Acts 21
Summary. In this chapter, the apostle Paul travels to Jerusalem, making several stops along the way where he taught the Word of God to people. During his journey, the Holy Spirit spoke through various prophets to convey messages to him and prepare him for the challenges he would encounter in Jerusalem, where he ultimately faced arrest. Acts 21:1-16. Apostle Paul on the way to Jerusalem. After speaking with the Ephesian elders in Miletus, the apostle Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, sailed to Caesarea. Throughout his journey, God used him to witness, teach, and pray with people wherever he went. In Tyre, one of God’s prophets warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem. While in Caesarea, where he stayed for several days, he taught and fellowshipped with the believers. During this time, another prophet was sent by the Lord to warn Paul about the persecution he would face in Jerusalem. When the time came, Paul departed from Caesarea and traveled to Jerusalem with his companions. Acts 21:17-26. Apostle Paul meets James and the elders. In Jerusalem, the believers received the apostle Paul with great joy. The apostle Paul met James and the elders and shared the wonderful things God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. After hearing all the great things, they began glorifying God, seeing that God doesn’t make a difference between humans. The brothers in Jerusalem advised Paul to be cautious of the Jews who were zealous for the law. They encouraged him to join a group of four men who were taking a vow. By doing so, he would demonstrate that he, unlike the Gentiles, abided by the law. Acts 21:27-36. Apostle Paul is arrested. The apostle completed his purification days, but certain Jews with dark mind control saw him in the temple. They incited the crowd to seize him, drag him out of the temple, and conspired to kill him without cause. Those who had the duty of enforcing the law received a report of confusion among the people. They went among the uproar, arrested the apostle, bound him with two chains, and brought him into the camp. Acts 21:37-40. Apostle Paul is allowed to speak to the people. The apostle was brought among the foreigners to be questioned. Before entering the camp, he sought permission from the commander to address the people. Some false reports about him reached the commander, and Paul, by speaking to him and to the people, could clarify his citizenship and innocence.
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After having drawn away from them, it happened our sailing, then we came with a straight course to Cos, and the next to Rhodes, and from there to Patara;
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and having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, having gone on board, we set sail.
Comments Acts 21:1-2
The Lord God Almighty guided His apostle on the path of travel to the places where work was waiting for him to do. The path of travel was long but smooth, and the apostle was a witness of the behavior toward all people around him. People had learned how the apostle behaves toward situations, and the faith toward the Lord God Almighty had been shown to people around him.
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Then, having sighted Cyprus, and having left it on the left, we kept sailing to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was unloading the cargo.
Comments Acts 21:3
“Then, having sighted Cyprus, and ...” The direction for the apostle to travel is under the guidance of the Lord God Almighty. Each place the apostle stopped and passed through had an impact on the people around, and in those places, the people themselves noticed the apostle traveling.
“And landed at Tyre; for there ...” The ship the apostle used for travel was a merchant ship that needed to stop to unload and load cargo, a process that would take time. This also allowed the apostle to do the Lord God Almighty’s work in each place of stop.
“And landed at Tyre; for there ...” The ship the apostle used for travel was a merchant ship that needed to stop to unload and load cargo, a process that would take time. This also allowed the apostle to do the Lord God Almighty’s work in each place of stop.
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And having found the disciples, we remained there seven days, who said to Paul, through the Spirit , not to go up to Jerusalem.
Comments Acts 21:4
“And having found the disciples ...” In this place, the apostle had a chance to witness and teach the believers who were there. His teaching would give the assurance to these disciples that the Lord God Almighty never forgets anyone. Even in this place, the Lord God Almighty sent His apostle to be with them and teach them.
“Who said to Paul, through the Spirit ...” Among the believers here was a prophet, a worker of the Lord God Almighty, who gave the apostle a message not to travel to certain places. The place that the apostle himself wanted to go to was Jerusalem, but the Lord God Almighty did not want him to stop there at this time yet. The path can pass through, but the work there was not yet ready for the apostle.
“Who said to Paul, through the Spirit ...” Among the believers here was a prophet, a worker of the Lord God Almighty, who gave the apostle a message not to travel to certain places. The place that the apostle himself wanted to go to was Jerusalem, but the Lord God Almighty did not want him to stop there at this time yet. The path can pass through, but the work there was not yet ready for the apostle.
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Then, when it happened that we had completed the days, having set out, we journeyed, all accompanying us, with wives and children, until outside the city; and kneeling down on the shore, having prayed,
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having greeted each other, then we went on the ship; then they returned home.
Comments Acts 21:6a
“Then, when it happened that ...” The time together may end, but the apostle’s time of work was not done. The apostle was leaving them, but at the same time, he gave them the most important thing in life, the good news. The people will continue to worship the Lord God Almighty because the good news had been heard in their ears and rested on the hearts of each who was open to receive the message from the apostle.
