Acts 21:7-14 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

To Cæ sarea. From Tyre to Ptolemais (p. 28) is 20 miles. The stay there is brief; the journey from Ptolemais to Cæ sarea, about 30 miles, was probably by land. Philip arrived at Cæ sarea after his meeting with the eunuch (Acts 8:40); he still lived there and he received the party. None of the prophecies of his daughters on this occasion are given; the visit lasted some days, and if Philip was one of the Twelve as well as one of the Seven of Acts 6, much would be said that we should like to know. The third Gospel, according to some scholars, was largely indebted to this meeting. Agabus (Acts 11:28) is here introduced to us afresh, and symbolises with Paul's girdle the bonds and imprisonment which in Acts 20:23 Paul said were everywhere foretold to him. Yet his resolution is not shaken.

Acts 21:7-14

7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

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

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

11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

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

13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.