Acts 21 14

Acts 21:14 kjv

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

Acts 21:14 nkjv

So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be done."

Acts 21:14 niv

When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done."

Acts 21:14 esv

And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, "Let the will of the Lord be done."

Acts 21:14 nlt

When it was clear that we couldn't persuade him, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done."

Acts 21 verses

Acts 21 14 Meaning

Acts 21:14 captures a moment of profound spiritual surrender where the deeply concerned companions of Paul, having failed to dissuade him from a perilous journey to Jerusalem, ceased their objections and yielded to God's sovereign will. It signifies an acceptance of divine purpose even when that path leads to hardship, recognizing that the Lord's plan takes precedence over human anxieties or desires. This verse marks the disciples' transition from urgent plea to solemn submission, acknowledging that Paul's path was orchestrated by God.

Acts 21 14 Context

Acts 21:14 occurs during Paul's final journey to Jerusalem. Chapter 21 opens with Paul, despite numerous prophetic warnings and fervent pleas from fellow believers, resolutely determined to reach Jerusalem. Specifically, in verses 10-11, the prophet Agabus uses a dramatic illustration, binding himself with Paul's belt, to foretell Paul's capture and surrender to the Gentiles in Jerusalem. This dire prophecy deeply distressed Paul's companions and local disciples, who passionately implored him not to go, fearing for his safety and life. Paul, however, was unwavering, stating he was ready "not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 21:13). Faced with his unyielding resolve and profound conviction, the believers realized their efforts were futile. The verse encapsulates their painful surrender to divine providence, acknowledging that God's plan, however difficult, would unfold. Historically, Jerusalem was a perilous place for Paul due to zealous Jewish factions who considered him an apostate and enemy of Jewish law, making the believers' concerns highly justified.

Acts 21 14 Word analysis

• When (ὡς - hōs): A temporal and comparative particle, here indicating a point in time or a resultant state, signifying "as, when, since." It marks the moment of their realization.
• he would not be persuaded (μὴ πειθομένου αὐτοῦ - mē peithomenou autou): Lit. "he not being persuaded." This Greek construction, using the negative particle mē with a genitive participle, vividly portrays Paul's unwavering and firm conviction. It emphasizes his absolute refusal to change his mind, indicating an unassailable resolution guided by divine impulse, not mere stubbornness. Paul’s inner conviction was rooted in the Holy Spirit's leading, despite the Spirit's warnings of suffering (Acts 20:22-23).
• we gave up (ἡσυχάσαμεν - hēsuchasamen): From hēsuchazō, meaning "to be quiet, be silent, cease, rest, abstain from labor or strife." Here, it signifies the cessation of their efforts to convince Paul, a yielding from active persuasion to quiet acceptance. It was an act of resignation, not defeat, but recognizing the sovereignty of God over their desires.
• and said (λέγοντες - legontes): A present participle, indicating a concurrent action, as they quieted their arguments, they vocalized their acceptance.
• The Lord's (τοῦ κυρίου - tou Kyriou): Referring specifically to God, the divine Lord. It is not an abstract concept but the personal, sovereign God revealed through Jesus Christ, whose will directs all things. It underscores the ultimate authority behind the unfolding events.
• will (θέλημα - thelēma): This word denotes "what one wishes, a desire, purpose, or will." In the context of God, it signifies His sovereign intention, His deliberate plan and design. It is not merely God's permission but His active purpose being worked out.
• be done (γενέσθω - genesthō): An imperative mood verb of ginomai ("to become, to happen, to be"), expressing a command or desire that something should happen. Here, it functions as a solemn prayer and an expression of submission: "let it happen, may it come to pass."

• "When he would not be persuaded": This phrase highlights Paul's profound commitment to his divine mission. It signifies a spiritual fortitude rooted in his calling, resisting the well-meaning but humanly-driven appeals of his beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. It's a testament to his understanding that God's purposes for him, even involving suffering, superseded his personal comfort or the concerns of others.
• "we gave up and said": This sequence marks a crucial turning point for Paul's companions. It illustrates the painful shift from human intervention and desperate pleas to a humble acknowledgement of divine sovereignty. Their ceasing to persuade and their subsequent utterance were acts of profound faith, placing God's unchangeable will above their emotional distress and logical reasoning concerning Paul's safety.
• "The Lord's will be done": This iconic phrase forms the theological core of the verse. It's a statement of ultimate submission to God's plan, echoing the very prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane. It speaks to the recognition that while human intentions and prayers are valid, the supreme will of the Lord governs all things, especially the lives and ministries of His dedicated servants. It acknowledges divine predestination and providence even in circumstances that are challenging or difficult to accept.

Acts 21 14 Bonus section

The utterance "The Lord's will be done" serves as a collective prayer of release and surrender, strongly echoing Jesus' own prayer in Gethsemane (Matt 26:42). This deep spiritual resonance underscores the biblical pattern of submission to God's ultimate design, even when it involves immense personal cost or suffering. For Paul, this commitment was not born of recklessness but from an unshakeable conviction and revelation from the Holy Spirit, understanding that his suffering was an integral part of his commission for Christ (Acts 9:16; 20:23). The episode thus serves as a powerful example for the church, demonstrating that God's purpose for His servants can override human counsel and protective instincts, affirming that faithful discipleship sometimes necessitates walking a path of danger for the sake of the Gospel's advancement. The shared agony and ultimate acceptance by the community around Paul highlight a corporate maturity in discerning and yielding to divine sovereignty.

Acts 21 14 Commentary

Acts 21:14 presents a poignant and powerful illustration of spiritual submission in the face of deep concern and foreboding. Paul’s companions, witnessing his unwavering resolve—a conviction not of stubbornness but of Spirit-led purpose—were forced to concede their attempts to deter him. Their eventual response, "The Lord's will be done," is not merely a statement of resignation but an act of profound faith and trust in God's sovereignty. It signifies their acceptance that God’s plan for Paul, even if it included imprisonment and suffering, was ultimately for a greater divine purpose. This phrase encapsulates the core Christian principle of yielding one's desires and fears to God's higher, often mysterious, will. It reminds believers that divine leading may sometimes require a path of discomfort or danger, but ultimately, God’s perfect will prevails, and submission to it is the truest act of discipleship.

Examples of practical usage:

• When facing an unwelcome diagnosis, prayerfully declare, "The Lord's will be done," seeking God's purpose even within suffering.
• In career choices where an obvious comfortable path contrasts with a challenging calling, reflect on this verse as a call to prioritize God's will.
• When a difficult situation unfolds contrary to all human efforts and desires, surrender with faith that the Lord's will is ultimately being accomplished.