“Having set out, we journeyed ...” Notice the love and affection the people had for the apostle; they had accompanied him until the place from which he was to depart. Their hearts were longing to hear more of the good news, but the apostle had given them all the details they must do, and the good news that they had received in their hearts, the Lord God Almighty will continue to use to work in them. The time for the apostle to travel further had come, and the Lord God Almighty would guide the apostle to each place where they had work to do.
“And kneeling down on the ...” All believers pay attention; the verse clearly tells us that people who have faith, when they have the Lord God Almighty teaching in their hearts, their shame disappears. Kneeling and worshiping in public without shame is the action all believers should follow.
“Having set out, we journeyed ...” Notice the love and affection the people had for the apostle; they had accompanied him until the place from which he was to depart. Their hearts were longing to hear more of the good news, but the apostle had given them all the details they must do, and the good news that they had received in their hearts, the Lord God Almighty will continue to use to work in them. The time for the apostle to travel further had come, and the Lord God Almighty would guide the apostle to each place where they had work to do.
“And kneeling down on the ...” All believers pay attention; the verse clearly tells us that people who have faith, when they have the Lord God Almighty teaching in their hearts, their shame disappears. Kneeling and worshiping in public without shame is the action all believers should follow.
Comments Acts 21:6b
The moment of separation had come, the love for one another had shown, the apostle entered the boat, the people went back to their place, but they all had the chain of faith joining together. Depart with the Lord’s protection and guidance; that is the way believers should be.
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Then, we, having completed the voyage from Tyre, arrived at Ptolemais; and having greeted the brothers, we remained with them one day.
Comments Acts 21:7
The apostle traveled by the guidance of the Lord God Almighty. The place he would stop, in that place, the Lord God Almighty had believers to whom the apostle would be part to help and share the good news, and the right way of how to worship and glorify the Lord God Almighty Most High.
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Now, on the next day, having gone forth, we came to Caesarea; and having entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we remained with him.
Comments Acts 21:8
“Now, on the next day, having gone forth ...” The traveling distance was short, but the Lord God Almighty had a purpose for the next place of stop. The apostle traveled without complaint or questions, and with full trust that his job would be waiting at the next stop. That was one of the reasons that the apostle believed that the Lord God Almighty wanted to lead him to those places for work.
“Having entered into the house of Philip ...” The Lord God Almighty guided His apostle to the place where He had His faithful servants working. The work for the apostle with these believers would make an impact, as all the people around there would learn that they were blessed that the Lord God Almighty sent His apostle to worship with them, and also teach them the right way of worship.
“Having entered into the house of Philip ...” The Lord God Almighty guided His apostle to the place where He had His faithful servants working. The work for the apostle with these believers would make an impact, as all the people around there would learn that they were blessed that the Lord God Almighty sent His apostle to worship with them, and also teach them the right way of worship.
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And this one had four daughters, virgins, prophesying
Comments Acts 21:9
Give attention, all readers; the blessed family had heart and soul to follow the teachings of the Lord God Almighty. Teaching children to follow the commandments of the Lord God Almighty strictly, the Lord God Almighty has plans to use them all, men or women. And here, when the persons keep themselves clean, not contaminated with the lusts of the flesh, the Lord God Almighty used those souls to do His work, in telling people the way of life that the Lord God Almighty wants His children to be. Here, the apostle stayed among true believers, who will fulfil the plan of the Lord God Almighty in strengthening His apostle’s faith for the work in the future. All plans had been laid out, and the people had been prepared.
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And remaining many days, a certain one came down from Judea, a prophet, named Agabus.
Comments Acts 21:10
Staying with the believers for a short time, the Lord God Almighty guided His worker to come here to talk with His apostle. This worker of the Lord received a gift in prophesying, and the Lord God Almighty will use this gifted man to do the work for His apostle.
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And having come to us, and having taken Paul's belt, having bound his own feet and hands, he said, Thus says the Holy Spirit , In this way, the Jews at Jerusalem shall bind the man of whom this belt is, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
Comments Acts 21:11
“And having come to us ...” The Lord God Almighty used this worker to demonstrate how His apostle will be tied up; this tying up is not only physical but spiritual as well, because people with dark mind control will reject and fight against the good news.
“Having bound his own feet and hands.” The demonstration of the way to be tied up, let people know as well, that the apostle of the Lord God Almighty will have a hard time of work coming into that place. By tightening the hands, it signifies that the apostle cannot contact people, and by tightening the feet, it signifies that the apostle would have limited freedom to talk with people. But this demonstration also showed the apostle that he will not suffer the injury of the physical body; his mind and physical actions will be limited, because people with a dark mind control act negatively toward the good news. Even though difficult times will come, he will succeed because the demonstration did not show his mouth being covered; freedom of speech will still be available, and the apostle can still proclaim the good news to the people.
“He said, Thus says the Holy Spirit.” This message has been told from the Lord God Almighty Himself through His worker. The Holy Spirit used His worker in passing on the message for the apostle to know.
