Acts 21:19

KJV

And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he had saluted {G782} them {G846}, he declared {G1834} particularly {G2596}{G1520}{G1538} what things {G3739} God {G2316} had wrought {G4160} among {G1722} the Gentiles {G1484} by {G1223} his {G846} ministry {G1248}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After greeting them, Sha’ul described in detail each of the things God had done among the Gentiles through his efforts.

Berean Standard Bible

Paul greeted them and recounted one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

American Standard Version

And when he had saluted them, he rehearsed one by one the things which God had wrought among the Gentiles through his ministry.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, the Apostle Paul formally greeted James and the elders of the church, taking the opportunity to provide a comprehensive and detailed account of the remarkable works God had accomplished among the Gentile nations through his apostolic service. This pivotal report served to inform the leadership of the mother church about the expansive reach of the gospel and God's sovereign hand in bringing non-Jews into the Christian fold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 21:19 is situated at a critical juncture in the Book of Acts, marking the culmination of Paul's third missionary journey and his return to Jerusalem. Having completed his extensive travels, which saw the gospel spread widely among the Gentiles, Paul arrives in the city despite numerous prophetic warnings about impending suffering and imprisonment (e.g., [Acts 20:22-23](/acts/20-22-23 "Acts 20:22-23 - Paul's Journey to Jerusalem and Warnings") and [Acts 21:10-14](/acts/21-10-14 "Acts 21:10-14 - Agabus's Prophecy to Paul")). His immediate action upon greeting the church leaders is to report on his ministry, a practice consistent with his prior returns to the Jerusalem church (e.g., [Acts 15:4](/acts/15-4 "Acts 15:4 - Paul and Barnabas's First Report to the Jerusalem Church")). This report serves as a narrative bridge, setting the stage for the escalating tensions regarding Paul's ministry to the Gentiles and his perceived disregard for Jewish law, which directly leads to his arrest in the temple in the subsequent verses ([Acts 21:27ff](/acts/21-27 "Acts 21:27 - Paul's Arrest in the Temple")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem, at this time, was the spiritual epicenter of early Christianity, housing the "mother church" and its apostolic leadership, including James, the brother of Jesus, who was a prominent leader. The church in Jerusalem was largely composed of Jewish believers who maintained strong ties to Jewish law and tradition. Paul, on the other hand, was the preeminent apostle to the Gentiles, advocating for their inclusion into the church without requiring adherence to the Mosaic Law. This difference in primary focus often led to misunderstandings and tensions, as evidenced by the Jerusalem Council in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"). Paul's detailed report was therefore not merely an update but a crucial act of accountability and an effort to foster unity and understanding between the predominantly Jewish church in Jerusalem and the burgeoning Gentile churches. Culturally, formal greetings and reports to established authorities were customary, signifying respect and submission to communal order.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to the Book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it highlights **Apostolic Accountability**, as Paul, despite his unique calling, submits to the authority of the Jerusalem elders, demonstrating a commitment to communal oversight and transparency within the early church. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty in Mission**, as Paul explicitly attributes the successes of his ministry not to his own efforts but to "what things God had wrought," reinforcing the biblical truth that the expansion of the gospel is fundamentally God's work through human instruments. This theme is echoed throughout Acts, emphasizing that the church's growth is divinely orchestrated (e.g., [Acts 2:47](/acts/2-47 "Acts 2:47 - The Lord Added to Their Number")). Thirdly, and most significantly, the verse emphasizes **Gentile Inclusion** as a central aspect of God's redemptive plan. The focus on God's work "among the Gentiles" reiterates the revolutionary truth that salvation in Christ is for all peoples, breaking down long-standing ethnic and religious barriers, a truth championed by Paul and affirmed at the Jerusalem Council (e.g., [Acts 15:7-9](/acts/15-7-9 "Acts 15:7-9 - Peter's Testimony on Gentile Inclusion")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **declared (Greek, _exēgéomai'_):** From the root words "out of" (ek) and "to lead" (hēgeomai), this verb means "to lead out," "to explain," "to unfold," or "to rehearse." It implies a thorough, detailed, and comprehensive exposition, not merely a brief summary. Paul was not just giving a casual update but was systematically unfolding the narrative of God's powerful interventions and the fruit of the gospel among the Gentiles, much like an interpreter or narrator explains a complex story.
* **particularly (Greek, _katá heîs hékastos'_):** This phrase, literally "according to one each" or "each by each," signifies a detailed, itemized, or specific account. It emphasizes the meticulous nature of Paul's report, indicating that he recounted individual events, specific conversions, and distinct instances of God's power rather than just general statistics. This level of detail would have provided compelling evidence of God's hand at work and the legitimacy of the Gentile mission.
* **ministry (Greek, _diakonía'_):** This term refers to service, attendance, or administration, especially in a Christian context. It highlights Paul's understanding of his apostolic work not as a position of power or personal achievement, but as a humble, dedicated service to God and His people. It encompasses the various activities of evangelism, teaching, and church planting that characterized his missionary journeys, all undertaken as an act of selfless service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had saluted them":** This opening phrase indicates Paul's respectful and formal greeting to James and the elders. It signifies his deference to the established leadership of the Jerusalem church and his desire to maintain unity and good relations, despite potential theological differences or misunderstandings regarding his ministry.
* **"he declared particularly":** This clause emphasizes the thoroughness and specificity of Paul's report. He did not offer a general overview but meticulously recounted the details of his missionary endeavors, providing concrete examples and testimonies of God's work. This particularity would have been crucial for informing the Jerusalem leaders and addressing any concerns they might have had.
* **"what things God had wrought":** This is the theological core of Paul's report. He attributes all the successes, conversions, and breakthroughs not to his own oratorical skills, strategic planning, or personal charisma, but solely to the sovereign power and activity of God. This highlights Paul's profound humility and his unwavering conviction that the expansion of the gospel is a divine enterprise. The verb "wrought" (poiéō) implies active, effective, and accomplished work.
* **"among the Gentiles":** This phrase specifies the primary sphere and recipients of God's mighty works through Paul's ministry. It underscores the revolutionary nature of the gospel, which was extending beyond its Jewish origins to embrace non-Jewish peoples, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and demonstrating the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.
* **"by his ministry.":** This concluding phrase clarifies Paul's role as the instrument or channel through whom God chose to accomplish these things. While God is the ultimate agent, Paul acknowledges his own part as a faithful servant, emphasizing the partnership between divine power and human instrumentality in the advancement of the kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Attribution** and **Emphasis**. The most prominent device is **Attribution**, as Paul consistently attributes the success of his mission to God ("what things God had wrought") rather than to his own efforts. This serves to glorify God and reinforce the theological truth that the spread of the gospel is a divine work. The use of the adverb "particularly" (from the Greek _katá heîs hékastos_) serves as a device of **Emphasis**, highlighting the detailed and specific nature of Paul's report. This emphasis underscores Paul's transparency and the compelling evidence he presented regarding God's activity among the Gentiles. There is also a subtle **Juxtaposition** implied between the Jewish-Christian context of Jerusalem and the "Gentiles" who were the focus of Paul's ministry, setting the stage for the narrative tension that unfolds in the subsequent verses regarding the integration of Gentile believers into the broader Christian community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:19 serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing expansion of God's kingdom and the universal scope of His redemptive plan. Paul's detailed report to the Jerusalem elders underscores the critical theological principle that the mission of the church is fundamentally God's work, accomplished through human vessels. By attributing all success to "what things God had wrought," Paul exemplifies profound humility and a deep understanding of divine sovereignty in evangelism and church growth. This verse also highlights the vital theme of unity and accountability within the early church, demonstrating Paul's commitment to informing and collaborating with the mother church, even amidst the complexities of cross-cultural ministry and differing perspectives on Jewish law. It reinforces the truth that the inclusion of the Gentiles was not merely a human initiative but a divine imperative, central to God's unfolding purposes for humanity.

