, having taken soldiers and centurions, ran down upon them, and they having seen the chief captain and the soldiers, did leave off beating Paul.

33 Then the chief captain, having come nigh, took him, and commanded `him' to be bound with two chains, and was inquiring who he may be, and what it is he hath been doing,

34 and some were crying out one thing, and some another, among the multitude, and not being able to know the certainty because of the tumult, he commanded him to be carried to the castle,

35 and when he came upon the steps, it happened he was borne by the soldiers, because of the violence of the multitude,

36 for the crowd of the people was following after, crying, `Away with him.'

37 And Paul being about to be led into the castle, saith to the chief captain, `Is it permitted to me to say anything unto thee?' and he said, `Greek dost thou know?

38 art not thou, then, the Egyptian who before these days made an uprising, and did lead into the desert the four thousand men of the assassins?'

39 And Paul said, `I, indeed, am a man, a Jew, of Tarsus of Cilicia, of no mean city a citizen; and I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.'

40 And he having given him leave, Paul having stood upon the stairs, did beckon with the hand to the people, and there having been a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew dialect, saying:


Acts 21:1-40 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 And when, having got away from them, we at last sailed away, we came by a direct course to Cos, and on the morrow to Rhodes, and thence to Patara.

2 And having found a ship passing over into Phoenicia, we went on board and sailed;

3 and having sighted Cyprus, and left it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria, and made the land at Tyre, for there the ship was to discharge her cargo.

4 And having found out the disciples, we remained there seven days; who said to Paul by the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.

5 But when we had completed the days, we set out and took our journey, all of them accompanying us, with wives and children, till [we were] out of the city. And kneeling down upon the shore we prayed.

6 And having embraced one another, we went on board ship, and they returned home.

7 And we, having completed the voyage, arrived from Tyre at Ptolemais, and having saluted the brethren, we remained one day with them.

8 And leaving on the morrow, we came to Caesarea; and entering into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was of the seven, we abode with him.

9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

10 And as we stayed there many days, a certain man, by name Agabus, a prophet, came down from Judaea,

11 and coming to us and taking the girdle of Paul, and having bound his own hands and feet, said, Thus saith the Holy Spirit, The man whose this girdle is shall the Jews thus bind in Jerusalem, and deliver him up into the hands of [the] Gentiles.

12 And when we heard these things, both we and those of the place besought [him] not to go up to Jerusalem.

13 But Paul answered, What do ye, 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.

14 And when he would not be persuaded, we were silent, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

15 And after these days, having got our effects ready, we went up to Jerusalem.

16 And [some] of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing [with them] a certain Mnason, a Cyprian, an old disciple, with whom we were to lodge.

17 And when we arrived at Jerusalem the brethren gladly received us.

18 And on the morrow Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders came there.

19 And having saluted them, he related one by one the things which God had wrought among the nations by his ministry.

20 And they having heard [it] glorified God, and said to him, Thou seest, brother, how many myriads there are of the Jews who have believed, and all are zealous of the law.

21 And they have been informed concerning thee, that thou teachest all the Jews among the nations apostasy from Moses, saying that they should not circumcise their children, nor walk in the customs.

22 What is it then? a multitude must necessarily come together, for they will hear that thou art come.

23 This do therefore that we say to thee: We have four men who have a vow on them;

24 take these and be purified with them, and pay their expenses, that they may have their heads shaved; and all will know that [of those things] of which they have been informed about thee nothing is [true]; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, keeping the law.

25 But concerning [those of] the nations who have believed, we have written, deciding that they should [observe no such thing, only to] keep themselves both from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication.

26 Then Paul, taking the men, on the next day, having been purified, entered with them into the temple, signifying the time the days of the purification would be fulfilled, until the offering was offered for every one of them.

27 And when the seven days were nearly completed, the Jews from Asia, having seen him in the temple, set all the crowd in a tumult, and laid hands upon him,

28 crying, Israelites, help! this is the man who teaches all everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place, and has brought Greeks too into the temple, and profaned this holy place.

29 For they had before seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.

30 And the whole city was moved, and there was a concourse of the people; and having laid hold on Paul they drew him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut.

