Acts 21:4

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

And {G2532} finding {G429} disciples {G3101}, we tarried {G1961} there {G847} seven {G2033} days {G2250}: who {G3748} said {G3004} to Paul {G3972} through {G1223} the Spirit {G4151}, that he should {G305} not {G3361} go up {G305} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}.

Having searched out the talmidim there, we remained for a week. Guided by the Spirit, they told Sha’ul not to go up to Yerushalayim;

We sought out the disciples in Tyre and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they kept telling Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.

And having found the disciples, we tarried there seven days: and these said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not set foot in Jerusalem.

Commentary

Context

Acts 21:4 is part of the narrative detailing the final leg of the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey, as he makes his way towards Jerusalem. Having previously expressed a strong spiritual compulsion to go to Jerusalem (see Acts 20:22), Paul and his companions stop in Tyre, a significant Phoenician port city. Here, they encounter a group of disciples, indicating the widespread growth of the early Christian church even in commercial hubs. The seven-day stay suggests a period of fellowship and possibly waiting for a ship.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance and Warnings: The central tension of this verse lies in the disciples' warning to Paul, conveyed "through the Spirit." This raises questions about the nature of divine guidance and Paul's subsequent actions. Was this a direct command from God for Paul to avoid Jerusalem, or a prophetic warning about the dangers awaiting him there, allowing him to proceed with full knowledge? The wording "that he should not go up" suggests a prohibition.
  • Christian Fellowship and Hospitality: The fact that Paul and his company "tarried there seven days" with the disciples highlights the strong bonds of fellowship and hospitality among early believers. They shared life and ministry, providing support and spiritual counsel to one another.
  • Prophetic Insight: This verse demonstrates the continued operation of spiritual gifts, specifically prophecy, within the early church. The Holy Spirit was actively communicating with believers, providing foresight and guidance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "through the Spirit" (Greek: dia tou Pneumatos) is crucial here, indicating that the disciples' message was not merely their own opinion or human foresight, but a divinely inspired communication. The Greek verb used for "said" (εἶπον - *eidon*) simply means 'they said', but the preceding phrase clarifies the source of their message. The direct prohibition "that he should not go up to Jerusalem" (μὴ ἀναβαίνειν εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα - *mē anabainein eis Hierosolyma*) is a strong statement, presenting a clear warning.

Practical Application

Acts 21:4 offers valuable insights for believers today regarding discerning God's will and responding to prophetic warnings:

  • Discerning God's Will: How do we reconcile strong personal conviction (like Paul's resolve to go to Jerusalem, noted in Acts 20:22-24) with Spirit-inspired warnings from others? Sometimes, God warns us of danger, not necessarily *from* a path He has called us to. Paul's subsequent actions (and the similar warning from Agabus in Acts 21:10-11) suggest he understood these as warnings of suffering, not prohibitions against going.
  • Valuing Community Guidance: The passage underscores the importance of the believing community in providing spiritual counsel and prophetic insight. We are not meant to navigate our spiritual journeys alone.
  • The Cost of Obedience: Paul's decision to proceed to Jerusalem despite repeated warnings highlights his unwavering commitment to what he believed was God's call, even if it meant facing imprisonment and suffering (Acts 20:23). This serves as a powerful reminder that following God's will can sometimes lead us into difficult circumstances.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 20:22 (6 votes)

    And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

  • Acts 20:23 (6 votes)

    Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

  • Acts 21:10 (6 votes)

    And as we tarried [there] many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

  • Acts 21:12 (6 votes)

    And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

  • Acts 20:6 (4 votes)

    And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

  • Acts 20:7 (4 votes)

    ¶ And upon the first [day] of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

  • Acts 28:14 (2 votes)

    Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.