Acts 20:22

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

And {G2532} now {G3568}, behold {G2400}, I {G1473} go {G4198} bound {G1210} in the spirit {G4151} unto {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}, not {G3361} knowing {G1492} the things that shall befall {G4876} me {G3427} there {G1722}{G846}:

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Yerushalayim. I don’t know what will happen to me there,

And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Acts 20:22 captures a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's ministry, revealing his resolute determination and profound faith as he anticipates a challenging future. Speaking to the Ephesian elders, Paul declares his divinely compelled journey to Jerusalem, even though the exact nature of the trials awaiting him remains unknown.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's emotional farewell address to the elders of the church in Ephesus, whom he met in Miletus (Acts 20:17). Having completed his third missionary journey, Paul is now making his way back to Jerusalem, fully aware that significant hardship awaits him there. His earlier resolve to visit Jerusalem is noted in Acts 19:21. This discourse serves as Paul's final instructions and encouragement to these leaders, reflecting his deep pastoral heart and commitment to the gospel, even in the face of impending suffering.

Key Themes

  • Divine Compulsion and Obedience: Paul's declaration, "I go bound in the spirit," speaks to an overwhelming inner conviction and spiritual necessity. He is not merely choosing to go, but feels compelled by the Holy Spirit to undertake this journey, demonstrating profound obedience to God's will despite the risks.
  • Faith Amidst Uncertainty: The phrase "not knowing the things that shall befall me there" highlights Paul's willingness to step into an unknown and potentially dangerous future. His trust is placed entirely in God's sovereignty, mirroring the faith of figures like Abraham, who went out "not knowing whither he went" (Hebrews 11:8).
  • Anticipation of Suffering: Paul's words implicitly acknowledge the warnings he has received about impending trials. This theme of suffering for Christ's sake is central to his ministry and is further elaborated upon in subsequent verses, such as the prophecy of Agabus in Acts 21:11.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bound in the spirit" translates the Greek dedemenos tō pneumati. This can be understood in a few ways, but the most prominent interpretation suggests an intense inner compulsion or spiritual constraint. It's not a physical binding but a powerful, irresistible leading by the Holy Spirit. Paul feels spiritually tethered or committed to this course of action, indicating that his journey is not a personal choice but a divine assignment.

Practical Application

Acts 20:22 offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Trusting God's Leading: We are encouraged to cultivate a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance, even when the path ahead is unclear or fraught with potential difficulties.
  • Courage in the Face of the Unknown: Paul's example inspires us to step forward in faith, trusting God's plan and presence, even when we don't have all the answers about what tomorrow holds.
  • Commitment to God's Call: This verse reminds us that true discipleship often involves sacrifice and a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel, prioritizing God's will above personal comfort or safety.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • James 4:14

    Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:14

    For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

  • Luke 18:31

    ¶ Then he took [unto him] the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

  • Luke 18:33

    And they shall scourge [him], and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

  • 2 Peter 1:14

    Knowing that shortly I must put off [this] my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

  • Luke 12:50

    But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

  • Acts 21:11

    And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver [him] into the hands of the Gentiles.

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