“In this way, the Jews at Jerusalem ...” This verse tells all humans the sorrow of the Lord God Almighty. His people reject His message and will send His apostle to the Gentiles in order to use the Gentiles to fight against Him, but the Lord God Almighty protects His apostle.
“Having bound his own feet and hands.” The demonstration of the way to be tied up, let people know as well, that the apostle of the Lord God Almighty will have a hard time of work coming into that place. By tightening the hands, it signifies that the apostle cannot contact people, and by tightening the feet, it signifies that the apostle would have limited freedom to talk with people. But this demonstration also showed the apostle that he will not suffer the injury of the physical body; his mind and physical actions will be limited, because people with a dark mind control act negatively toward the good news. Even though difficult times will come, he will succeed because the demonstration did not show his mouth being covered; freedom of speech will still be available, and the apostle can still proclaim the good news to the people.
“He said, Thus says the Holy Spirit.” This message has been told from the Lord God Almighty Himself through His worker. The Holy Spirit used His worker in passing on the message for the apostle to know.
“In this way, the Jews at Jerusalem ...” This verse tells all humans the sorrow of the Lord God Almighty. His people reject His message and will send His apostle to the Gentiles in order to use the Gentiles to fight against Him, but the Lord God Almighty protects His apostle.
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Then, when we heard these things, both we and those of that place begged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
Comments Acts 21:12
“Then, when we heard these things ...” Notice the strong love among the believers; they showed love toward the apostle. For all the love they had for him, they tried to persuade the apostle not to go to that place. All believers should have this pure love in their hearts toward one another, as the believers in this place had shown pure love by trying to protect the apostle.
“Not to go up to Jerusalem.” People noticed that the apostle wanted to go to Jerusalem, but the news made the people want to try to stop and change the apostle’s mind. The Lord God Almighty will talk to His apostle about what he should do in order not to make people feel discouraged in their own actions.
“Not to go up to Jerusalem.” People noticed that the apostle wanted to go to Jerusalem, but the news made the people want to try to stop and change the apostle’s mind. The Lord God Almighty will talk to His apostle about what he should do in order not to make people feel discouraged in their own actions.
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Then Paul answered, What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I, not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem, am ready, for the name of the Lord Jesus .
Comments Acts 21:13
“Then Paul answered, What are you doing ...” The heart of the apostle, full of love, felt uneasy when he noticed that his departure would hurt other believers; he felt sorry and guilty, yet at the same time, the Lord God Almighty gave him deep peace in his soul.
“For I, not only to be bound ...” In his heart, regardless of where he would be, be well, suffer, or die, he was willing to take all; that is what the heart of true believers should be.
“Am ready, for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Every heart should pay attention to this answer: the apostle gave his life to glorify the beloved Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. For the apostle, what might happen to him had no meaning if he could not keep his faith all his life because his life was not his own but belonged to the Lord God Almighty.
“For I, not only to be bound ...” In his heart, regardless of where he would be, be well, suffer, or die, he was willing to take all; that is what the heart of true believers should be.
“Am ready, for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Every heart should pay attention to this answer: the apostle gave his life to glorify the beloved Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. For the apostle, what might happen to him had no meaning if he could not keep his faith all his life because his life was not his own but belonged to the Lord God Almighty.
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And he not being persuaded, we were silent, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
Comments Acts 21:14
All believers, after they heard the word of the apostle, came to the same conclusion: everything under the heaven belongs to the Lord God Almighty’s will. All had surrendered their will to the Lord God Almighty, and that whatever will happen, they will receive it with joy, because that was the will of the Lord God Almighty for this time of separation.
Q: In verse 4, while in Syria, we noted that “the Lord God Almighty did not want him to stop in Jerusalem yet.” Additionally, in verse 11, the apostle received a warning about what would happen. However, the apostle is ultimately guided by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem. How can we put all of these prophetic messages together? A: The people who were supposed to go with the apostle were not ready to go, nor were the people that the apostle was supposed to talk to, ready in heart to receive the teachings. Something needed to happen before the time of the meeting could happen.
Q: In verse 4, while in Syria, we noted that “the Lord God Almighty did not want him to stop in Jerusalem yet.” Additionally, in verse 11, the apostle received a warning about what would happen. However, the apostle is ultimately guided by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem. How can we put all of these prophetic messages together? A: The people who were supposed to go with the apostle were not ready to go, nor were the people that the apostle was supposed to talk to, ready in heart to receive the teachings. Something needed to happen before the time of the meeting could happen.
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Now, after these days, having prepared for departure, we went up to Jerusalem.
Comments Acts 21:15
The time had come, and the apostle prepared himself for travel again. He wanted to follow his heart for where to go, but was also reluctant to prepare himself. Many things needed to be prepared. The people he needed to take with him to help with the travel also needed to be ready to travel together.
