Acts 21:14

KJV

And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when he {G846} would {G3982} not {G3361} be persuaded {G3982}, we ceased {G2270}, saying {G2036}, The will {G2307} of the Lord {G2962} be done {G1096}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And when he would not be convinced, we said, “May the Lord’s will be done,” and kept quiet.

Berean Standard Bible

When he would not be dissuaded, we fell silent and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

American Standard Version

And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:14 captures a profound moment of surrender and theological insight as Paul's companions, having failed to dissuade him from a perilous journey to Jerusalem, ultimately yield to his unwavering conviction, declaring their submission to God's sovereign plan. This verse encapsulates a powerful lesson in trusting divine purpose over human fears and desires, even when the path ahead appears fraught with danger.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Paul's third missionary journey, specifically during his stay in Caesarea. It immediately follows a dramatic and emotionally charged scene where the prophet Agabus, using a symbolic act of binding his own hands and feet with Paul's belt, prophesied that Paul would be similarly bound by the Jews in Jerusalem and delivered into the hands of the Gentiles ([Acts 21:10-11](/acts/21-10-11 "Acts 21:10-11 - Agabus's Prophecy to Paul")). This prophecy deeply distressed Paul's traveling companions and the local disciples, who earnestly pleaded with him not to proceed to Jerusalem. Paul, however, remained resolute, expressing his readiness not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus ([Acts 21:13](/acts/21-13 "Acts 21:13 - Paul's Resolve to Suffer for Christ")). Their persistent appeals proved fruitless against Paul's divinely inspired resolve, leading to the pivotal declaration in verse 14.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's journey to Jerusalem was undertaken against a backdrop of significant tension and danger. Jerusalem, as the religious and political heart of Judea, was often a volatile city, especially during festivals when large numbers of pilgrims gathered. Paul, a former Pharisee turned apostle to the Gentiles, was viewed with suspicion and hostility by many Jewish factions who considered him an apostate and a threat to their traditions. Travel in the ancient world was inherently dangerous, involving risks from bandits, natural elements, and political unrest. Furthermore, the concept of divine will and prophecy was deeply ingrained in Jewish thought, and the fulfillment of prophecy, even if it involved suffering, was understood as part of God's unfolding plan. The disciples' initial attempts to persuade Paul were a natural human response to protect a beloved leader from perceived danger, but their eventual submission reflected a profound cultural and theological understanding of God's ultimate authority.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in this passage, and particularly in Acts 21:14, is the **Divine Sovereignty and Will** of God. The phrase "The will of the Lord be done" explicitly acknowledges that God's plan is supreme and will ultimately unfold, regardless of human intervention or desire. This theme is closely intertwined with **Submission and Acceptance**, as Paul's companions move from human persuasion to a profound act of surrender to God's overarching wisdom, even when the path ahead seems perilous. This echoes the ultimate example of submission found in Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Finally, the passage highlights **Faith Amidst Uncertainty**. Despite the ominous prophecy and the clear danger, the believers chose to trust in God's purpose for Paul's life and ministry. This decision reflects a mature faith that embraces uncertainty, confident that God works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **persuaded (Greek, _peíthō_):** This verb, G3982, means "to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty)." In this context, it highlights the disciples' earnest attempts to convince Paul to change his course, emphasizing the futility of human reasoning and emotional appeals against a divinely appointed resolve. Paul's unyielding stance demonstrates that his conviction was not merely stubbornness but a deep reliance on God's authority.
* **ceased (Greek, _hēsycházō_):** Derived from G2270, this word means "to keep still (intransitively), i.e. refrain from labor, meddlesomeness or speech." The companions' "ceasing" signifies an end to their efforts to intervene or alter Paul's path. It implies a quiet resignation, a stopping of their opposition, and a movement towards acceptance of what they now perceived as inevitable and divinely ordained. This cessation is not passive apathy but an active decision to step back and allow God's will to proceed.
* **will (Greek, _thélēma_):** This noun, G2307, refers to "a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination." When the companions declare "The will of the Lord be done," they are not merely expressing a wish or a passive acceptance of fate. Instead, they are acknowledging God's deliberate, fixed intention and purposeful decree for Paul's journey. It denotes a recognition of God's active, sovereign plan unfolding, to which they now submit their own desires and fears.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he would not be persuaded":** This clause highlights Paul's unshakeable resolve. Despite the heartfelt pleas and tears of his companions, motivated by love and concern for his safety, Paul remained steadfast in his conviction to proceed to Jerusalem. This demonstrates his deep spiritual discernment and commitment to what he believed was God's specific call for him, even if it meant suffering.
* **"we ceased":** This signifies the turning point for Paul's companions. Their attempts at persuasion, born of human concern, had reached their limit. Recognizing the futility of further argument against Paul's divinely-inspired determination, they stopped their efforts. This cessation is an act of surrender, moving from human agency to acknowledging a higher, divine authority at work.
* **"saying, The will of the Lord be done":** This is the climactic declaration, expressing profound theological insight and submission. It is an echo of the Lord's Prayer and a powerful affirmation of God's sovereignty. The companions, having exhausted their own means, now defer to God's ultimate plan, accepting that His purpose for Paul's life and ministry will unfold as He intends, regardless of the perceived dangers. It is a statement of trust and faith in God's perfect wisdom and control.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident throughout the preceding narrative, particularly with Agabus's prophecy, which clearly indicates Paul's impending suffering in Jerusalem. This sets a tone of inevitability that culminates in the companions' declaration. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience, having been privy to earlier prophecies concerning Paul's mission to suffer for Christ's name ([Acts 9:16](/acts/9-16 "Acts 9:16 - Ananias's Vision and Paul's Calling")), understands the divine necessity of Paul's journey, even as his companions struggle with it. The phrase "The will of the Lord be done" functions as a powerful **Theological Statement**, articulating a core tenet of Christian faith: the ultimate authority and sovereignty of God's plan over human desires and fears. This statement serves as a resolution to the emotional tension of the scene, ushering in a spirit of humble acceptance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:14 stands as a powerful testament to the sovereignty of God and the necessity of human submission to His divine will. It underscores that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, even when they involve hardship or defy human logic. The companions' declaration is not one of passive resignation, but rather an active acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and a profound trust in His wisdom, even when His path leads through suffering. This echoes the ultimate example of submission to the Father's will found in the life of Jesus, who consistently sought to do the will of Him who sent Him, even to the point of death. The verse invites believers to cultivate a similar posture of trust and surrender, recognizing that God's plans are always good, even if they are not always comfortable.