31 And as they were seeking to kill him, a representation came to the chiliarch of the band that the whole of Jerusalem was in a tumult;

32 who, taking with him immediately soldiers and centurions, ran down upon them. But they, seeing the chiliarch and the soldiers, ceased beating Paul.

33 Then the chiliarch came up and laid hold upon him, and commanded [him] to be bound with two chains, and inquired who he might be, and what he had done.

34 And different persons cried some different thing in the crowd. But he, not being able to know the certainty on account of the uproar, commanded him to be brought into the fortress.

35 But when he got upon the stairs it was so that he was borne by the soldiers on account of the violence of the crowd.

36 For the multitude of the people followed, crying, Away with him.

37 But as he was about to be led into the fortress, Paul says to the chiliarch, Is it allowed me to say something to thee? And he said, Dost thou know Greek?

38 Thou art not then that Egyptian who before these days raised a sedition and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the assassins?

39 But Paul said, *I* am a Jew of Tarsus, citizen of no insignificant city of Cilicia, and I beseech of thee, allow me to speak to the people.

40 And when he had allowed him, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people; and a great silence having been made, he addressed them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,


Acts 21:1-40 World English Bible (WEB)

1 When it happened that we had parted 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.

2 Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set sail.

3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload her cargo.

4 Having found disciples, we stayed there seven days. These said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

5 When it happened that we had accomplished the days, 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.

6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.

7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We greeted the brothers, and stayed with them one day.

8 On 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.

9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

10 As we stayed there some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.

11 Coming to us, and taking Paul's belt, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit: 'So will the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"

12 When we heard these things, both we and they of that place begged him not to go up to Jerusalem.

13 Then 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."

14 When he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The Lord's will be done."

15 After these days we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem.

16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we would stay.

17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.

18 The day following, Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present.

19 When he had greeted them, he reported one by one the things which God had worked among the Gentiles through his ministry.

20 They, 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.

21 They 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 neither to walk after the customs.

22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come.

23 Therefore do what we tell you. We have four men who have taken a vow.

24 Take 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.

25 But 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."

26 Then 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.

27 When 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,

28 crying 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!"

29 For they had seen Trophimus, the Ephesian, with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.

30 All the city was moved, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple. Immediately the doors were shut.

31 As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

32 Immediately he took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. They, when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, stopped beating Paul.

33 Then 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.

34 Some 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.

35 When he came to the stairs, it happened that he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd;

36 for the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, "Away with him!"

37 As 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?

38 Aren'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?"

39 But 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."

40 When 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,


Acts 21:1-40 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 And after parting from them, we put out to sea and came straight to Cos, and the day after to Rhodes, and from there to Patara:

2 And as there was a ship going to Phoenicia, we went in it.

3 And when we had come in view of Cyprus, going past it on our left, we went on to Syria, and came to land at Tyre: for there the goods which were in the ship had to be taken out.

4 And meeting the disciples we were there for seven days: and they gave Paul orders through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.

5 And when these days came to an end, we went on our journey; and they all, with their wives and children, came with us on our way till we were out of the town: and after going on our knees in prayer by the sea,

6 We said our last words to one another, and got into the ship, and they went back to their houses.

7 And journeying by ship from Tyre we came to Ptolemais; and there we had talk with the brothers and were with them for one day.

8 And on the day after, we went away and came to Caesarea, where we were guests in the house of Philip, the preacher, who was one of the seven.

9 And he had four daughters, virgins, who were prophets.

10 And while we were waiting there for some days, a certain prophet, named Agabus, came down from Judaea.

11 And he came to us, and took the band of Paul's clothing, and putting it round his feet and hands, said, The Holy Spirit says these words, So will the Jews do to the man who is the owner of this band, and they will give him up into the hands of the Gentiles.

12 And hearing these things, we and those who were living in that place made request to him not to go to Jerusalem.

13 Then Paul said, What are you doing, weeping and wounding my heart? for I am ready, not only to be a prisoner, but to be put to death at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

14 And as he might not be moved we did no more, saying, Let the purpose of God be done.

15 And after these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.

16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, taking a certain Mnason of Cyprus, one of the early disciples, in whose house we were to be living.