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And there went also with us of the disciples from Caesarea, bringing one, Mnason, a certain Cypriot, an early disciple, with whom we would lodge.
Comments Acts 21:16
“And there went also with us ...” Specific disciples who wanted to travel, but the apostle still wanted to wait for the Lord God Almighty’s guidance on whom He wanted him to take with him.
“Bringing one, Mnason, a certain Cypriot ...” The Lord God Almighty also prepared for His apostle someone to stay with. The Lord guided the hearts of Paul’s coworkers to bring one with whom he should stay. The apostle will have to make a decision, but he put his trust in the Lord God Almighty about where he should stay, because the place to stay could cause a delay in his travel.
“Bringing one, Mnason, a certain Cypriot ...” The Lord God Almighty also prepared for His apostle someone to stay with. The Lord guided the hearts of Paul’s coworkers to bring one with whom he should stay. The apostle will have to make a decision, but he put his trust in the Lord God Almighty about where he should stay, because the place to stay could cause a delay in his travel.
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Now, we having come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.
Comments Acts 21:17
The apostle, by the guidance of the Lord God Almighty, reached the destination. And the believers in that place were full of joy to receive them with the expectation that the Lord God Almighty had some work and good news for them.
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And on the following day Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
Comments Acts 21:18
“And the following day Paul went ...” Many believers took the apostle to meet with the beloved Son of God’s brother; the people were full of joy to receive the apostle, and the faith of the believers grew stronger with this arrival. The brother of the beloved Son of God received the apostle with gladness to their place.
“And all the elders were present.” The elders who had been faithful to the good news also came to receive the apostle. The believers at this time were full of joy to receive the apostle and were expecting to receive a good report.
“And all the elders were present.” The elders who had been faithful to the good news also came to receive the apostle. The believers at this time were full of joy to receive the apostle and were expecting to receive a good report.
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And having greeted them, he declared one by one the things God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
Comments Acts 21:19
“And having greeted them, he declared ...” The apostle announced to all believers the things the Lord God Almighty performed among people.
“Among the Gentiles through his ministry.” The mercy of the Lord God Almighty has been extended to the Gentiles. Now, all humans have received mercy and cannot accuse the Lord God Almighty of being unfair to them. Now all Gentiles have received grace and mercy, the same as His people, no difference between humans.
“Among the Gentiles through his ministry.” The mercy of the Lord God Almighty has been extended to the Gentiles. Now, all humans have received mercy and cannot accuse the Lord God Almighty of being unfair to them. Now all Gentiles have received grace and mercy, the same as His people, no difference between humans.
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Then those, having heard, began glorifying God ; and they said to him, You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews having believed; and all they are zealous for the law;
Comments Acts 21:20
“Then those, having heard, began glorifying God.” Now, all have witnessed the mercy of the Lord God Almighty. He makes no difference between humans; they all receive the same chance to be saved. Grace and mercy from the Lord God Almighty are free and given to all humans without exception.
“And they said to him, You see ...” Now the apostle proclaimed among the children of God the salvation that has been poured down, and all acknowledged and received the mercy of the Lord God Almighty with gladness.
“And all they are zealous for the law.” All believers come to the same conclusion: because the Lord God Almighty extended grace and mercy to the Gentiles, all must follow the Law without exception. Now, regardless of their background in life, they must abide by the Law.
“And they said to him, You see ...” Now the apostle proclaimed among the children of God the salvation that has been poured down, and all acknowledged and received the mercy of the Lord God Almighty with gladness.
“And all they are zealous for the law.” All believers come to the same conclusion: because the Lord God Almighty extended grace and mercy to the Gentiles, all must follow the Law without exception. Now, regardless of their background in life, they must abide by the Law.
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and they have been informed about you, that you teach apostasy from Moses to all the Jews, those among the Gentiles, telling them not to circumcise the children nor to walk in the customs.
Comments Acts 21:21
“And they have been informed about you ...” Human nature likes to talk, and when you start talking, adding more is a common thing to do. Here is the place of proof. When the apostle taught the people in one place something, the people far away would hear part of that teaching, and when they spoke with someone, the words would change. Not as they heard it, but it became in their mind’s understanding of what they heard about, and regardless of how much truth was in it, the person would talk to others further. The word kept changing more and more, and in the end, nothing true will be told further.
Q: Who are “the Jews having believed” mentioned in these verses? Are they followers of the Lord Jesus and following Moses’ Law as well, or who are they? A: These are the Lord’s children who heard the Word, received the teaching from forefathers, but they themselves never meditated or prayed. In their minds, they believed what they had heard, but they never asked or prayed to the Lord God Almighty about the true meaning of what they had been told.
“Telling them not to circumcise ...” The word had been told to people not from the true source, but from the gossip. In this gossip talk, the real meaning -- that the Savior has come to save them -- has been changed. The original message--that the beloved Son of God has come to save them and sacrifice His life for their sins--has changed in people’s ears.
