Bible Commentaries
Acts 21

Verse 1

gotten = withdrawn Same word as Acts 20:30 .

launched . Greek anago. See note on Acts 13:13 .

with a straight course . Greek. euthudromeo. See note on Acts 16:11 .

unto . Greek. eis. App-104 .

following . Greek. hexes. Only in Luke's writings. Here, Acts 25:17 ; Acts 27:18 . Luke 7:11 ; Luke 9:37 . Note the different expressions for next day used by Luke. Compare Acts 20:15 .

Verse 2

went aboard = having embarked. Greek. epibaino. See note on Acts 20:18 .

set forth . Same as launched, Acts 21:1 .

Verse 3

discovered = sighted. Greek. anaphainomai. App-106 . Only here and Luke 19:11 .

Cyprus . The Kittim of the O.T. See Numbers 24:24 .Isaiah 23:1 , Isaiah 23:12 .Jeremiah 2:10 . Ezekiel 27:6 . Daniel 11:30 . Compare Acts 4:36 ; Acts 13:4-12 .

sailed . Greek. pleo. Only here, Acts 27:2 , Acts 27:6 , Acts 27:24 .Luke 8:23 .

into . Greek. eis. App-104 .

landed . Greek. katago. Literally bring down. Occurs elsewhere Acts 9:30 ; Acts 22:30 ; Acts 23:15 , Acts 23:20 , Acts 23:28 ; Acts 27:3 ; Acts 28:12 .Luke 5:11 .Romans 10:6 .

at = into. Greek. eis.

Tyre . See Matthew 11:21 .

there . Greek. ekeise. Only here and Acts 22:5 .

unlade = unload. Greek. apophorlizomai. Only here.

burden . Greek. gomos. Only here and Revelation 18:11 , Revelation 18:12 .

Verse 4

flnding = having found. Greek. aneurisko, to find by searching. Only here and Luke 2:16 .

disciples = the disciples. Probably few. He no longer seeks the synagogue.

tarried . Greek. epimeno. See note on Acts 10:48 .

through . Greek. dia. App-104 .Acts 21:1 .

the Spirit = the Holy Spirit. App-101 . Compare verses: Acts 21:11-14 and Acts 1:2 .

go up . Greek. anabaino, but the texts read epibaino, as in Acts 21:2 .

Verse 5

And = But it came to pass that.

accomplished = completed. App-125 .

and they all, &c . = all with wives and children, bringing us on our way. Greek. propempo. See note on Acts 15:3 .

children . Greek. teknon. App-108 .

we kneeled down = having kneeled down. See note on Acts 7:60 .

shore . Greek. aigialos. Only here, Acts 27:39 ; Acts 27:40 . Matthew 13:2 , Matthew 13:48 . John 21:4 .

and prayed = we prayed. Greek. proseuchomai. App-134 .

Verse 6

taken our leave . Greek. aspazomai. See note on Acts 20:1 .

took ship = embarked (Greek. epibaino, as in Acts 21:1 ) on (Greek. eis) the ship, i.e. the same ship as Acts 21:2 .

home . Literally to (Greek. eis) their own (things).

Verse 7

finished . Greek. dianio. Only here.

our course = the voyage. Greek. ploos. Only here and Acts 27:9 , Acts 27:10 .

came . Greek. katantao. See note on Acts 16:1 .

saluted . Same as "take leave" in Acts 21:6 .

abode . Greek. meno. See p. 1511.

Verse 8

next . Here the common word epaurion is used. Compare "following", Acts 21:1 .

of Paul's company . Literally about (Greek. peri. App-104 ,) Paul.

Caesarea . See note on Acts 8:40 . About sixty miles from Tyre by the coast road.

the seven . See Acts 6:5 .

Verse 9

the same man = this one.

which did prophesy . Greek. propheteuo. They were evangelists, like their father. This is in accord with Joel 2:28 as quoted in Acts 2:17 . see App-49 and App-189 .

Verse 10

came down . Caesarea was 2,000 feet below the hill country of Judaea.

certain . Greek. tis. App-123 .

prophet . See App-189 .

named = by name.

Agabus . See Acts 11:28 .

