Acts 21:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:15 chronicles the resolute continuation of Paul's journey to Jerusalem, following a series of divine warnings and emotional pleas from fellow believers. Despite knowing the dangers that awaited him, Paul, accompanied by Luke and other companions, made the final preparations for their ascent to the Jewish capital, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to God's perceived will and his mission, even if it meant facing imprisonment and suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal transition point, marking the practical execution of Paul's long-anticipated and divinely compelled journey to Jerusalem. It immediately follows the intense and emotional farewells and warnings Paul received in Tyre and Caesarea. In Tyre, disciples, "through the Spirit," urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem ([Acts 21:4](/acts/21-4 "Acts 21:4 - Disciples warn Paul")). In Caesarea, the prophet Agabus dramatically prophesied Paul's impending arrest and delivery to the Gentiles in Jerusalem, using Paul's own belt as a prophetic object lesson ([Acts 21:10-11](/acts/21-10-11 "Acts 21:10-11 - Agabus' prophecy about Paul")). Despite the tears and fervent pleas of his companions, Paul famously declared his readiness to suffer and even die for the name of the Lord Jesus ([Acts 21:13](/acts/21-13 "Acts 21:13 - Paul's resolve to suffer for Christ")). Verse 15, therefore, signifies the decisive action taken after this profound spiritual and emotional struggle, indicating Paul's firm commitment to his divine mission despite all human counsel to the contrary.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's journey to Jerusalem was not merely a personal pilgrimage but a significant undertaking with multiple layers of purpose. Historically, Jerusalem was the spiritual and administrative center of Judaism, and the burgeoning Christian movement still maintained strong ties to the city and its temple. Paul was bringing a collection from the Gentile churches to the impoverished Jewish believers in Jerusalem, an act of solidarity meant to foster unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians ([Romans 15:25-27](/romans/15-25-27 "Romans 15:25-27 - Paul's collection for Jerusalem saints")). Culturally, travel in the ancient world involved careful preparation, often including packing provisions and arranging for lodging. The phrase "went up to Jerusalem" reflects the city's elevated geographical position, requiring an ascent from the coastal plains of Caesarea. For Paul, returning to Jerusalem also meant confronting deep-seated prejudices and accusations from certain Jewish factions who viewed him as an apostate and a threat to their traditions.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 21:15 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **unwavering resolve and obedience to divine calling**. Despite clear warnings and the emotional distress of his friends, Paul's conviction that he was "bound in the Spirit" to go to Jerusalem ([Acts 20:22](/acts/20-22 "Acts 20:22 - Paul bound in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem")) superseded all other considerations. This highlights the theme of **discerning and following God's will**, even when it leads to hardship or suffering. Secondly, the verse implicitly touches upon **preparation for suffering and ministry**. The act of "taking up our carriages" symbolizes a readiness for the arduous path ahead, one that Paul knew would involve imprisonment and trials, ultimately leading to his journey to Rome as a prisoner. Finally, the narrative showcases the tension between **divine sovereignty and human emotion**, where Paul's divinely guided determination triumphs over the well-intentioned but humanly motivated pleas of his companions, emphasizing that God's plan unfolds regardless of perceived obstacles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **carriages (Greek, _aposkeuázō'_):** From G643, this word means "to pack up (one's) baggage." In 17th-century English, "carriages" referred to luggage or personal belongings, not wheeled vehicles. This clarifies that Paul and his companions were gathering and preparing their personal effects for the journey, emphasizing their readiness and mobility rather than a mode of transport.
* **went up (Greek, _anabaínō'_):** From G305, meaning "to go up (literally or figuratively)." This term accurately describes the geographical ascent required to reach Jerusalem, which is situated on a plateau at a higher elevation than the coastal city of Caesarea. It also carries a figurative sense of ascending to a significant or climactic point, fitting the momentous nature of Paul's arrival in the capital.
* **Jerusalem (Greek, _Hierousalḗm'_):** From G2419, referring to "Jerusalem, the capitol of Palestine." This name signifies the destination, a city of immense religious and political importance. For Paul, it was the place where his mission would culminate in both vindication and suffering, a pivotal point for the early church's relationship with its Jewish roots.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after those days":** This phrase connects the verse directly to the preceding narrative, specifically the time spent in Caesarea with Philip the evangelist and the intense period of warnings and counsel regarding Paul's journey to Jerusalem. It signifies the conclusion of that period of deliberation and the commencement of decisive action.
* **"we took up our carriages":** This clause describes the practical preparation for travel. As clarified by the Greek term _aposkeuázō_, it means they packed up their baggage or belongings. This act underscores their readiness and resolve to move forward, despite the emotional and spiritual turmoil of the preceding days. It implies a deliberate and organized departure.
* **"and went up to Jerusalem":** This final clause states the destination and the action taken. The use of "went up" accurately reflects the geographical ascent to Jerusalem. More profoundly, it marks the fulfillment of Paul's long-held intention and divine compulsion to return to the heart of Jewish Christianity, setting the stage for the dramatic events that would unfold there.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, though seemingly straightforward, employs several subtle literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the simple act of "going up to Jerusalem" carries immense weight given the preceding prophecies of Paul's imminent suffering and imprisonment there. The journey itself becomes a symbol of his determined march towards destiny, echoing Christ's own resolute journey to Jerusalem to face His passion. There is also a quiet **irony** in the companions' pleas for Paul not to go, contrasted with his unwavering resolve, which ultimately leads him into the very circumstances they sought to prevent, yet which God had ordained. The phrase "took up our carriages" (KJV) provides an example of **archaic language** that, for a modern reader, requires historical and linguistic clarification to avoid misunderstanding, highlighting the evolution of language over time.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:15 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle of resolute obedience to God's calling, even when the path is fraught with peril and human counsel urges caution. Paul's determination to proceed to Jerusalem, despite knowing the suffering that awaited him, mirrors the commitment required of all believers to follow Christ's example of self-sacrifice for the sake of God's kingdom. This act of packing up and moving forward, in the face of dire warnings, speaks to a deep trust in divine sovereignty and a willingness to embrace the cost of discipleship. It reminds us that God's purposes often unfold through trials, and true faith is demonstrated not by avoiding hardship, but by pressing into God's will with courage and conviction.