The old law is good for those who did not know about the beloved Son of God’s sacrifice. But now, the apostle told them the real thing about being saved. Not only follow the law but accept the grace and mercy through the believed Son of God. Circumcision or not does not bring salvation for the world, and the Gospel must be preached to the whole world. Circumcision is the law for the children of the Lord to keep, but if any of them accept the true salvation by the sacrifice of the beloved Son of God on the cross, and accept His grace and mercy through the beloved Son of God’s blood, circumcision is not needed for the Gentiles or anyone.
Q: Who are “the Jews having believed” mentioned in these verses? Are they followers of the Lord Jesus and following Moses’ Law as well, or who are they? A: These are the Lord’s children who heard the Word, received the teaching from forefathers, but they themselves never meditated or prayed. In their minds, they believed what they had heard, but they never asked or prayed to the Lord God Almighty about the true meaning of what they had been told.
“Telling them not to circumcise ...” The word had been told to people not from the true source, but from the gossip. In this gossip talk, the real meaning -- that the Savior has come to save them -- has been changed. The original message--that the beloved Son of God has come to save them and sacrifice His life for their sins--has changed in people’s ears.
The old law is good for those who did not know about the beloved Son of God’s sacrifice. But now, the apostle told them the real thing about being saved. Not only follow the law but accept the grace and mercy through the believed Son of God. Circumcision or not does not bring salvation for the world, and the Gospel must be preached to the whole world. Circumcision is the law for the children of the Lord to keep, but if any of them accept the true salvation by the sacrifice of the beloved Son of God on the cross, and accept His grace and mercy through the beloved Son of God’s blood, circumcision is not needed for the Gentiles or anyone.
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What is it, therefore? They will certainly hear that you have come.
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Do, therefore, this, what we say to you: There are with us four men having a vow on themselves.
Comments Acts 21:23
The Lord God Almighty acknowledges the vows people make with Him. As the verse tells us, these people have made a vow, and they must keep it.
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These, having taken, be purified with them, and bear expense for them, so that they may shave the heads, and all will know that there is no truth of which they have been informed about you, but you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the law.
Comments Acts 21:24
“These, having taken, be purified ...” The apostle had a duty to help them fulfil their vow, including paying their expenses, which would occur to fulfil the vow they made with the Lord God Almighty.
“So that they may shave ...” Many rumors painted a picture and color of the apostle that was different from the truth. This apostle was a faithful man of the Lord God Almighty, who kept the Lord’s order and guidance in all. And the apostle also participated in completing the vow with them as a helper and guide.
“But you yourself also walk orderly ...” All these activities would make everyone believe and trust that the apostle himself must keep the law that the Lord God Almighty gave to His children. Being an apostle doesn’t mean being above the law and the rules God has given to all.
“So that they may shave ...” Many rumors painted a picture and color of the apostle that was different from the truth. This apostle was a faithful man of the Lord God Almighty, who kept the Lord’s order and guidance in all. And the apostle also participated in completing the vow with them as a helper and guide.
“But you yourself also walk orderly ...” All these activities would make everyone believe and trust that the apostle himself must keep the law that the Lord God Almighty gave to His children. Being an apostle doesn’t mean being above the law and the rules God has given to all.
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Now concerning those who have believed among the Gentiles, we wrote, having judged to keep themselves from the things both sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality.
Comments Acts 21:25
See also Acts 15:19-20 and Acts 15:29.
“Now concerning those who have ...” The apostle had concerns about the new believers who still lived among the Gentiles. The way of life they used to follow could leave them discouraged, but they must remain firm in the teaching of the Lord God Almighty, which will help them escape the trap of the dark influence.
“We wrote, having judged to keep ...” The apostle also mentioned the things the dark uses to trap humans into the way of worship. These ways of doing, entrapped human minds because these things offer the joy of this physical life, but all believers should keep their minds thinking of the things that the Lord God Almighty has prepared for them in the eternal life, that everything in the next life is more happy and joyful than the things of this physical life can have for a short while. The apostle reminded them to think of the things they can be joyful about in eternal life.
“Now concerning those who have ...” The apostle had concerns about the new believers who still lived among the Gentiles. The way of life they used to follow could leave them discouraged, but they must remain firm in the teaching of the Lord God Almighty, which will help them escape the trap of the dark influence.
“We wrote, having judged to keep ...” The apostle also mentioned the things the dark uses to trap humans into the way of worship. These ways of doing, entrapped human minds because these things offer the joy of this physical life, but all believers should keep their minds thinking of the things that the Lord God Almighty has prepared for them in the eternal life, that everything in the next life is more happy and joyful than the things of this physical life can have for a short while. The apostle reminded them to think of the things they can be joyful about in eternal life.