* [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane"): "Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."
* [Matthew 6:10](/matthew/6-10 "Matthew 6:10 - The Lord's Prayer: Thy Will Be Done"): "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good"): "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 21:14 offers profound and timeless lessons for believers navigating the complexities of faith and life. It challenges us to move beyond our natural inclinations for comfort and safety, and to embrace a deeper trust in God's sovereign plan. There will be moments in our lives, much like Paul's journey, when God's direction for us, or for those we care about, becomes undeniably clear, even if it leads to difficulty or suffering. In such times, true spiritual maturity is demonstrated not by resisting or questioning, but by humbly surrendering our own desires, fears, and understandings to the Lord's perfect will. This surrender is not a sign of weakness, but of profound strength and faith, knowing that God's purposes are always good and ultimately for our greater good and His glory. It encourages us to find peace in the knowledge that He is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic or dangerous, and to trust that His will, though sometimes mysterious, is always righteous and ultimately leads to His desired outcome.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern God's will in our lives, especially when it seems to contradict our desires or lead to hardship?**
* **What does true surrender to God's will look like in practical terms, particularly when facing uncertain or perilous circumstances?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, allowing us to find peace and acceptance even when His plans are unclear or difficult to embrace?**

### FAQ

**What does "The will of the Lord be done" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Acts 21:14, "The will of the Lord be done" signifies the companions' ultimate submission to God's sovereign plan for Paul, even though it involved his suffering and imprisonment. It's an acknowledgment that God's purpose is supreme and will unfold regardless of human desires or efforts to intervene. It is not a passive resignation to fate, but an active declaration of trust in God's ultimate authority and wisdom, echoing the prayer of Jesus in [Matthew 6:10](/matthew/6-10 "Matthew 6:10 - The Lord's Prayer: Thy Will Be Done") and [Luke 11:2](/luke/11-2 "Luke 11:2 - The Lord's Prayer: Thy Will Be Done"). They recognized that Paul's unyielding resolve was not mere stubbornness but a divine imperative, and therefore, further persuasion was futile and contrary to God's unfolding purpose.

**Why did Paul's companions cease persuading him if they were so concerned for his safety?**

Answer: Paul's companions ceased their efforts because they recognized the futility of their human persuasion against what they perceived as God's undeniable will for Paul's life. Despite their deep love and concern, Paul's unwavering determination, coupled with Agabus's clear prophecy, led them to the conclusion that his journey to Jerusalem was divinely ordained. Their cessation was an act of spiritual maturity and surrender, moving from an emotional, human-centered response to a theological acceptance of God's sovereignty. They understood that to continue to resist would be to resist the Lord Himself, leading them to yield and declare, "The will of the Lord be done." This moment highlights the tension between human desire for safety and the divine call to obedience, even unto suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound declaration, "The will of the Lord be done," in Acts 21:14 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Paul's companions submitted to God's will for Paul's suffering for the sake of the Gospel, Jesus perfectly embodied this principle through His entire life and especially in His passion. Jesus consistently declared that His mission was to do the will of the Father who sent Him ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). His prayer in Gethsemane, "not my will, but thine, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")), is the quintessential expression of submission to God's sovereign plan, even when it led to the excruciating suffering of the cross. Paul's willingness to suffer in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus is a direct participation in the suffering of Christ, demonstrating the cost of discipleship and the obedience required to advance God's kingdom. Ultimately, the "will of the Lord" for humanity's salvation was accomplished through Christ's obedient sacrifice and resurrection, making Him the perfect example and the means by which all believers can truly live out the declaration, "The will of the Lord be done" ([Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Christ Comes to Do God's Will"); [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")).

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

Luke 22:42

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

Matthew 26:42

He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

Matthew 26:39

And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou [wilt].

2 Kings 20:19

Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good [is] the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, [Is it] not [good], if peace and truth be in my days?

2 Samuel 15:25

And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me [both] it, and his habitation:

2 Samuel 15:26

But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, [here am] I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.

Matthew 6:10

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven.