Acts 21:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he was come {G2064} unto {G4314} us {G2248},{G2532} he took {G142} Paul's {G3972} girdle {G2223}, and {G5037} bound {G1210} his own {G846} hands {G5495} and {G2532} feet {G4228}, and said {G2036}, Thus {G3592} saith {G3004} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, So {G3779} shall {G1210} the Jews {G2453} at {G1722} Jerusalem {G2419} bind {G1210} the man {G435} that {G3739} owneth {G2076} this {G3778} girdle {G2223}, and {G2532} shall deliver {G3860} him into {G1519} the hands {G5495} of the Gentiles {G1484}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to visit us. He took Sha’ul’s belt, tied up his own hands and feet and said, “Here is what the Ruach HaKodesh says: the man who owns this belt — the Judeans in Yerushalayim will tie him up just like this and hand him over to the Goyim.”

Berean Standard Bible

Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.’”

American Standard Version

And coming to us, and taking Paul’s girdle, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, Thus saith the Holy Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:11 vividly recounts the prophet Agabus's dramatic and divinely inspired prophecy concerning the Apostle Paul's impending arrest and suffering in Jerusalem. Through a symbolic act of binding his own hands and feet with Paul's girdle, Agabus declared that the Jews in Jerusalem would bind Paul and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles, a clear foretelling of the trials and imprisonment that awaited the apostle as he resolutely pursued his mission to the capital city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter part of the book of Acts, specifically during Paul's final journey to Jerusalem. Prior to Agabus's arrival, Paul and his companions had reached Caesarea, staying at the home of Philip the evangelist. The narrative in [Acts 20](/acts/20 "Acts 20 - Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders") and [Acts 21](/acts/21 "Acts 21 - Paul's Journey to Jerusalem and Arrest") repeatedly emphasizes Paul's resolute determination to go to Jerusalem, despite numerous warnings from various disciples and the Holy Spirit itself about the dangers awaiting him there. Agabus's prophecy, therefore, serves as the most potent and visually striking confirmation of these previous, less specific warnings, intensifying the dramatic tension leading up to Paul's arrival and subsequent arrest, as detailed from [Acts 21:27](/acts/21-27 "Acts 21:27 - Paul's Arrest in the Temple") onwards.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Prophetic actions, such as Agabus's use of Paul's girdle to bind himself, were a well-established practice in ancient Israel, frequently employed by Old Testament prophets to convey divine messages with impactful visual clarity. Examples include Jeremiah wearing a yoke ([Jeremiah 27:2](/jeremiah/27-2 "Jeremiah 27:2 - Jeremiah's Prophecy of Yoke")) or Isaiah walking naked ([Isaiah 20:3](/isaiah/20-3 "Isaiah 20:3 - Isaiah's Prophetic Sign")). The "girdle" (Greek: _zōnē_) was a common item, a belt used to secure outer garments, carry money, or hold tools, making Paul's specific girdle a personal and tangible object for the prophecy. The prophecy's mention of "the Jews at Jerusalem" delivering Paul "into the hands of the Gentiles" reflects the complex political and judicial realities of first-century Judea, where Jewish authorities had limited power to execute capital punishment and often relied on Roman (Gentile) oversight for serious legal matters, especially those involving Roman citizens or significant public disturbance.
* **Key Themes:** Agabus's prophecy in [Acts 21:11](/acts/21-11 "Acts 21:11 - Agabus's Prophecy to Paul") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Acts. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Warning and Guidance**, demonstrating how the Holy Spirit actively communicates with and prepares God's servants for future challenges, even those involving suffering. Secondly, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God** over human events, revealing that Paul's impending trials were not accidental but part of a divine plan. Thirdly, the passage reinforces the theme of **Paul's Unwavering Resolve and Obedience**, as he chooses to proceed to Jerusalem despite the clear and dramatic warning, embodying his earlier declaration that he was "ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" ([Acts 21:13](/acts/21-13 "Acts 21:13 - Paul's Resolve")). Finally, it foreshadows the **Suffering for the Gospel** that is a recurring motif in Paul's ministry and a reality for many early Christians, positioning Paul's imprisonment as a means through which the Gospel would continue to advance, even reaching the highest echelons of Roman power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bind (Greek, _déō'_):** This primary verb signifies to "bind" in various applications, literally or figuratively, encompassing concepts like being in "bonds," "knitting," "tying," or "winding." In Agabus's prophetic action and subsequent declaration, the term literally describes the physical restraint of hands and feet, symbolizing Paul's impending arrest and imprisonment. It conveys a sense of being constrained and losing freedom.