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Then Paul, having taken the men, on the next day, having been purified with them, entered into the temple, declaring the fulfilment of the days of the purification, until the sacrifice was offered for each one of them.
Comments Acts 21:26
“Then Paul, having taken the men ...” The apostle joined with them, gave them advice, and set an example in purifying not just the body but the mind to follow the Lord God Almighty’s teachings.
“Entered into the temple, declaring ...” When each one’s purifying days ended, the offering must be presented, and all must enter into the temple and offer their purified minds and bodies to the Lord God Almighty and prepare themselves for the next day, and beg and ask the Lord God Almighty’s mercy to keep the next day clean and worthy to offer as an offering.
“Until the sacrifice was offered ...” Each individual would offer a sacrifice; all things must follow the Lord God Almighty’s instructions, and the believers must follow them without missing any instruction. All the details the Lord God Almighty had given to the apostle to teach and instruct each individual on how and what to do in each step.
“Entered into the temple, declaring ...” When each one’s purifying days ended, the offering must be presented, and all must enter into the temple and offer their purified minds and bodies to the Lord God Almighty and prepare themselves for the next day, and beg and ask the Lord God Almighty’s mercy to keep the next day clean and worthy to offer as an offering.
“Until the sacrifice was offered ...” Each individual would offer a sacrifice; all things must follow the Lord God Almighty’s instructions, and the believers must follow them without missing any instruction. All the details the Lord God Almighty had given to the apostle to teach and instruct each individual on how and what to do in each step.
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Now, when the seven days were about to be completed, the Jews from Asia, having seen him in the temple, stirred up all the multitude and laid hands upon him,
Comments Acts 21:27
The apostle completed the purification to the end. And the people with dark mind control saw him and stirred up the people, but the apostle did not worry because the peace he received from being purified with the believers strengthened his mind and body.
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crying out, Men, Israelites, help! This is the man who teaches all everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place; and besides, he brought Greeks also into the temple, and defiled this holy place.
Comments Acts 21:28
“... crying out, Men, Israelites, help!” These people, a small group with big mouths, stirred up the crowd to rise against the apostle without cause to justify.
“This is the man who teaches all everywhere ...” They made accusations toward the apostle, that he did wrong regarding the teachings of the Lord God Almighty. These accusations would stir people’s minds to listen and think, and follow.
“And besides, he brought Greeks also ...” A strong accusation was raised against bringing people who did not believe or respect the teachings of the Lord God Almighty, claiming that the apostle brought them onto holy ground in disrespect to the Lord God Almighty’s teachings.
“This is the man who teaches all everywhere ...” They made accusations toward the apostle, that he did wrong regarding the teachings of the Lord God Almighty. These accusations would stir people’s minds to listen and think, and follow.
“And besides, he brought Greeks also ...” A strong accusation was raised against bringing people who did not believe or respect the teachings of the Lord God Almighty, claiming that the apostle brought them onto holy ground in disrespect to the Lord God Almighty’s teachings.
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For they had seen before with him in the city, Trophimus the Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.
Comments Acts 21:29
Humans, if they see someone or something together in the past, now, regardless of whether they are still together, people believe they are friends and must be together. As the verse tells us, regardless of what the truth is, the people’s minds guided by the dark will believe what the dark tells them in their minds.
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And all the city was moved, and there was a running together of the people; and having laid hold of Paul, they dragged him outside the temple, and immediately the doors were shut.
Comments Acts 21:30
“And all the city was moved ...” When the dark mind controls people, the mob will form, but not everyone understands why or where. Within human minds, when dark thought enters, the group of people makes a strong sense that something is worthy to join with.
“And having laid hold of Paul ...” The mob dragged the apostle out of the house of the Lord; the servant of the Lord God Almighty had been taken out of the Lord’s house by force.
“And immediately the doors were shut.” The doors of the place closed, but the activity of the dark continued further. The doors of the temple were closed, but the eyes of the Lord God Almighty are not closed. His eyes were still on His apostle. The will of the Lord will always protect the apostle and give strength of heart and soul to the apostle. Doubt cannot interfere with the minds of those who have complete trust in the mighty power of the Lord God Almighty.
“And having laid hold of Paul ...” The mob dragged the apostle out of the house of the Lord; the servant of the Lord God Almighty had been taken out of the Lord’s house by force.
“And immediately the doors were shut.” The doors of the place closed, but the activity of the dark continued further. The doors of the temple were closed, but the eyes of the Lord God Almighty are not closed. His eyes were still on His apostle. The will of the Lord will always protect the apostle and give strength of heart and soul to the apostle. Doubt cannot interfere with the minds of those who have complete trust in the mighty power of the Lord God Almighty.
31
And as they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the commander of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion,
Comments Acts 21:31
“And as they were seeking to kill him.” The Lord’s children did not keep the teachings; killing is sin, and here, the people wanted to kill the apostle for no cause. The teaching of their forefathers that they received from the Lord did not have any impact on the children of the Lord in this generation.
