Acts 21 15

Acts 21:15 kjv

And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:15 nkjv

And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:15 niv

After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:15 esv

After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:15 nlt

After this we packed our things and left for Jerusalem.

Acts 21 verses

Acts 21 15 Meaning

Acts 21:15 states the group's resolute action to continue their journey to Jerusalem after a period of rest and specific prophetic warnings. Despite emotional pleas from fellow believers, Paul and his companions deliberately packed their belongings and commenced the ascent to the Holy City, signifying their commitment to God's intended path for Paul, which involved suffering for the Gospel there.

Acts 21 15 Context

Acts 21:15 occurs at a pivotal moment at the close of Paul's third missionary journey. Chapters 19 and 20 detail his work in Ephesus and his subsequent journey through Macedonia and Greece, culminating in a final address to the Ephesian elders in Miletus, where he first indicated an impending journey to Jerusalem despite being "bound by the Spirit" (Acts 20:22). As Paul and his companions sail towards Jerusalem, they encounter believers in Tyre and then Caesarea who, under prophetic inspiration (or heartfelt concern), warn him of the severe suffering awaiting him in Jerusalem, even directly imploring him not to go (Acts 21:4, 10-14). Agabus the prophet dramatically illustrates Paul's impending arrest. Despite these explicit warnings and the emotional appeals of his companions, Paul remains unwavering, expressing his readiness not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the Lord Jesus (Acts 21:13). This verse, therefore, marks the decisive and determined step, immediately following these intense emotional and spiritual encounters, to fulfill what Paul believes to be God's direct call, regardless of the consequences. Historically, Jerusalem was the spiritual capital and focal point for Jewish pilgrimages, often fraught with political and religious tensions during Roman rule, making any such visit for Paul potentially dangerous.

Acts 21 15 Word analysis

• After these days: (Greek: Μετὰ δὲ τὰς ἡμέρας ταύτας - Meta de tas hēmeras tautas).
  • Word: "After". Denotes chronological sequence, referring to the preceding time, specifically the stay in Caesarea (Acts 21:7-14) which included the prophecies of Agabus. It emphasizes that this action followed the significant warnings.
  • Significance: Highlights that the decision to proceed was not impulsive but came after a period of contemplation, spiritual interaction, and direct warnings. The de ("but," "and," "now") indicates a transition or a turn of events, marking the beginning of the next phase of the journey.
• we got ready: (Greek: ἀποσκευασάμενοι - aposkeuasamenoi).
  • Word: "got ready". Literally means "having packed up baggage" or "having freed ourselves of baggage for marching." It's an active aorist participle, suggesting a definite and completed action of preparing their things.
  • Significance: Implies deliberate, thorough preparation for a journey, especially after a period of resting or staying in one place. It signifies commitment and an understanding of the gravity or potential duration of the trip. It contrasts with a casual departure, indicating intent. This preparation includes gathering what is needed, possibly recognizing a long and difficult path ahead.
• and started on our way: (Greek: ἀνεβαίνομεν - anebainomen).
  • Word: "started on our way". Imperfect tense of anabainō, meaning "to go up," "to ascend." The imperfect tense here indicates the commencement of an action or a continuous movement.
  • Significance: Not merely "went," but "went up," reflecting Jerusalem's geographical elevation, making the journey an "ascent" (literally and metaphorically). The imperfect tense subtly conveys the act of beginning the upward journey, initiating the arduous task rather than merely stating arrival. This implies Paul and his companions had a clear destination and began the physical exertion of ascending to it.
• to Jerusalem: (Greek: εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα - eis Hierosolyma).
  • Word: "Jerusalem". The holy city, the capital of Judea, and the spiritual heartland of Judaism. It was also the place where Jesus was crucified and resurrected, and where the early church was established.
  • Significance: This destination held immense significance for Paul—both personal (it was the focal point of the Law he once upheld and the place where his spiritual transformation would face its ultimate test) and eschatological (the gathering point for the Jewish people and the site of Christ's passion). It was prophesied as a place of suffering for Paul, yet also a place of divine purpose and ultimate vindication through Christ's sacrifice. Paul was also delivering financial aid from Gentile churches to the poor believers in Jerusalem, strengthening the bond between Jewish and Gentile Christians (Rom 15:25-27).

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "After these days we got ready": This phrase encapsulates the group's conscious and deliberate choice following a period of discernment. "We" indicates the communal involvement of Luke (the author) and Paul's other companions, sharing in Paul's conviction and decision. The active "got ready" shows a preparedness for the road ahead, knowing it held trials.
• "and started on our way to Jerusalem": This highlights the unified direction and purpose. The action of "going up" not only denotes a physical ascent but often carries spiritual significance in biblical narratives, representing moving towards a higher purpose or a divine appointment, even if it entails difficulty and suffering. It's the point of no return.

Acts 21 15 Bonus section

• The collective "we" includes Luke, the author of Acts, indicating his personal involvement and eyewitness account of this resolute decision and journey.
• Paul's determination, even against prophetic warnings that might appear contradictory (Acts 21:4), highlights a deeper spiritual discernment that distinguishes the nature of the prophecy (warning of suffering) from its intent (to deter from God's will). Paul saw the warnings as revealing the path, not preventing it.
• This verse illustrates a moment where human affection and divine calling diverge, showcasing Paul's profound commitment to his ministry call.
• The ascent to Jerusalem had practical implications for safety. Journeys up to Jerusalem from the coast (like Caesarea) involved significant elevation gain through potentially rugged terrain, underscoring the physical and spiritual readiness required.
• Paul was not oblivious to the dangers; his readiness implies a conscious embrace of suffering for the sake of the Gospel and for bringing the Gentile offering to the saints in Jerusalem, symbolizing unity.

Acts 21 15 Commentary

Acts 21:15 is a concise yet powerful verse that marks a critical turning point in Paul's journey, revealing his unshakeable resolve to follow God's calling despite grave personal cost. It stands as a testament to obedience overriding comfort and safety. Following intense warnings and pleas from devoted believers, Paul, joined by Luke and others ("we"), makes a decisive and final commitment to proceed. The phrase "got ready" (ἀποσκευασάμενοι) is potent, suggesting thorough packing for a difficult, potentially one-way journey, highlighting the deliberate nature of their readiness. "Started on our way up" (ἀνεβαίνομεν) to Jerusalem further emphasizes the upward ascent, a literal journey to a high-elevation city that also carried deep symbolic weight as the locus of both God's presence and intense spiritual conflict. This action showcases Paul's firm conviction that God's plan for him, even if it led to suffering, was paramount, mirroring Christ's own resolute journey to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). It signifies an exemplary trust in divine leading over human emotion and counsel, demonstrating that true spiritual readiness includes embracing the path of suffering if that is where God leads.