* [Matthew 10:38](/matthew/10-38 "Matthew 10:38 - Taking up one's cross"): "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me."
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's sacrifice for Christ"): "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ."
* [Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1-2 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - Running the race with endurance"): "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's unwavering resolve in Acts 21:15 offers a profound challenge and encouragement for contemporary believers. In a world that often prioritizes comfort and safety, Paul's willingness to embrace suffering for the sake of the Gospel stands as a powerful testament to radical discipleship. This verse calls us to examine our own commitment to God's will, particularly when it diverges from popular opinion, personal comfort, or even well-meaning advice from others. It reminds us that following Christ may involve difficult paths, requiring deep discernment of God's voice over human voices, and a readiness to endure hardship for the sake of His name. Just as Paul packed his "carriages" in preparation for a challenging journey, we are called to be spiritually and practically prepared for the unique path God has for us, trusting that His grace will be sufficient through every trial. Our faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, active commitment that shapes our decisions and propels us forward in obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you faced a situation where God's perceived will for your life seemed to contradict the advice or concerns of others? How did you discern God's leading?**
* **What "carriages" (baggage, comforts, fears) might you need to "pack up" or set aside in order to fully embrace God's calling on your life, even if it leads to discomfort or challenge?**
* **How does Paul's example of resolute obedience inspire you to persevere in your own faith journey, especially when facing opposition or difficulty?**

### FAQ
**What does the phrase "took up our carriages" mean in modern English?**

Answer: In the King James Version of Acts 21:15, the phrase "took up our carriages" is an archaic rendering that can be misleading to modern readers. In 17th-century English, "carriages" referred to one's baggage, luggage, or personal belongings that one carried for a journey, not wheeled vehicles. The Greek word used here, _aposkeuázō_ (G643), literally means "to pack up one's baggage" or "to get ready for a journey by packing." Therefore, the verse means that Paul and his companions gathered and prepared their personal effects, making ready to continue their journey to Jerusalem. This emphasizes their readiness and mobility, underscoring their determination to proceed despite the warnings they had received.

**Why was Paul so determined to go to Jerusalem despite repeated warnings of danger?**

Answer: Paul's unwavering determination to go to Jerusalem, despite prophecies and pleas from fellow believers, stemmed from his profound conviction that he was divinely compelled to do so. In [Acts 20:22](/acts/20-22 "Acts 20:22 - Paul bound in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem"), he stated that he was "bound in the spirit" to go, indicating a powerful inner conviction guided by the Holy Spirit. While the Spirit *revealed* the dangers awaiting him (through prophets like Agabus in [Acts 21:10-11](/acts/21-10-11 "Acts 21:10-11 - Agabus' prophecy about Paul")), it did not *forbid* him from going. Paul understood these warnings as preparations for what God intended, not as prohibitions. His mission included delivering a collection to the Jerusalem saints ([Romans 15:25-27](/romans/15-25-27 "Romans 15:25-27 - Paul's collection for Jerusalem saints")) and testifying to the gospel, even if it meant suffering for Christ's name ([Acts 21:13](/acts/21-13 "Acts 21:13 - Paul's resolve to suffer for Christ")). His resolve highlights a deep trust in God's sovereign plan and a commitment to obedience over personal safety.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's resolute journey to Jerusalem in Acts 21:15, marked by his willingness to face suffering and imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel, powerfully prefigures and reflects the ultimate journey of Christ Himself. Just as Paul "went up to Jerusalem" knowing full well the trials that awaited him, Jesus also "set his face to go to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' resolute journey to Jerusalem")), fully aware that it was there He would suffer, be rejected, and ultimately be crucified. Both journeys exemplify profound obedience to the Father's will, prioritizing divine purpose over personal comfort or safety. Christ's entire life was a journey of self-sacrifice, culminating in His death on the cross, which He willingly embraced to accomplish redemption ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's obedience to death")). Paul, in his determination to fulfill his mission despite the cost, embodies the call to take up one's cross and follow Christ ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Taking up the cross")), participating in the fellowship of His sufferings ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Fellowship of Christ's sufferings")). Thus, Paul's journey to Jerusalem is not merely a historical event but a Christ-centered act of discipleship, mirroring the Lamb of God's unwavering path to Calvary for the salvation of the world.

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 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?