17 And when we came to Jerusalem, the brothers were pleased to see us.

18 And on the day after, Paul went with us to James, and all the rulers of the church were present.

19 And when he had said how glad he was to see them, he gave them a detailed account of the things which God had done through his work among the Gentiles.

20 And hearing it, they gave praise to God; and they said to him, You see, brother, what thousands there are among the Jews, who have the faith; and they all have a great respect for the law:

21 And they have had news of you, how you have been teaching all the Jews among the Gentiles to give up the law of Moses, and not to give circumcision to their children, and not to keep the old rules.

22 What then is the position? They will certainly get news that you have come.

23 Do this, then, which we say to you: We have four men who have taken an oath;

24 Go with these, and make yourself clean with them, and make the necessary payments for them, so that they may be free from their oath: and everyone will see that the statements made about you are not true, but that you put yourself under rule, and keep the law.

25 But as to the Gentiles who have the faith, we sent a letter, giving our decision that they were to keep themselves from offerings made to false gods, and from blood, and from the flesh of animals put to death in ways against the law, and from the evil desires of the body.

26 Then Paul took the men, and on the day after, making himself clean with them, he went into the Temple, giving out the statement that the days necessary for making them clean were complete, till the offering was made for every one of them.

27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the Temple, got the people together and put their hands on him,

28 Crying out, Men of Israel, come to our help: this is the man who is teaching all men everywhere against the people and the law and this place: and in addition, he has taken Greeks into the Temple, and made this holy place unclean.

29 For they had seen him before in the town with Trophimus of Ephesus, and had the idea that Paul had taken him with him into the Temple.

30 And all the town was moved, and the people came running together and put their hands on Paul, pulling him out of the Temple: and then the doors were shut.

31 And while they were attempting to put him to death, news came to the chief captain of the band that all Jerusalem was out of control.

32 And straight away he took some armed men and went quickly down to them: and the Jews, seeing them, gave no more blows to Paul.

33 Then the chief captain came near and took him, and gave orders for him to be put in chains, questioning them as to who he was and what he had done.

34 And some said one thing and some another, among the people: and as he was not able to get a knowledge of the facts because of the noise, he gave orders for Paul to be taken into the army building.

35 And when he came on to the steps, he was lifted up by the armed men, because of the force of the people;

36 For a great mass of people came after them, crying out, Away with him!

37 And when Paul was about to be taken into the building, he said to the chief captain, May I say something to you? And he said, Have you a knowledge of Greek?

38 Are you by chance the Egyptian who, before this, got the people worked up against the government and took four thousand men of the Assassins out into the waste land?

39 But Paul said, I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, which is not an unimportant town: I make a request to you to let me say a word to the people.

40 And when he let him do so, Paul, from the steps, made a sign with his hand to the people, and when they were all quiet, he said to them in the Hebrew language,

Commentary on Acts 21 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


CHAPTER 21

Ac 21:1-16. Sailing from Ephesus, They Land at Tyre, and Thence Sailing to Ptolemais, They Proceed by Land to Cæsarea and Jerusalem.

1. we were gotten—"torn."

from them—expressing the difficulty and pain of the parting.

with a straight course—running before the wind, as Ac 16:11.

unto Coos—Cos, an island due south from Miletus, which they would reach in about six hours, and coming close to the mainland.

the day following unto Rhodes—another island, some fifty miles to the southeast, of brilliant classic memory and beauty.

thence unto Patara—a town on the magnificent mainland of Lycia, almost due east from Rhodes. It was the seat of a celebrated oracle of Apollo.

2. And finding a ship—their former one going no farther, probably.

to Phœnica—(See on Ac 11:19).

went abroad—One would almost think this extracted from a journal of the voyage, so graphic are its details.

3. when we … discovered—"sighted," as the phrase is.

Cyprus, we left it on the left hand—that is, steered southeast of it, leaving it on the northwest.

sailed into—"unto"

Syria, and landed at Tyre—the celebrated seat of maritime commerce for East and West. It might be reached from Patara in about two days.

there the ship was to unlade her burden—which gave the apostle time for what follows.

4-6. finding disciples—finding out the disciples, implying some search. They would expect such, from what is recorded, Ac 11:19. Perhaps they were not many; yet there were gifted ones among them.

who said to Paul … that he should not go up to Jerusalem—(See on Ac 20:23; also see on Ac 21:11-14).

5. they all brought us on our way with wives and children … and we kneeled down on the shore and prayed—(See on Ac 20:36). Observe here that the children of these Tyrian disciples not only were taken along with their parents, but must have joined in this act of solemn worship. See on Eph 6:1.

7. when we had finished our course—completing the voyage

from Tyre, we came—which they would do the same day.

to Ptolemais—anciently called Accho (Jud 1:31), now St. Jean d'Acre, or Acre.

and saluted the brethren, and abode, &c.—disciples gathered probably as at Tyre, on the occasion mentioned (Ac 11:19).

8-10. next day we that were of Paul's company departed—(The words "the were of Paul's company" are omitted in the best manuscripts. They were probably added as the connecting words at the head of some church lessons).

and came to Cæsarea—a run along the coast, southward, of some thirty miles.

Philip the evangelist—a term answering apparently very much to our missionary [Howson], by whose ministry such joy had been diffused over Samaria and the Ethiopian eunuch had been baptized (Ac 8:4-40).

one of the seven—deacons, who had "purchased to himself a good degree" (1Ti 3:13). He and Paul now meet for the first time, some twenty-five years after that time.

9. the same man had four daughters … which did prophesy—fulfilling Joe 2:28 (see Ac 2:18). This is mentioned, it would seem, merely as a high distinction divinely conferred on so devoted a servant of the Lord Jesus, and probably indicates the high tone of religion in his family.

10. tarried there many—"a good many"

days—Finding himself in good time for Pentecost at Jerusalem, he would feel it a refreshing thing to his spirit to hold Christian communion for a few days with such a family.

there came down from Judea—the news of Paul's arrival having spread.

a certain prophet … Agabus—no doubt the same as in Ac 11:28.

11-14. So shall the Jews bind the man that owneth this girdle, &c.—For though the Romans did it, it was at the Jews' instigation (Ac 21:33; Ac 28:17). Such dramatic methods of announcing important future events would bring the old prophets to remembrance. (Compare Isa 20:2, &c.; Jer 13:1, and Eze 5:1, &c.). This prediction and that at Tyre (Ac 21:4) were intended, not to prohibit him from going, but to put his courage to the test and when he stood the test, to deepen and mature it.

12. we and they at that place—the Cæsarean Christians.

besought him—even with tears, Ac 21:13.

not to go to Jerusalem.

13. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart—Beautiful union of manly resoluteness and womanly tenderness, alike removed from mawkishness and stoicism!

I am ready not to be bound only—"If that is all, let it come."

but to die, &c.—It was well he could add this, for he had that also to do.

15, 16. we took up our carriages—"our baggage."

and went up to Jerusalem—for the fifth time after his conversion, thus concluding his third missionary tour, which proved his last, so far as recorded; for though he accomplished the fourth and last part of the missionary plan sketched out (Ac 19:21)—"After I have been at Jerusalem, I must also see Rome"—it was as "a prisoner of Jesus Christ."

16. went with us … and brought with them—rather, "brought us to."

One Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, &c.—not an "aged" disciple, but probably "a disciple of old standing," perhaps one of the three thousand converted on the day of Pentecost, or, more likely still, drawn to the Saviour Himself during His lifetime. He had come, probably, with the other Cyprians (Ac 11:20), to Antioch, "preaching the Lord Jesus unto the Grecians," and now he appears settled at Jerusalem.

Ac 21:17-40. Paul Reports the Events of His Third Missionary JourneyIn the Temple, Purifying Himself from a Jewish Vow, He Is Seized by a Mob and Beaten to the Danger of His LifeThe Uproar Becoming Universal, the Roman Commandant Has Him Brought in Chains to the Fortress, from the Stairs of Which He Is Permitted to Address the People.