“A report came up to the commander ...” The one who had the duty of keeping the law in order received a report of confusion among the people. The confusion among people made the duty of those in charge to come, not only to stop the problem, but also to arrest the people involved.
“A report came up to the commander ...” The one who had the duty of keeping the law in order received a report of confusion among the people. The confusion among people made the duty of those in charge to come, not only to stop the problem, but also to arrest the people involved.
32
who, at once, having taken with him soldiers and centurions, ran down upon them. And having seen the commander and the soldiers, they ceased beating Paul.
Comments Acts 21:32
“Who, at once, having taken with him ...” The people in charge were not the Lord’s children. The foreigners controlled the Lord’s children. When they came to stop the confusion, violence would also be used. The Lord’s children created problems for themselves with the law.
“Ran down upon them. And having ...” The people in charge ran to the mob in order to stop the problem. When they came, they did not come with peaceful keeping but with violent keeping. The people stopped because of fear that they themselves would get hurt. They stopped beating the apostle because they were afraid of getting hurt, not because they knew they were doing wrong things.
“Ran down upon them. And having ...” The people in charge ran to the mob in order to stop the problem. When they came, they did not come with peaceful keeping but with violent keeping. The people stopped because of fear that they themselves would get hurt. They stopped beating the apostle because they were afraid of getting hurt, not because they knew they were doing wrong things.
33
Then the commander, having come near, laid hold on him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and inquired who he was, and what it was he had done.
Comments Acts 21:33
“Then the commander, having come ...” When the leader of authority came among the uproar, he ordered the soldiers to capture the apostle.
“And commanded him to be bound ...” Let all readers notice the cruelty in the way of treating humans. This leader, before knowing who or what the apostle was or did, had ordered that the apostle be bound with the chains as an animal for slaughter. Humans, when they have authority, use it as they please in treating one another.
“And commanded him to be bound ...” Let all readers notice the cruelty in the way of treating humans. This leader, before knowing who or what the apostle was or did, had ordered that the apostle be bound with the chains as an animal for slaughter. Humans, when they have authority, use it as they please in treating one another.
34
Others shouted one thing, however, others another, among the crowd; and he, not being able to know the facts on account of the uproar, commanded him to be brought into the camp.
Comments Acts 21:34
“Others shouted one thing, however ...” The people who did not know the problem had shouted in agreement that the apostle was guilty. The mob with dark mind control did not care about right or wrong. In order to stop the work of the Lord, the dark used the mob to capture the apostle to stop the work of spreading the good news.
“And he, not being able to know ...” Give attention, all readers; the leader of authority didn’t know the problem but ordered the capture of the apostle to please the mob, not doing his own duty to justify right or wrong, just to control people. As soldiers, they could dismount the mob; there was no need to put chains on the apostle.
“Commanded him to be brought ...” To avoid further problems, they took the prisoner to the camp, where the soldiers gathered together, allowing the leader to think about what he should do next.
“And he, not being able to know ...” Give attention, all readers; the leader of authority didn’t know the problem but ordered the capture of the apostle to please the mob, not doing his own duty to justify right or wrong, just to control people. As soldiers, they could dismount the mob; there was no need to put chains on the apostle.
“Commanded him to be brought ...” To avoid further problems, they took the prisoner to the camp, where the soldiers gathered together, allowing the leader to think about what he should do next.
35
Now, when he came to the stairs, it happened that he was carried by the soldiers, because of the violence of the crowd;
Comments Acts 21:35
“Now, when he came to the stairs ...” The soldiers carried the apostle not out of mercy, but because they had to present the prisoner according to the rules and regulations. If the soldiers would let something happen to the prisoner and failed to bring the prisoner to the commander to be judged, the soldiers themselves would be punished, not just the prisoner.
“Because of the violence of the crowd.” When the dark mind controls the multitude, it will always be accompanied by violence. The dark only wants to hurt humans because they know that the Lord God Almighty loves humans. The only way to fight the Lord is to hurt humans and to harm the apostle, for the dark is considered a victory against the Lord God Almighty.
“Because of the violence of the crowd.” When the dark mind controls the multitude, it will always be accompanied by violence. The dark only wants to hurt humans because they know that the Lord God Almighty loves humans. The only way to fight the Lord is to hurt humans and to harm the apostle, for the dark is considered a victory against the Lord God Almighty.
36
for the multitude of the people followed, crying out, Away with him!
Comments Acts 21:36
When the dark controls the minds of humans, they follow and use the power of the multitude to persuade and get what they want, and here the mob continues to pursue and request the punishment. The apostle must be punished to please the people.
37
Then, Paul, being about to be brought into the camp, says to the commander, Is it permitted to me to say something to you? And he said, Do you know Greek?
Comments Acts 21:37
“Then, Paul, being about to be brought ...” The apostle was taken among the foreigners to be questioned; the commander expected the fear to make the apostle afraid and unable to say anything against their actions.
