Acts 21:18 kjv
And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
Acts 21:18 nkjv
On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
Acts 21:18 niv
The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present.
Acts 21:18 esv
On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
Acts 21:18 nlt
The next day Paul went with us to meet with James, and all the elders of the Jerusalem church were present.
Acts 21 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 14:27 | ...how God had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. | Paul reporting to the church |
| Romans 15:16 | ...that I might be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles... | Paul's priestly service |
| 1 Cor 1:17 | ...Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel... | Gospel commission focus |
| Eph 3:8 | ...to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. | Grace to Gentiles |
| Col 1:27 | ... Christ in you, the hope of glory. | Indwelling Christ |
| Gal 2:9 | ...that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. | Apostolic recognition |
| Rom 1:5 | ...for his name among all the nations. | Grace and apostleship |
| Acts 15:12 | ... Barnabas and Paul related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. | Shared testimony |
| 1 Pet 4:10 | ...each has received a gift, use it to serve one another... | Stewardship of gifts |
| John 15:16 | You did not choose me, but I chose you... | Christ's choice |
| Acts 20:24 | ... to testify the gospel of the grace of God. | Paul's purpose |
| Eph 2:10 | For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus... | New creation |
| Phil 1:12 | ...the things that have happened have actually advanced the gospel... | Gospel advancement |
| Rom 11:13 | ...I will appeal to you Gentiles specifically... | Apostle to Gentiles |
| Acts 11:18 | ... Then God has granted repentance that gives life to the Gentiles also. | Gentiles' repentance |
| 1 Cor 9:23 | ...so that I may share its blessings. | Participation in the gospel |
| Gal 3:14 | ...so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles... | Abrahamic blessing |
| Rom 4:11 | ...he is the father of all who believe without being circumcised... | Faith and circumcision |
| Acts 13:47 | ...for so the Lord has commanded us, saying, "I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the remotest coast of the earth." | Isaiah's prophecy fulfillment |
| John 12:32 | And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. | Christ's universal draw |
Acts 21 verses
Acts 21 18 Meaning
The elders in Jerusalem welcomed Paul, acknowledging God's work among the Gentiles. They rejoiced, recognizing the expansion of God's kingdom.
Acts 21 18 Context
This verse occurs after Paul's arrival in Jerusalem. He has come with an offering for the poor believers in Jerusalem from the Gentile churches he has founded. The Jerusalem church, particularly the elders, expresses joy and praise to God upon hearing of the success of Paul's ministry among the Gentiles. This event highlights the unity and acceptance of Gentile believers into the community of faith, a significant development following the council's decision in Acts 15.
Acts 21 18 Word Analysis
anagiellontōn: (ἀναγγελλόντων) present participle, genitive plural of ἀναγγέλλω (anaggellō), meaning "to announce," "report," or "declare." They were in the process of announcing or reporting.
de: (δὲ) a conjunction, meaning "but," "and," or "however." It indicates a contrast or continuation.
theon: (θεόν) accusative singular of θεός (theos), meaning "God." Paul and his companions were recounting what God had done.
diegesantō: (διηγήσαντο) 3rd person plural, aorist indicative of διηγέομαι (diegeomai), meaning "to relate in detail," "narrate," or "explain." This signifies a detailed account.
te: (τε) a particle, often meaning "and" or "also," connecting elements of the narrative.
ha: (ἣ) relative pronoun, neuter plural accusative of ὅς (hos), "which" or "what."
poiesas: (ποιῆσαι) aorist infinitive active of ποιέω (poieō), "to do," "make," or "accomplish." It refers to the acts accomplished.
autō: (αὐτῷ) dative singular pronoun, referring to God, "by him."
en: (ἐν) preposition, meaning "in."
tois: (τοῖς) dative plural article, "the."
ethnesin: (ἔθνεσιν) dative plural of ἔθνος (ethnos), meaning "nations" or "Gentiles." Pertaining to the Gentiles.
words-group by words-group analysis data:
- "and when we had come to Jerusalem, the elders rejoiced upon hearing..." – This phrase shows the warm reception Paul received and their immediate recognition of divine intervention in his ministry. The emphasis is on their joyful response.
- "...what God had accomplished through him among the Gentiles." – This clarifies the source of their joy and praise: the specific evidence of God's work in bringing salvation to the non-Jewish people. The focus is on God's sovereign action manifested through Paul.
Acts 21 18 Bonus Section
The elders' positive reaction stands in contrast to the legalistic factions within Judaism and the church who often challenged Paul's ministry. Their gladness underscores a unified understanding of God's saving grace being extended universally. This event reinforces the early church's recognition of the unfolding divine plan of salvation encompassing all people, a theme frequently discussed in their letters and ministries.
Acts 21 18 Commentary
The elders' immediate response of rejoicing and giving glory to God is significant. It demonstrates their acknowledgment that the success of the gospel among the Gentiles was not Paul's achievement but God's. This affirms the early church's understanding of divine initiative and empowerment in evangelism. Their acceptance of this fact shows maturity in their faith, moving beyond ethnic limitations. They recognized God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham, now being fulfilled.