Acts 20:22 kjv
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
Acts 20:22 nkjv
And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,
Acts 20:22 niv
"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.
Acts 20:22 esv
And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there,
Acts 20:22 nlt
"And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don't know what awaits me,
Acts 20 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 9:16 | For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name. | Paul's foreseen suffering |
| Acts 21:4 | And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days... warned Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. | Prophetic warnings |
| Acts 21:10-14 | And as we stayed there for many days... Spirit says, ‘Thus shall the Jews... bind the man who owns this belt...’ Paul answered, "What are you doing... for I am ready not only to be bound but even to die... | Agabus' prophecy and Paul's resolve |
| Rom 1:9 | For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit... | Serving God in Spirit |
| Rom 8:14 | For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. | Being led by the Spirit |
| Rom 15:25-26 | At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. | Purpose of journey (aid) |
| 2 Cor 4:8-9 | We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed... persecuted, but not forsaken... | Enduring suffering |
| 2 Cor 5:14 | For the love of Christ controls us... | Christ's love as motivation |
| Php 1:21 | For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. | Willingness to suffer or die |
| Php 3:10 | That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings... | Desire to share Christ's suffering |
| Col 1:24 | Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions... | Rejoicing in suffering |
| Heb 10:7 | Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God...’ | Submitting to God's will |
| Lk 9:51 | When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. | Jesus' determination towards Jerusalem |
| Mk 10:32 | And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed... and afraid. | Disciples' fear, Jesus' steadfastness |
| Acts 19:21 | Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem... | Paul's earlier Spirit-resolved purpose |
| Jer 20:9 | If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name," there is in my heart as it were a burning fire... | Prophetic compulsion |
| 1 Cor 9:16 | For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting, for necessity is laid upon me. | Compelled to preach |
| Ps 37:23-24 | The steps of a man are established by the LORD... Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down... | God guiding steps |
| Prov 3:5-6 | Trust in the LORD with all your heart... and he will make straight your paths. | Trust in divine guidance |
| Isa 6:8 | Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” | Willingness to be sent |
| Lk 12:11-12 | When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious... for the Holy Spirit will teach you... | Trust in Spirit's provision in trial |
| 1 Pet 4:12-13 | Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you... but rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings... | Expecting and rejoicing in suffering |
Acts 20 verses
Acts 20 22 Meaning
Acts 20:22 portrays Paul's unwavering resolve, indicating he is under an irresistible, internal spiritual compulsion to travel to Jerusalem. He is driven by the Holy Spirit, despite not knowing the specific hardships he will face there, though he anticipates trials. This verse encapsulates his submission to divine will over personal safety or foresight, highlighting his sacrificial devotion to Christ's call.
Acts 20 22 Context
Paul is in Miletus, having summoned the elders of the church in Ephesus for a final meeting before he continues his journey to Jerusalem. This gathering (Acts 20:18-35) serves as Paul's farewell discourse to them, knowing he might not see them again. He reviews his ministry among them (Acts 20:18-21), warns them about future dangers from within and without the church (Acts 20:29-31), and models servant leadership (Acts 20:33-35). Verse 22 sets the immediate stage for his risky travel, explicitly stating the divine compulsion behind his decision to head to a place where he anticipates significant hardship, which is then detailed in verse 23. Historically, Jerusalem was a complex environment for Paul; while it was the birthplace of the church, it also housed zealous factions opposed to his Gentile mission, making his presence there potentially volatile.
Acts 20 22 Word analysis
- And now (καὶ νῦν, kai nyn): Indicates a transition or a decisive point in time, emphasizing the immediacy and resolve of his current action. It introduces the present state of his journey.
- compelled (δεδεμένος, dedemenos): This is a perfect passive participle from the verb deō (δέω), meaning "to bind," "to tie," or "to imprison." Here, it signifies a strong internal spiritual compulsion or being "bound" in his spirit by an irresistible divine force, rather than an external physical constraint at this point. It denotes a settled, inescapable conviction. This suggests a surrender to God's will.