“Says to the commander, Is it permitted ...” The apostle’s humble actions had been shown to the foreigner. This behavior would stir the foreigner’s heart to think further when more accusations against the prisoner would come to his ears. And his heart will not agree to believe all the accusations he would receive. All believers take this as an example. When you are in a difficult situation, such as being falsely accused, the action must show that you follow the teachings of the Lord God Almighty. Keep peace within yourself, and that peace will make an impact on the one who is facing you.
“And he said, Do you know Greek?” Give attention, all readers. The foreigner felt surprised by the apostle’s ability and knowledge. He was facing a criminal who had schooling and knowledge, making him question who and what the truth could be. Now, what the apostle will tell him will make an impact on the foreigner’s heart to think more.
“Says to the commander, Is it permitted ...” The apostle’s humble actions had been shown to the foreigner. This behavior would stir the foreigner’s heart to think further when more accusations against the prisoner would come to his ears. And his heart will not agree to believe all the accusations he would receive. All believers take this as an example. When you are in a difficult situation, such as being falsely accused, the action must show that you follow the teachings of the Lord God Almighty. Keep peace within yourself, and that peace will make an impact on the one who is facing you.
“And he said, Do you know Greek?” Give attention, all readers. The foreigner felt surprised by the apostle’s ability and knowledge. He was facing a criminal who had schooling and knowledge, making him question who and what the truth could be. Now, what the apostle will tell him will make an impact on the foreigner’s heart to think more.
38
Then, are you not the Egyptian, who before these days stirred up a revolt and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the assassins?
Comments Acts 21:38
“Then, are you not the Egyptian.” The doubt in the foreigner’s heart came out with this question. The information he received about the apostle could be false.
“Who before these days stirred up ...” Let all readers pay attention to the accusation the apostle had on his head. People accused the apostle of being the leader of bad turmoil against the law of the country. Leading this many people also made the apostle someone the foreigner needed to eliminate.
“Who before these days stirred up ...” Let all readers pay attention to the accusation the apostle had on his head. People accused the apostle of being the leader of bad turmoil against the law of the country. Leading this many people also made the apostle someone the foreigner needed to eliminate.
39
However, Paul said, I indeed am a man, a Jew, of Tarsus of Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; now, I beseech you, allow me to speak to the people.
Comments Acts 21:39
“However, Paul said, I indeed am a man ...” The apostle told everyone his true citizenship, letting them know that he was a true child of God. He also provided them with details of his place of birth, and if anyone had doubts about his citizenship, they could check.
“Now, I beseech you, allow me ...” The apostle did not ask but requested to speak with the people. A public announcement would resolve the problem for which his accusations have been brought against him. Both the people and the soldiers would have the same chance to hear the truth.
“Now, I beseech you, allow me ...” The apostle did not ask but requested to speak with the people. A public announcement would resolve the problem for which his accusations have been brought against him. Both the people and the soldiers would have the same chance to hear the truth.
40
Then he, having allowed him, Paul, having stood on the stairs, beckoned with the hand to the people; then, there having been a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,
Comments Acts 21:40
“Then he, having allowed him.” The commander of the army gave permission to the apostle to make his announcement so that the people could hear it.
“Paul, having stood on the stairs ...” The apostle stood on a higher place to make it possible for all to see him; from this place, all people would be able to hear his announcement. After this, those who had questions could discuss them among themselves. The question of his citizenship had been announced, and all the Lord’s children could not doubt that he was also one of them.
“He spoke to them in the Hebrew ...” After announcing his citizenship, he also confirmed to them, through the language he used, that he was truly the Lord’s child, even speaking the language of the forefathers of the Lord’s children. The language was also proof for the apostle himself.
“Paul, having stood on the stairs ...” The apostle stood on a higher place to make it possible for all to see him; from this place, all people would be able to hear his announcement. After this, those who had questions could discuss them among themselves. The question of his citizenship had been announced, and all the Lord’s children could not doubt that he was also one of them.
“He spoke to them in the Hebrew ...” After announcing his citizenship, he also confirmed to them, through the language he used, that he was truly the Lord’s child, even speaking the language of the forefathers of the Lord’s children. The language was also proof for the apostle himself.
Life and faith applications. 1) We must pray continually for guidance in our service to the Lord and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. 2) Teach the children to follow the commandments of the Lord strictly; He has plans to use them all, whether they are men or women. 3) Seek the greater gifts from the Holy Spirit, and the Lord will use you in His work among people. 4) Fully surrender our lives to glorify the beloved Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. 5) Trust in the Lord’s provision for our lives as we work for Him. 6) Keep any vows we make to the Lord; if our vows are biblical, the Lord God Almighty acknowledges them and expects us to uphold them. 7) Do not engage in any mob activity, as many of these actions are unlawful and not pleasing to the Lord God Almighty.