* [Acts 14:27](/acts/14-27 "Acts 14:27 - Paul and Barnabas Reporting to the Church in Antioch") - After their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas gathered the church together and "rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles."
* [Acts 15:12](/acts/15-12 "Acts 15:12 - Barnabas and Paul's Testimony at the Jerusalem Council") - At the Jerusalem Council, Barnabas and Paul "declared what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them," providing crucial testimony for the decision regarding Gentile inclusion.
* [1 Corinthians 3:6-7](/1_corinthians/3-6-7 "1 Corinthians 3:6-7 - God Gives the Increase") - Paul famously states, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase," echoing the sentiment of attributing all fruit to God.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's actions in Acts 21:19 offer profound lessons for contemporary believers and the church. His immediate and detailed report to the Jerusalem leadership models the importance of accountability, transparency, and communal sharing within the body of Christ. In our own ministries, vocations, and daily lives, we are called to recognize and articulate "what things God had wrought" through us, rather than claiming personal credit. This practice cultivates humility, fosters gratitude, and directs all glory back to the rightful source—God Himself. Furthermore, Paul's emphasis on God's work "among the Gentiles" reminds us of the universal scope of the gospel and challenges us to embrace and celebrate the diversity of God's kingdom, actively participating in His mission to reach all peoples. We are encouraged to share our testimonies of God's faithfulness, not as a means of self-promotion, but as a way to build up the church and inspire others to witness God's transformative power in their own lives and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's emphasis on "what things God had wrought" challenge our tendency to take credit for accomplishments in our own lives or ministries?**
* **In what ways can we "declare particularly" God's work in our own lives or ministries to encourage others and glorify Him, following Paul's example of transparent reporting?**
* **How does this verse encourage us to embrace and celebrate the diverse ways God is working in the world today, even in contexts different from our own, and to participate in His global mission?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for Paul to give such a detailed report to the Jerusalem elders?**

Answer: It was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated Paul's accountability to the broader church leadership and his commitment to unity, especially given the existing tensions regarding his Gentile ministry. Secondly, a detailed report would inform the mother church about the extensive and miraculous work God was doing among non-Jews, providing compelling evidence of the gospel's power and validity beyond Jewish circles. This information was vital for countering rumors or misunderstandings about Paul's teachings and for affirming the divine mandate for Gentile inclusion. Finally, such a report would serve to encourage and strengthen the faith of the Jerusalem believers by showcasing God's active hand in expanding His kingdom globally, fulfilling prophecies about the ingathering of the nations (e.g., [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2-3 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - All Nations Flow to Zion")).

**What does "by his ministry" imply about Paul's role in God's work?**

Answer: The phrase "by his ministry" (Greek, _diakonía_) highlights Paul's role as a humble instrument or servant in God's grand plan. It underscores the partnership between divine power and human agency. While God is the ultimate actor and source of all success ("what things God had wrought"), He chooses to work through willing human vessels like Paul. This implies that Paul was not acting on his own authority or power, but was faithfully carrying out the service to which God had called him. It emphasizes that the fruit of the ministry was not a result of Paul's personal abilities alone, but a testament to God empowering and working through His chosen servant for His purposes. This perspective fosters humility in ministry and reminds believers that they are co-laborers with God (e.g., [1 Corinthians 3:9](/1_corinthians/3-9 "1 Corinthians 3:9 - We Are God's Fellow Workers")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 21:19, with Paul's detailed report of God's work among the Gentiles, powerfully anticipates and fulfills the universal scope of Christ's redemptive mission. Jesus's Great Commission explicitly commanded His disciples to "go ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), breaking down the ethnic and religious barriers that had historically separated Israel from the rest of the world. Paul's ministry, as recounted in this verse, is a direct manifestation of this Christ-given mandate, demonstrating the Spirit-empowered expansion of the gospel to those previously considered "outsiders." The inclusion of the Gentiles, a central theme of Acts, finds its ultimate foundation in Christ, who, by His cross, "hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us" and "made both one" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), creating one new humanity in Himself. Thus, Paul's "ministry" was not merely a human endeavor but a divine outworking of Christ's finished work, bringing together Jew and Gentile into one body, the Church, where "there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all" ([Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All in All")). The "things God had wrought among the Gentiles" were nothing less than the sovereign fulfillment of God's ancient promises, now realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the light to the Gentiles and the glory of His people Israel ([Luke 2:32](/luke/2-32 "Luke 2:32 - Simeon's Prophecy of Jesus")).

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 14:27

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

Acts 1:17

For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Romans 15:18

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

Romans 15:19

Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

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.

Acts 15:12

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.