Acts 21:15

¶ And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

And {G1161} after {G3326} those {G5025} days {G2250} we took up our carriages {G643}, and went up {G305} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}.

So at the end of our stay, we packed and went up to Yerushalayim;

After these days, we packed up and went on to Jerusalem.

And after these days we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem.

Commentary

Acts 21:15 marks a significant turning point in the Apostle Paul's journey, highlighting his unwavering resolve to fulfill what he believed was God's will, despite numerous warnings of impending danger.

Context

This verse follows a series of emotional farewells and urgent warnings from disciples in Tyre and Caesarea, who, through the Spirit, implored Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Specifically, the prophet Agabus had prophesied that Paul would be bound in Jerusalem and delivered into the hands of the Gentiles. Despite the tears and pleas of his companions, Paul famously declared his readiness not only to be bound but also to die for the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 21:13). Verse 15 signifies the practical action taken after these intense discussions: the journey to Jerusalem resumed, indicating Paul's firm commitment to his divine mission.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Resolve and Obedience: Paul's determination to go to Jerusalem, even in the face of dire predictions and emotional appeals, underscores his profound commitment to God's calling. He felt "bound in the spirit" to go to Jerusalem, prioritizing divine leading over personal safety or the concerns of others.
  • Preparation for Ministry: The act of "taking up our carriages" symbolizes the preparation for a new phase of ministry, one that would involve suffering and imprisonment, ultimately leading to his journey to Rome.
  • Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Emotion: The narrative presents a tension between the heartfelt warnings of Paul's companions and Paul's conviction that he must obey God's specific directive, even if it leads to hardship. This highlights themes of discerning God's will.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version phrase "took up our carriages" can be misleading to modern readers. In 17th-century English, "carriages" referred to baggage, luggage, or whatever one carried for a journey, not wheeled vehicles. The Greek word used here is aposkeuazomai (ἀποσκευάζομαι), which means "to pack up one's baggage" or "to get ready for a journey by packing." This indicates that Paul and his companions gathered their belongings and prepared to continue their journey to Jerusalem, emphasizing their readiness to move forward.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful lesson on Christian resolve. Like Paul, believers may face situations where God's clear calling leads to difficult or unpopular paths. It challenges us to:

  • Trust God's Leading: Even when the way ahead seems fraught with peril or goes against human advice, discerning and trusting God's will is paramount.
  • Embrace Sacrifice: Following Christ often involves personal cost and sacrifice, requiring a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel (2 Timothy 3:12).
  • Be Prepared: Just as Paul and his company packed their "carriages," we are called to be prepared spiritually and practically for the journey God has for us, knowing that challenges will arise.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 25:6

    And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

  • Acts 25:1

    ¶ Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

  • Acts 18:22

    And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

  • Acts 25:9

    But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
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