Verse 11

the Holy Ghost = the Holy Spirit. App-101 . Both articles here.

shall = will.

at = in. Greek. en . App-104 .

man . Greek. aner. App-123 .

deliver . Greek. paradidomi. See note on John 19:30 .

Gentiles . Greek. ethnos.

Verse 12

they of that place = the residents, i.e. the believers there. Greek. entopios. Only here.

besought = were beseeching. Greek. parakaleo. App-134 .

Verse 13

What mean ye, &c . Literally What are ye doing, weeping, &c.

break = crush. Greek. sunthrupto. Only here.

am ready = hold myself in readiness. This expression Occurs also 2Co 12:14 . 1 Peter 4:5 .

not . Greek. ou . App-105 .

also to die = to die also.

for = in behalf of. Greek. huper. App-104 .

the name . See note on Acts 2:38 .

the Lord . App-98 .

Jesus . App-98 . Paul's decision was approved (Acts 23:11 ).

Verse 14

persuaded . Greek. peitho. App-150 .

ceased . See note on Acts 11:18 .

will . Greek. thelema. App-102 .

Verse 15

after . Greek. meta . App-104 .

took up, &c = having prepared for moving, or packed up. "Carriage" is used in the old sense of that which is carried. Compare 1 Samuel 17:22 . Greek. aposkeuazomai. Only here.

Verse 16

of = from. Greek. apo. App-104 .

and brought = bringing.

with them . Omit.

one . Greek. tis App-123 .

Mnason . Nothing more is known of him.

of Cyprus = a Cypriote, as in Acts 4:36 ; Acts 11:20 .

old . Greek. archaios. Not referring to his age but to his standing in the Christian assembly. An early disciple.

lodge . Greek. xenizo. See note on Acts 10:6 .

Verse 17

gladly . Greek. asmenos. Only here and Acts 2:41 .

Verse 18

following . Greek. epeimi. See note on Acts 7:26 .

went in . Greek. eiseimi. Only here, Acts 21:26 ; Acts 3:3 .Hebrews 9:6 .

elders . See App-189 .

were present = came. Greek. paraginomai. Occurs thirty-seven times. Elsewhere translated "come".

Verse 19

declared = related. See note on Acts 10:8 .

particularly . Literally one by one, each one of the things which.

God . App-98 . See note on 1 Corinthians 3:9 .

had wrought = did.

among . Greek. en. App-104 .

by = through. Greek. dia. App-104 .Acts 21:1 .

ministry . Greek. diakonia. App-190 .

Verse 20

glorified = were glorifying. Not a single act, but a continual praising.

the Lord . The texts read "God".

unto = to.

seest . Greek. theoreo. App-133 .

brother . Compare Acts 9:17 and 2 Peter 3:15 .

thousands . Greek. murias = myriads. Fig . Hyperbole. App-6 . Compare John 3:26 ; John 12:19 .

believe = have believed. App-150 .

are . Emph. Greek. huparcho. See note on Luke 9:48 .

zealous . Greek. zelotes. Properly a noun, meaning zealot, i.e. enthusiast. Occurs here, Acts 22:3 . 1 Corinthians 14:12 .Galatians 1:1 , Galatians 1:14 .Titus 2:14 . Also as a title. See App-141 .

Verse 21

are = were. informed = instructed. See note on Acts 18:26 .

of = concerning. Gr . peri. App-104 .

among . Greek. kata. App-104 .

to forsake = apostasy (Greek. apostasia. Only here and 2 Thessalonians 2:3 ) from (Greek. apo) .

Moses . See note on Acts 3:22 .Matthew 8:4 . Here meaning the law, as in Acts 6:11 ; Acts 15:21 .

saying that they ought . i.e. telling or bidding them. Compare 2 John 1:10-11 .

children . Greek. teknon. App-108 .

neither . Greek. mede.

after = by.

customs . See note on Acts 6:14 .

Verse 22

the multitude, &c . Some texts omit this, and read "they will certainly (Greek. pantos) hear".

Verse 23

vow . Greek. euche. See Acts 18:18 . App-134 .

Verse 24

purify . Greek. hagnizo. Compare John 11:55 . This refers to the ceremonies connected with the Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:0 ). James, who was probably the speaker, would be glad to find Paul was already under the vow he had taken at Cenchreae (Acts 18:18 ), as facilitating the execution of his plan.

be at charges = pay the expenses of the sacrifices. Greek. dapanao. Here, Mark 5:26 . Luke 15:14 . 2 Corinthians 12:15 .James 4:3 .

with = upon. Greek. epi. App-104 .

shave . Greek. xurao. Only here and 1Co 11:5 , 1 Corinthians 11:6 . See note on keiro, Acts 18:18 .

may = shall.

know . Greek. ginosko. App-132 .

concerning . Same as "of", Acts 21:21 .

nothing . Greek. oudeis.

walkest orderly . Greek. stoicheo = to walk according to religious observances. Here, Romans 4:12 .Galatians 1:5 , Gal 1:25 ; Galatians 6:16 . Philippians 1:3 , Philippians 1:16 .

Verse 25

touching . Greek. peri. App-104 .

have written = wrote.

and concluded = having decided. Greek. krino. App-122 .

that they . . . only . The texts omit.

things offered, &c . = that which is offered, &c. Greek. eidolothutos . See note on Acts 15:29 .

Verse 26

next . Same as in Acts 20:15 . Greek. echomai

entered . Greek. eiseimi, as in Acts 21:18 .

temple . Greek. hieron . See note on Matthew 23:16 .

to signify = declaring. Greek. diangello . Only here, Luke 9:60 . Romans 9:17 .

accomplishment . Greek. ekplerosis . Only here. Compare Acts 13:33 .

purification . Greek. hagnismos . Only here.

an offering = the offering. See Numbers 6:14-20 . Greek. prosphora . Only here, Acts 24:17 . Romans 15:16 . Ephesians 5:2 .Hebrews 10:5 , Hebrews 10:8 , Hebrews 10:10 , Hebrews 10:14 , Hebrews 10:18 .

offered . Greek. prosphero . First occurance. Matthew 2:11 (presented).

every = each.

ended . Greek. sunteleo . Elsewhere Matthew 7:28 . Mark 13:4 .Luke 4:2 , Luke 4:13 .Romans 9:28 . Hebrews 8:8 .

when they saw = having seen. Greek. theaomai . App-133 .

stirred up = excited. Greek. suncheo . This form Occurs only here. See note on Acts 2:6 .

people = crowd. Greek. ochlos .

Verse 28

Men of Israel . See note on Acts 1:11 ; Acts 2:22 .

This = This one, this fellow.

man . Greek. anthropos . App-123 .

against . Greek. kata . App-104 .

people . Greek. laos . See Acts 2:47 .

this place: i.e. the Temple.

further = moreover.

Greeks . Greek. Hellen .

Verse 29

seen before . Greek. proorao . Only here and Acts 2:25 .

city . It was in the city Trophimus was seen in Paul's company, and they came to the conclusion that when they saw Paul in the Temple, Trophimus must be there too.

an = the.

supposed = concluded. Greek. nomizo . See note on Acts 14:19 . But the evidence was insufficient. Paul was too well informed not to be aware of the inscription which forbade the entry of any alien within the inner temple under penalty of death. It was on one of the pillars of the balustrade which separated the court of the women, where the Nazirite ceremonies were performed, from the inner sanctuary. The stone bearing this inscription was discovered by M. Clermont Ganneau in 1871. It is as follows: "No alien is to enter within the railing and enclosure round the temple. Whosoever is caught will be responsible to himself for his death which will ensue. "

Verse 30

all the city = the whole city.

the people ran, &c . = there was a running together (Greek. sundrome . Only here) of the people.

took . Greek. epilambanomai . See note on Acts 9:27 .

drew = were dragging. Greek. helko . Only here and James 2:6 . Compare Acts 16:19 .

forthwith = immediately.

the doors, &c . These were the gates leading into the court of the women. Shut by the Levitical door-keepers to prevent profanation by murder.

Verse 31

went about = were seeking. Compare John 7:19 ; John 7:20 .

tidings = a report. Greek. phasis . Only here.

came . Literally went up, i.e. to the Castle of Antonia, which overlooked the Temple.

chief captain . Greek. chiliarchos . The commander of 1,000 men. See note on John 18:12 .

band = cohort. Greek. speira . See John 18:3 .

was in an uproar = was in commotion. Greek. sunchuno . See notes on Acts 21:27 ; Acts 2:6 ; Acts 19:29 .

