Acts 20:22
What does Acts 20:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 20:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 20:22 means
Paul says he is going to Jerusalem “bound in the spirit,” signaling inner compulsion under the Spirit’s guidance. He does not know the details of what awaits him there. This shows obedient faith: he moves forward without demanding full disclosure, trusting the Lord who leads him. The phrase underscores that Christian vocation can carry believers into costly, uncertain paths. Paul’s example challenges leaders to follow the Spirit’s lead wherever it goes, not anchored to comfort or predictability, but to the will of God that directs and sustains even when the road ahead is obscure.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And now, as you see, I am going to Jerusalem, a prisoner in spirit, having no knowledge of what will come to me there:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And now, lo, I--bound in the Spirit--go on to Jerusalem, the things that shall befall me in it not knowing,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And now, behold, being bound in the spirit, I go to Jerusalem: not knowing the things which shall befall me there:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And now, behold, bound in my spirit I go to Jerusalem, not knowing what things shall happen to me in it;
Context
After reviewing past ministry, Paul shifts to his present resolve. Verses 22–23 describe his Spirit-constrained journey with only one certainty: suffering awaits. This sets the tone for verse 24, where Paul declares his life is not the highest value, but finishing his God-given course is. From there, he will speak of final partings (verse 25) and his faithful discharge of duty (verses 26–27), leading to a solemn charge to the elders (verses 28–31).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 18:31
And he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the prophets shall be accomplished unto the Son of man.
- 2 Corinthians 5:14
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died;
- Acts 17:16
Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he beheld the city full of idols.
- Luke 12:50
But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
- Acts 21:11
And coming to us, and taking Paul’s girdle, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, Thus saith the Holy Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
- John 13:1
Now before the feast of the passover, Jesus knowing that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own that were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
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