* **deliver (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This verb means to "surrender," "yield up," "entrust," or "transmit." In the context of Acts 21:11, it specifically refers to the act of handing Paul over from the Jewish authorities to the Roman (Gentile) powers. This term carries significant weight, echoing the "delivery" of Jesus to His persecutors and highlighting the legal and political process through which Paul would undergo his trials.
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos'_):** Derived from a root meaning "race" or "tribe," this term specifically refers to foreign, non-Jewish people, often with the implication of being pagan. In this verse, "Gentiles" refers to the Roman authorities who would take custody of Paul after the Jewish leaders initiated his arrest, signifying the broader, international scope of Paul's impending trials and the ultimate reach of his ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he was come unto us":** This clause establishes the setting, indicating Agabus's arrival among Paul and his companions in Caesarea, at the house of Philip. It sets the stage for the direct, personal delivery of the prophecy.
* **"he took Paul's girdle":** This describes the first action of Agabus's prophetic demonstration. By taking Paul's personal item, the girdle, Agabus makes the prophecy highly specific and personal to Paul, symbolizing a transfer of the impending fate.
* **"and bound his own hands and feet":** This is the core of the prophetic action. Agabus physically enacts the future suffering of Paul upon himself, creating a vivid and unforgettable visual representation of Paul's future imprisonment and loss of freedom.
* **"and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost":** This crucial phrase authenticates the prophecy, declaring it to be a direct, authoritative message from the Holy Spirit, not merely Agabus's personal prediction. It emphasizes divine revelation and guidance.
* **"So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle":** This is the direct prophetic declaration. It foretells that Paul, the owner of the girdle, will be bound by the Jewish people in Jerusalem. This identifies the primary agents and the location of Paul's initial arrest.
* **"and shall deliver [him] into the hands of the Gentiles":** This final part of the prophecy specifies the ultimate outcome of the Jewish action: Paul's handover to Roman (Gentile) authority. This foreshadows the long period of Roman custody, trials, and appeals that would define the remainder of Paul's narrative in Acts.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 21:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Prophetic Action**, where Agabus performs a symbolic deed—binding himself with Paul's girdle—to dramatize the future event. This physical enactment makes the prophecy visceral and memorable, a common technique among Old Testament prophets. Closely related is **Symbolism**, where the girdle itself symbolizes Paul's person, and the act of binding symbolizes his impending imprisonment and loss of freedom. The hands and feet represent Paul's ability to act and move, which will be constrained. The entire verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, providing a clear and specific preview of Paul's arrest by Jewish authorities in Jerusalem and his subsequent delivery into Roman custody, events that unfold in detail in the subsequent chapters of Acts. This foreshadowing builds narrative tension and highlights the divine foreknowledge guiding Paul's journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:11 profoundly illustrates the reality that divine calling often entails suffering, yet God graciously provides warnings and preparation for His servants. It underscores the Holy Spirit's active role in guiding believers, not always to prevent hardship, but to equip them with foreknowledge and strengthen their resolve. Paul's determined response to this prophecy, as seen in [Acts 21:13](/acts/21-13 "Acts 21:13 - Paul's Resolve"), exemplifies a profound commitment to Christ's mission that transcends personal safety, demonstrating that obedience to God's will may lead one into difficult circumstances for the sake of the Gospel. This passage reminds us that suffering for Christ is not a sign of divine abandonment, but often an integral part of advancing His kingdom.

* [Acts 20:22-23](/acts/20-22-23 "Acts 20:22-23 - Paul's Spirit-Bound Journey to Jerusalem")
* [Philippians 1:29](/philippians/1-29 "Philippians 1:29 - Suffering for Christ")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Agabus's prophecy to Paul serves as a powerful reminder that following God's will does not guarantee a life free from hardship; in fact, it often leads to trials and persecution, as it did for the Apostle Paul. Yet, this passage also beautifully illustrates God's faithfulness in preparing His servants for what lies ahead. We are not always spared from difficulty, but we can trust that God will equip us with the necessary strength, wisdom, and foreknowledge. Paul's unwavering commitment, even in the face of such a stark warning, challenges us to examine the depth of our own dedication to Christ and His mission. Are we willing to embrace potential suffering for the sake of the Gospel, trusting in God's sovereign plan even when it leads us down a difficult path? This passage encourages us to cultivate a spirit of resilience and faith, knowing that our ultimate hope rests not in earthly comfort, but in Christ's unfailing presence and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond to warnings or premonitions of difficulty in my own life or ministry?**
* **In what ways might God be preparing me for future challenges, even if He doesn't remove the challenge itself?**
* **What does Paul's resolve in the face of suffering teach me about my own commitment to Christ and His mission?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when His path for me involves hardship or discomfort?**

### FAQ
**Why did Agabus perform a symbolic action instead of just speaking the prophecy?**

Answer: Agabus's symbolic action of taking Paul's girdle and binding his own hands and feet was a powerful and memorable way to convey the divine message. This practice, known as prophetic action, was common among Old Testament prophets (e.g., Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah) who often used visual demonstrations to make their prophecies more impactful and unforgettable. The visual aid made the message more vivid and personal, emphasizing the certainty and gravity of Paul's impending suffering. It ensured that the listeners, including Paul, fully grasped the nature of the warning.

**What is the significance of "the Jews at Jerusalem" delivering Paul "into the hands of the Gentiles"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the specific sequence of events and the political realities of the time. "The Jews at Jerusalem" refers to the Jewish religious and civic authorities who would instigate Paul's arrest, motivated by their opposition to his preaching of the Gospel, particularly concerning the inclusion of Gentiles and the perceived disregard for Mosaic Law ([Acts 21:27-28](/acts/21-27-28 "Acts 21:27-28 - Jewish Accusations Against Paul")). Their delivery of Paul "into the hands of the Gentiles" signifies his transfer to the Roman authorities. Under Roman rule, Jewish councils like the Sanhedrin had limited power to execute capital punishment or detain Roman citizens indefinitely. Thus, the prophecy accurately foretold that Paul's Jewish accusers would hand him over to Roman officials for judgment, initiating a series of trials and imprisonments under Roman jurisdiction, as documented throughout the remainder of the book of Acts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Agabus's prophecy concerning Paul's binding and delivery into the hands of the Gentiles finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in Paul's suffering, but as a profound echo and participation in the suffering of Jesus Christ Himself. Just as Agabus dramatically portrayed Paul's future, so too did the prophets of old foreshadow the coming suffering of the Messiah. Jesus, the ultimate "man that owneth this girdle" (referencing His humanity), was likewise bound by His own people, the Jewish authorities, and delivered into the hands of the Gentiles—specifically, the Roman governor Pontius Pilate—to be crucified ([Matthew 27:2](/matthew/27-2 "Matthew 27:2 - Jesus Delivered to Pilate"); [John 18:28-32](/john/18-28-32 "John 18:28-32 - Jesus Before Pilate")). Paul's impending trials and imprisonment, therefore, were not random misfortunes but a direct participation in the "fellowship of Christ's sufferings" ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and His Sufferings")). Through Paul's suffering, the Gospel continued to advance, even reaching Caesar's household ([Philippians 4:22](/philippians/4-22 "Philippians 4:22 - Greetings from Caesar's Household")), mirroring how Christ's death, though a moment of profound suffering, became the very means of salvation for all humanity. Paul's journey to Jerusalem, despite the warnings, reflects Christ's own resolute journey to Jerusalem to face His destiny ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Resolves to Go to Jerusalem")), demonstrating that the path of faithful obedience to God often involves embracing suffering for the greater glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 21:33

Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded [him] to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

1 Samuel 15:27

And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent.

1 Samuel 15:28

And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, [that is] better than thou.

Jeremiah 13:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD unto me, Go and get thee a linen girdle, and put it upon thy loins, and put it not in water.

Jeremiah 13:11

For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.

1 Kings 11:29

And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two [were] alone in the field:

1 Kings 11:31

And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee: