Acts 21:13

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Then {G1161} Paul {G3972} answered {G611}, What {G5101} mean ye {G4160} to weep {G2799} and {G2532} to break {G4919} mine {G3450} heart {G2588}? for {G1063} I {G1473} am {G2192} ready {G2093} not {G3756} to be bound {G1210} only {G3440}, but {G2532} also {G235} to die {G599} at {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419} for {G5228} the name {G3686} of the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}.

but Sha’ul answered, “What are you doing, crying and trying to weaken my resolve? I am prepared not only to be tied up, but even to die in Yerushalayim for the name of the Lord Yeshua.”

Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Then Paul answered, What do ye, weeping and breaking my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

In Acts 21:13, the Apostle Paul expresses his resolute commitment to the Lord Jesus, even in the face of certain suffering and death. This verse encapsulates Paul's deep spiritual conviction and his willingness to pay the ultimate price for the sake of the Gospel.

Context

This powerful declaration comes during Paul's final journey to Jerusalem, a journey fraught with prophetic warnings. Throughout his travels, the Holy Spirit had repeatedly indicated that "bonds and afflictions" awaited him in Jerusalem (Acts 20:23). Just prior to this verse, the prophet Agabus had dramatically illustrated Paul's impending arrest by binding himself with Paul's belt (Acts 21:11). The believers, deeply distressed and weeping, pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem, fearing for his life. Paul's response here is not one of insensitivity, but of unwavering devotion, acknowledging their sorrow while reaffirming his divine calling.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Faith and Dedication: Paul's response highlights a faith so profound that it transcends personal fear and emotional pleas from loved ones. His commitment to Christ is absolute.
  • Self-Sacrifice for the Gospel: The verse powerfully illustrates the concept of taking up one's cross, where Paul is ready to endure not just imprisonment, but also death, for the "name of the Lord Jesus." This signifies for His honor, glory, and cause.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: This passage serves as a stark reminder that following Christ can involve significant personal cost, including suffering and martyrdom, a theme echoed in other New Testament writings (2 Timothy 3:12).
  • Divine Will Over Human Emotion: While genuinely touched by their sorrow (to "break mine heart"), Paul prioritizes God's revealed will and his mission above the understandable human desire for safety and comfort.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "to break mine heart" (Greek: synthryptō, συνθρύπτω) literally means "to crush together" or "to shatter." It conveys the profound emotional impact their weeping had on Paul, indicating that he was not stoic but deeply affected by their distress. Yet, despite this emotional burden, his resolve remained firm. His declaration "I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die" emphasizes a complete and utter surrender to God's purpose, indicating a readiness for the ultimate sacrifice.

Practical Application

Paul's example in Acts 21:13 challenges believers today to examine the depth of their own commitment to Christ. Are we willing to prioritize God's will even when it leads to discomfort, opposition, or personal sacrifice? This verse encourages a steadfastness in faith, reminding us that true discipleship often requires courage and an unwavering dedication to the "name of the Lord Jesus," regardless of the cost. It calls us to live with a similar Christ-centered purpose, ready to face whatever comes for the sake of the Gospel.

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.

  • Acts 20:24

    But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

  • Philippians 1:20

    According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.

  • Philippians 1:21

    ¶ For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.

  • Philippians 2:17

    Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

  • Romans 8:35

    Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

  • Romans 8:37

    Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

  • 2 Timothy 4:6

    For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

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