Acts · Douay-Rheims (Challoner), American Edition 1899
Acts 21 Douay-Rheims (Challoner), American Edition 1899
Audio: World English Bible (WEB), read by Winfred W. Henson · About the recordings
DRB Douay-Rheims (Challoner), American Edition 1899
WEB World English Bible (Classic, with Deuterocanon)
1 And when it came to pass that, being parted from them, we set sail, we came with a straight course to Coos, and the day following to Rhodes, and from thence to Patara.
1 When we had departed from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
2 And when we had found a ship sailing over to Phenice, we went aboard, and set forth.
2 Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.
3 And when we had discovered Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed into Syria, and came to Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for the ship was there to unload her cargo.
4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
4 Having found disciples, we stayed there seven days. These said to Paul through the Spirit that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
5 And the days being expired, departing we went forward, they all bringing us on our way, with their wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and we prayed.
5 When those days were over, we departed and went on our journey. They all, with wives and children, brought us on our way until we were out of the city. Kneeling down on the beach, we prayed.
6 And when we had bid one another farewell, we took ship; and they returned home.
6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.
7 But we having finished the voyage by sea, from Tyre came down to Ptolemais: and saluting the brethren, we abode one day with them.
7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We greeted the brothers and stayed with them one day.
8 And the next day departing, we came to Caesarea. And entering into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we abode with him.
8 On the next day, we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea. We entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
9 And he had four daughters, virgins, who did prophesy.
9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
10 And as we tarried there for some days, there came from Judea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
10 As we stayed there some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
11 Who, when he was come to us, took Paul’s girdle: and binding his own feet and hands, he said: Thus saith the Holy Ghost: The man whose girdle this is, the Jews shall bind in this manner in Jerusalem, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
11 Coming to us and taking Paul’s belt, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘So the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt, and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”
12 Which when we had heard, both we and they that were of that place, desired him that he would not go up to Jerusalem.
12 When we heard these things, both we and the people of that place begged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, and said: What do you mean weeping and afflicting my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but to die also in Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus.
13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
14 And when we could not persuade him, we ceased, saying: The will of the Lord be done.
14 When he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The Lord’s will be done.”
15 And after those days, being prepared, we went up to Jerusalem.
15 After these days we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem.
16 And there went also with us some of the disciples from Caesarea, bringing with them one Mnason a Cyprian, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.
16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we would stay.
17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.
18 And the day following, Paul went in with us unto James; and all the ancients were assembled.
18 The day following, Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present.
19 Whom when he had saluted, he related particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
19 When he had greeted them, he reported one by one the things which God had worked among the Gentiles through his ministry.
20 But they hearing it, glorified God, and said to him: Thou seest, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews that have believed: and they are all zealous for the law.
20 They, when they heard it, glorified God. They said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law.
21 Now they have heard of thee that thou teachest those Jews, who are among the Gentiles, to depart from Moses: saying, that they ought not to circumcise their children, nor walk according to the custom.
21 They have been informed about you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children and not to walk after the customs.
22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come.
23 Do therefore this that we say to thee. We have four men, who have a vow on them.
23 Therefore do what we tell you. We have four men who have taken a vow.
24 Take these, and sanctify thyself with them: and bestow on them, that they may shave their heads: and all will know that the things which they have heard of thee, are false; but that thou thyself also walkest keeping the law.
24 Take them and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses for them, that they may shave their heads. Then all will know that there is no truth in the things that they have been informed about you, but that you yourself also walk keeping the law.
25 But as touching the Gentiles that believe, we have written, decreeing that they should only refrain themselves from that which has been offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangles, and from fornication.
25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written our decision that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from food offered to idols, from blood, from strangled things, and from sexual immorality.”
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day being purified with them, entered into the temple, giving notice of the accomplishment of the days of purification, until an oblation should be offered for every one of them.
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purified himself and went with them into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them.
27 But when the seven days were drawing to an end, those Jews that were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands upon him, crying out:
27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the multitude and laid hands on him,
28 Men of Israel, help: This is the man that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place; and moreover hath brought in Gentiles into the temple, and hath violated this holy place.
28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place. Moreover, he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place!”
29 (For they had seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
29 For they had seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.
30 And the whole city was in an uproar: and the people ran together. And taking Paul, they drew him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut.
30 All the city was moved and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple. Immediately the doors were shut.
31 And as they went about to kill him, it was told the tribune of the band, That all Jerusalem was in confusion.
31 As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
32 Who, forthwith taking with him soldiers and centurions, ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers they left off beating Paul.
32 Immediately he took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. They, when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, stopped beating Paul.
33 Then the tribune coming near, took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains: and demanded who he was, and what he had done.
33 Then the commanding officer came near, arrested him, commanded him to be bound with two chains, and inquired who he was and what he had done.
34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude. And when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.
34 Some shouted one thing and some another, among the crowd. When he couldn’t find out the truth because of the noise, he commanded him to be brought into the barracks.
35 And when he was come to the stairs, it fell out that he was carried by the soldiers, because of the violence of the people.
35 When he came to the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd;
36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying: Away with him.
36 for the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, “Away with him!”
37 And as Paul was about to be brought into the castle, he saith to the tribune: May speak something to thee? Who said: Canst thou speak Greek?
37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he asked the commanding officer, “May I speak to you?” He said, “Do you know Greek?
38 Art not thou that Egyptian who before these days didst raise a tumult, and didst lead forth into the desert four thousand men that were murderers?
38 Aren’t you then the Egyptian who before these days stirred up to sedition and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the Assassins?”
39 But Paul said to him: I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city. And I beseech thee, suffer me to speak to the people.
39 But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.”
40 And when he had given him leave, Paul standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. And a great silence being made, he spoke unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying:
40 When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. When there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,
People & places in this chapter
From this site's family tree and Bible maps, only where those guides cite this chapter.
People
Agabus
A prophet who foretold a great famine in the days of Claudius and later bound his feet and hands with Paul's belt to predict Paul's arrest at Jerusalem.
Cited in the guide: Acts 11:28; Acts 21:10
Mnason
A Cypriot and early disciple with whom Paul and his companions lodged on the way to Jerusalem.
Cited in the guide: Acts 21:16
Trophimus
An Ephesian who accompanied Paul; Jews at Jerusalem falsely claimed Paul had brought him into the temple, and Paul later left him sick at Miletus.
Cited in the guide: Acts 20:4; Acts 21:29; 2 Timothy 4:20
Places
Caesarea Maritima
The Roman administrative capital of Judea. Peter brought the gospel to the Gentile Cornelius here, and Paul was imprisoned before appealing his case to Caesar.
Cited in the guide: Acts 10:1; Acts 23:23; Acts 25:11
Jerusalem
Set high in the Judean hills (~2,500 ft), Jerusalem was David's royal city, the site of the First and Second Temples, and the stage for Jesus' passion and the church's birth at Pentecost.
Cited in the guide: 2 Samuel 5:6-9; Luke 19:41; Acts 1:8
Tarsus
A wealthy university city in Cilicia and Paul's hometown. He was also a Roman citizen by birth (Acts 22:28), which shaped his missionary strategy and legal appeals.
Cited in the guide: Acts 9:11; Acts 21:39; Acts 22:3
Cross references (40)
Related passages for each verse, from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge as collected and ranked by readers at OpenBible.info.
- 1 1 Thessalonians 2:17; Luke 5:4; 1 Samuel 20:41–42; Acts 27:2; Acts 16:10–11
- 2 Acts 27:6; Acts 15:3; Acts 11:19; Jonah 1:3
- 3 Acts 12:20; Acts 4:36; Acts 27:4; Acts 21:16; Matthew 4:24
- 4 Acts 21:10–12; Acts 20:22–23; Acts 20:6–7; Matthew 10:11; Acts 11:26
- 5 Acts 20:36; Acts 9:40; Acts 20:38; Acts 15:3; Psalm 95:6
- 6 John 19:27; 2 Corinthians 2:13; John 1:11; John 7:53; John 16:32
- 7 Hebrews 13:24; Acts 28:12; Acts 18:22; Acts 21:10; Acts 21:19
- 8 Acts 6:5; Acts 8:26–40; Ephesians 4:11; Acts 8:5–13; 2 Timothy 4:5
- 9 Acts 2:17; Revelation 2:20; Exodus 15:20; Luke 2:36; Joel 2:28
- 10 Acts 11:28; Acts 21:4; Acts 20:16
- 11 Acts 21:33; Jeremiah 13:1–11; 1 Samuel 15:27–28; Ezekiel 24:19–25; 1 Kings 11:29–31
- 12 Acts 20:22; Matthew 16:21–23; Acts 21:4
- 13 Acts 20:24; Philippians 1:20–21; Philippians 2:17; Romans 8:35–37; Colossians 1:24
- 14 Luke 22:42; Matthew 26:42; Matthew 26:39; Matthew 6:10; 2 Kings 20:19
- 15 Acts 25:9; Acts 25:1; Acts 25:6; Acts 18:22
- 16 Proverbs 16:31; Acts 21:8; Acts 21:3–4; Psalm 92:14; Philemon 9
- 17 Acts 15:4; Hebrews 13:1–2; Romans 15:7; 3 John 7–8; Acts 21:7
- 18 Galatians 1:19; Acts 15:13; Acts 11:30; Galatians 2:9; Acts 15:23
- 19 Acts 14:27; Acts 1:17; Romans 15:18–19; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Acts 20:24
- 20 Romans 10:2; Galatians 1:14; Acts 22:3; Acts 11:18; Acts 15:1
- 21 Galatians 6:12–15; 1 Corinthians 9:19–21; Galatians 5:1–6; Acts 21:28; Acts 15:19–21
- 22 Acts 15:22; Acts 15:12; Acts 19:32
- 23 Acts 18:18; Numbers 6:2–7
- 24 Acts 21:26; Acts 18:18; Acts 24:18; 1 Corinthians 9:20; Exodus 19:14
- 25 Acts 15:29; Acts 15:19–20
- 26 Acts 24:18; Numbers 6:13–20; Acts 21:24; 1 Corinthians 9:20
- 27 Acts 26:21; Acts 24:18; Acts 13:50; Acts 14:19; Acts 5:18
- 28 Acts 24:5–6; Acts 21:21; Acts 26:20–21; Acts 6:13–14; Acts 19:26–28
- 29 Acts 20:4; 2 Timothy 4:20; Acts 18:19
- 30 Acts 26:21; 2 Corinthians 11:26; Acts 16:19–22; Acts 7:57–58; Acts 19:29
- 31 2 Corinthians 11:23–33; Acts 26:9–10; Acts 17:5; Acts 25:23; Acts 23:17
- 32 Acts 23:27; Acts 5:40; Isaiah 3:15; Acts 22:19; Acts 24:6
- 33 Ephesians 6:20; Acts 21:11; Acts 20:23; Acts 12:6; Acts 28:20
- 34 Acts 23:10; Acts 19:32; Acts 23:16; Acts 22:24; Acts 21:37
- 35 Genesis 6:11–12; Psalm 55:9; Habakkuk 1:2–3; Psalm 58:2; Jeremiah 23:10
- 36 John 19:15; Acts 22:22; Luke 23:18; 1 Corinthians 4:13; Acts 7:54
- 37 Acts 21:34; Luke 21:15; Matthew 10:18–20; Acts 19:30; Acts 21:19
- 38 Matthew 24:26; Acts 5:36–37; 1 Corinthians 4:13; Matthew 5:11
- 39 Acts 22:3; Acts 9:11; Acts 6:9; Acts 23:27; Acts 15:41
- 40 Acts 12:17; Acts 26:14; John 5:2; Acts 22:2; Acts 21:35
Cross references: OpenBible.info (CC BY), drawn mainly from the public-domain Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. · Sources & licences
What the Fathers said
Passages from the Church Fathers that expound or quote this chapter, verbatim from the public-domain Schaff edition (19th-century English translations).
How these were chosen
“Commentary” is the opening of a homily or exposition on this chapter (John Chrysostom’s homilies, Augustine’s tractates, sermons and expositions of the Psalms). “Quotes” are sentences where the edition’s own footnotes identify a quotation of a verse here, kept only when the wording matches the verse. Only works whose authorship is not in doubt are used. Psalms follow the Hebrew/English numbering (Augustine numbers them as the Septuagint does: his Psalm 50 is Psalm 51 here).
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).
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 1, vol. 11 (1889)
Of which city was the Apostle Paul, being born in Tarsus of Cilicia. But some have understood by it Carthage, being haply sometimes so named, or in some language so signified.
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 1, vol. 8 (1888)
This man gives directions to Paul himself, when he was after this come up again to Jerusalem, saying, "Thou seest, brother, how many thousands there are of them that are come together." So great was his understanding and his zeal, or rather so great the power of Christ.
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 1, vol. 10 (1888)
Thus, for instance, both Peter appears to have been "girded," and Paul; for it saith, "the man that owneth this girdle." And Elijah too was thus arrayed, and every one of the saints, because they were at work continually, laboring, and busying themselves either in journeyings, or about some other necessary matter; and not for this cause only, but also …
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 1, vol. 10 (1888)
For indeed even Paul was of them, and the thousands that believed in Jerusalem; for, "thou seest it is said, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe." And if some continued in their sin, to themselves let them impute their punishment.
Read in context · Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 1, vol. 10 (1888)