Acts 21:9

And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

And {G1161} the same man {G5129} had {G2258} four {G5064} daughters {G2364}, virgins {G3933}, which did prophesy {G4395}.

He had four unmarried daughters with the gift of prophecy.

He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.

Now this man had four virgin daughters, who prophesied.

Context of Acts 21:9

This verse introduces us to the family of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven men chosen in Acts 6 to serve the early church. Paul and his companions, on their journey back to Jerusalem, were staying at Philip's house in Caesarea (Acts 21:8). Philip himself was a prominent figure, known for his powerful ministry in Samaria, where he preached the Gospel and performed miracles (Acts 8:5-8).

The mention of his daughters here provides a fascinating glimpse into the household life of an early church leader and the active participation of women in spiritual life within the nascent Christian community.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Women in Ministry and Prophecy: The most striking aspect of this verse is the explicit statement that Philip's four virgin daughters "did prophesy." This clearly indicates that women were empowered by the Holy Spirit and actively exercised spiritual gifts in the early church. Their role was not merely passive but involved speaking forth God's message.
  • The Holy Spirit's Empowerment: The ability to prophesy is a gift of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating that the Spirit's anointing was not limited by gender. This aligns with Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost, quoting the prophet Joel, which declared that God would pour out His Spirit on "all flesh," including "your sons and your daughters" who "shall prophesy" (Acts 2:17-18).
  • A Godly Household: Philip's home was evidently a place where spiritual gifts were cultivated and expressed. It serves as an example of a believing household where family members actively participated in the spiritual life and ministry of the church.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "prophesy" is prophēteuō (προφητεύω). In the New Testament, prophecy is not exclusively about foretelling the future, though it can include that. More broadly, it refers to speaking forth the inspired message of God, often involving exhortation, edification, comfort, or revelation (1 Corinthians 14:3). It was a recognized and valued spiritual gift in the early Christian assemblies (1 Corinthians 12:10).

Practical Application

Acts 21:9 offers several important lessons for believers today:

  • God Uses All His People: This verse powerfully affirms that God calls and empowers both men and women to serve Him with their spiritual gifts. Gender is not a barrier to receiving or exercising the Holy Spirit's anointing.
  • Cultivating Spiritual Gifts: Just as Philip's daughters actively prophesied, believers today are encouraged to identify, develop, and use their spiritual gifts for the building up of the church and the glory of God.
  • The Importance of the Christian Home: The example of Philip's household highlights the significance of the home as a place where faith is nurtured and where family members are encouraged to participate in God's work.
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 2:17

    And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

  • Revelation 2:20

    Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

  • Joel 2:28

    ¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

  • Luke 2:36

    And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

  • Exodus 15:20

    And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:4

    Every man praying or prophesying, having [his] head covered, dishonoureth his head.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:5

    But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with [her] head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

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