Acts 21:18: Meaning Explained
And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
The next day, Paul visited James, who was a leader of the church, and met with all the other church leaders.
What’s Happening Here
Paul wanted to meet with the important leaders in Jerusalem to report on what God had done. He wanted to share the good news about his work.
Key Words
Why It Matters
Church leaders need to stay in contact and encourage each other. Paul wanted to strengthen the church in Jerusalem.
Did You Know?
James was the brother of Jesus and became the leader of the Jerusalem church.
Tradition Spectrum
Word Study
Cross References
Frequently asked questions
What does Acts 21:18 mean?
The next day, Paul visited James, who was a leader of the church, and met with all the other church leaders.
What is the context of Acts 21:18?
Paul wanted to meet with the important leaders in Jerusalem to report on what God had done. He wanted to share the good news about his work.
Why does Acts 21:18 matter?
Church leaders need to stay in contact and encourage each other. Paul wanted to strengthen the church in Jerusalem.
What's a surprising detail about Acts 21:18?
James was the brother of Jesus and became the leader of the Jerusalem church.
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]
Commentary on Acts 21:18
This was the Bishop of Jerusalem; and to him Paul is sent on an earlier occasion. This James was brother of the Lord; a great and admirable man. To him, it says, "Paul entered in with us." Mark the Bishop's unassuming behavior: "and the elders" were present. Again Paul relates to them the things relating to the Gentiles, not indulging in vainglory, God forbid, but wishing to show forth the mercy of God, and to fill them with great joy.
Verses 8–18 Paul had express warning of his troubles, that when they came, they might be no surprise or terror to him. The general notice given us, that through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God, should be of the same use to us. Their weeping began to weaken and slacken his resolution Has not our Master told us to take up our cross? It was a trouble to him, that they should so earnestly press him to do that in which he could not gratify them without wronging his conscience. When we see trouble coming, it becomes us to say, not only, The will of the Lord must be done, and there is no remedy; but, Let the will of the Lord be done; for his will is his wisdom, and he doeth a…