Verse 32

immediately . Greek. exautes . See note on Acts 10:33 .

soldiers, &c . From the garrison in Antonia.

centurions . Greek. hekatontarchos . The form used in the Gospels, and in nine places in Acts. Here, Acts 22:25 , Acts 22:26 ; Acts 23:17 , Acts 23:23 ; Acts 27:6 , Acts 27:11 , Acts 27:43 ; Acts 28:16 .

ran down . Greek. katatrecho . Only here.

unto = upon. Greek. epi . App-104 .

saw . Greek. eidon . App-133 .

left beating of Paul = ceased beating Paul.

Verse 33

came near, and = having drawn near.

two chains: i.e. either hand chained to a soldier. See note on Acts 12:6 .

demanded . Greek. punthanomai . See note on Acts 4:7 ; Acts 10:18 .

Verse 34

cried = were crying out. Greek. boao , as in Acts 17:6 . The texts read epiphoneo , as in Acts 12:22 (gave a shout) and Acts 22:24 .

multitude . Same as people, Acts 21:27 .

the certainty = the sure thing. Greek. asphales. Adjective meaning "safe"or "sure". Occurs here, Acts 22:30 ; Acts 25:26 . Philippians 1:3 , Philippians 1:1 .Hebrews 6:19 .

for = on account of. Greek. dia . App-104 .Acts 21:2 .

tumult . Same as uproar, Acts 20:1 .

castle . Greek. parembole . Occurs elsewhere, Acts 21:37 ; Acts 22:24 ; Acts 23:10 , Acts 23:16 , Acts 23:32 .Hebrews 11:34 ; Hebrews 13:11 , Hebrews 13:13 .Revelation 20:9 .

Verse 35

stairs . Greek. anabathmos. Only here and Acts 21:40 .

so it was = it befell, as in Acts 20:19 .

borne . Greek. bastazo, as in Acts 15:10 .

of = by. Greek. hupo. App-104 .

violence . Greek. bia . See note on Acts 5:26 .

Verse 36

multitude . Greek. plethos. See note on Acts 2:6 .

Away with him . Greek. airo. See note on John 19:15 .

Verse 37

was = was about.

led = brought.

May I speak . Literally If ( App-118 . a) it is permitted me to say something.

Who = But he.

Canst thou speak = Dost thou know. Greek. ginosko. App-132 .

Greek . Greek. Bellenisli. Only here and John 19:20 .

Verse 38

Art not thou = Art thou not then.

that = the.

madest an uproar = stirred up to sedition. Greek. anastatoo. See note on Acts 17:6 .

that were murderers = of the Sicarii, or assassins (Greek. sikarios. Only here). The Sicarii (a Latin word from sica, a curved dagger) were bandits who infested Judeea in the time of Felix, who sent troops against them, though Josephus says it was at the instigation of Felix that they murdered the high priest Jonathan. The Egyptian referred to was a false prophet who led a number of the Sicarii to Jerusalem, declaring that the walls would fall down before them.

Verse 39

of Tarsus = a Tarsean. Greek. Tarseus. See note on Acts 9:11 .

in = of.

citizen . Greek. polites. Only here and Luke 15:15 ; Luke 19:14 .

mean = without mark. Greek. asemos. Only here. Used of disease without definite symptoms. In the medical writer, Hippocrates, the very expression "no mean city" occurs. Figure of speech Tapeinosis. App-6 .

beseech . Greek. deomai. App-134 .

speak . Greek. laleo . App-121 .

Verse 40

given him licence . Same word as "suffer" in Acts 21:39 .

stood . . . and = standing.

beckoned . See note on Acts 12:17 .

spake unto them = addressed (them). Greek. prosphoneo . Only here, Acts 22:2 .Matthew 11:16 . Luke 6:13 ; Luke 7:32 ; Luke 13:12 ; Luke 23:20 .

Hebrew . Greek. Hebrais. Only here, Acts 22:2 ; Acts 26:14 .

tongue = dialect. Greek. dialektos . See note on Acts 1:19 . There should be no break before Acts 22:0 .