The apostle was full of anxiety about this visit to Jerusalem, from the numerous prophetic intimations of danger awaiting him, and having reason to expect the presence at this feast of the very parties from whose virulent rage he had once and again narrowly escaped with his life. Hence we find him asking the Roman Christians to wrestle with him in prayer, "for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that he might be delivered from them that believed not in Judea," as well as "that his service which he had for Jerusalem (the great collection for the poor saints there) might be accepted of the saints" (Ro 15:30, 31).

17-19. the brethren received us gladly—the disciples generally, as distinguished from the official reception recorded in Ac 21:18.

18. Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present—to "report himself" formally to the acknowledged head of the church at Jerusalem, and his associates in office. See on Ac 15:13. Had any other of the apostles been in Jerusalem on that occasion, it could hardly fail to have been noted.

19. he declared particularly—in detail.

what God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry—as on previous occasions (Ac 14:27; and see Ro 15:15); no doubt referring to the insidious and systematic efforts of the Judaizing party in a number of places to shrivel the Church of Christ into a Jewish sect, and his own counter-procedure.

20-25. they glorified the Lord, &c.—constrained to justify his course, notwithstanding the Jewish complexion of the Christianity of Jerusalem.

21. they are informed … that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles—those residing in heathen countries.

to forsake Moses, &c.—This calumny of the unbelieving Jews would find easy credence among the Christian zealots for Judaism.

23. we have four men—Christian Jews, no doubt.

which have a vow—perhaps kept ready on purpose.

24. be at charges with them—that is, defray the expense of the sacrifices legally required of them, along with his own, which was deemed a mark of Jewish generosity.

25. touching the Gentiles … we have written and concluded that they observe no such things, &c.—This shows that with all their conciliation to Jewish prejudice, the Church of Jerusalem was taught to adhere to the decision of the famous council held there (Ac 15:19-29).

26. to signify—that is, announce to the priest.

the accomplishment of the days of purification, &c.—(See on Nu 6:14-21).

27-30. the Jews … of Asia—in all likelihood those of Ephesus (since they recognized Trophimus apparently as a townsman, Ac 21:29), embittered by their discomfiture (Ac 19:9, &c.).

29. Trophimus—(See on Ac 20:4).

30. took Paul, and drew him out of the temple; and forthwith the doors were shut—that the murder they meant to perpetrate might not pollute that holy place.

31. tidings came—literally, "went up," that is, to the fortress of Antonia, where the commandant resided. See on Ac 21:32. This part of the narrative is particularly graphic.

32. the chief captain—"the chiliarch," or tribune of the Roman cohort, whose full number was one thousand men.

33. commanded him to be bound with two chains—(See on Ac 12:6).

34. some cried one thing—The difficulty would be so to state his crimes as to justify their proceedings to a Roman officer.

to be carried into the castle—rather, perhaps, "the barracks," or that part of the fortress of Antonia appropriated to the soldiers. The fort was built by Herod on a high rock at the northwest corner of the great temple area, and called after Mark Antony.

35, 36. Away with him—as before of his Lord (Lu 23:18; Joh 19:15).

37-40. Art not thou that Egyptian, &c.—The form of the question implies that the answer is to be in the negative, and is matter of some surprise: "Thou art not then?" &c.

38. madest an uproar, &c.—The narrative is given in Josephus [Wars of the Jews, 2.8.6; 13.5], though his two allusions and ours seem to refer to different periods of the rebellion.

39. a citizen of no mean city—(See on Ac 16:37).

40. stood on the stairs—"What nobler spectacle than that of Paul at this moment! There he stood, bound with two chains, ready to make his defense to the people. The Roman commander sits by, to enforce order by his presence. An enraged populace look up to him from below. Yet in the midst of so many dangers, how self-possessed is he, how tranquil!" [Chrysostom (or in his name) in Hackett].

a great silence—the people awed at the permission given him by the commandant, and seeing him sitting as a listener.

in the Hebrew tongue—the Syro-Chaldaic, the vernacular tongue of the Palestine Jews since the captivity.