- by the Spirit (τῷ πνεύματι, tō pneumati): The dative case points to the Holy Spirit as the direct agent or instrument of this compulsion. It emphasizes that Paul's motivation is not personal ambition, human prudence, or emotional fervor, but a clear, forceful leading from the divine. It clarifies that the "binding" is a spiritual one.
- I am going (πορεύομαι, poreuomai): A present indicative verb, conveying a definite and ongoing action. Paul is actively moving towards Jerusalem.
- to Jerusalem (εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα, eis Hierosolyma): The specific destination, fraught with known dangers for Paul from various groups.
- not knowing (μὴ εἰδώς, mē eidōs): Mē is the subjective negative particle, indicating Paul’s awareness of his own lack of specific foresight regarding what will happen, yet his faith proceeds regardless. He is not in ignorance of potential danger (Acts 20:23 states he knows bonds and afflictions await), but of the precise nature and timing of the events. It reflects trust in God over knowledge of future events.
- what will happen to me there (τὰ συναντήσοντά μοι ἐκεῖ, ta synantēsonta moi ekei): Literally "the things that will meet me there." A circumlocution for the impending difficulties, trials, and persecutions that Paul intuitively (and Spirit-revealed, as in v.23) knew awaited him in Jerusalem.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- "And now, compelled by the Spirit": This phrase highlights the urgency and the divine origin of Paul's decision. His human will is submitted to, and overshadowed by, the Holy Spirit's direction. It is a powerful statement of Spirit-led discipleship, indicating an inescapable divine summons.
- "I am going to Jerusalem": A simple, declarative statement of his definite itinerary and destination, despite its known peril. It reveals Paul's focused obedience to the Spirit's leading, regardless of the consequences.
- "not knowing what will happen to me there": This segment juxtaposes Paul's obedience with his lack of detailed foreknowledge, emphasizing his radical trust in God. It's not a blind decision, but a surrendered one, trusting that God's plan is good even when the path ahead is obscured by uncertainty regarding specific challenges.
Acts 20 22 Bonus section
- The strength of "δεδεμένος" (dedemenos, "compelled" or "bound") is akin to the feeling described by Jeremiah: "His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot" (Jer 20:9). This internal, divine "binding" is a key characteristic of many prophetic and apostolic callings, where the commission becomes an inescapable part of one's being.
- Paul's journey to Jerusalem has often been compared to Jesus's resolute movement towards Jerusalem where He was to suffer and die (Lk 9:51; Mk 10:32). This parallel reinforces Paul’s identity as an imitator of Christ, embracing the path of suffering for the gospel's sake.
- The tension between God's sovereign will and human warnings is palpable here and in subsequent verses (Acts 21:4, 12). While human prophecies and entreaties to avoid Jerusalem emerged, Paul remained unswayed, discerning a higher, divine directive. This highlights that obedience to God's direct leading often requires setting aside even well-intentioned advice from others, however spiritual.
Acts 20 22 Commentary
Acts 20:22 stands as a profound testament to Paul’s unwavering commitment to his divine calling and his profound submission to the Holy Spirit. Paul, often misunderstood and opposed, here reaffirms his inner resolve. The "compulsion" is not one of physical force but a deep, unshakeable conviction instilled by the Spirit, driving him towards a destination he knows will bring hardship. This speaks volumes about the nature of true spiritual leadership – prioritizing divine obedience above personal safety or pragmatic concerns. It reflects a Christ-like resolve, echoing Jesus setting His face towards Jerusalem despite knowing the cross awaited. Paul's ignorance of specific outcomes underscores his radical faith; he knew suffering was inevitable (as clarified in v.23), but trusted God for the details of its manifestation. This verse offers a powerful model for believers: discerning and obeying the Spirit's leading even when the path is difficult and the future unclear, understanding that obedience to God often precedes full revelation.