Acts 21:17
What does Acts 21:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 21:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 21:17 means
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, the believers receive Paul and his companions gladly. This initial welcome shows unity and gratitude for God’s work among the Gentiles, even if complex issues remain. There is joy before there is controversy. Luke highlights the grace of the community, not just the conflict that will soon erupt. Paul is not an outsider; he is a beloved brother. The warmth of this reception matters, because it demonstrates that the gospel’s advance has knit hearts together. Whatever misunderstandings will surface, the relationship is grounded in shared faith in the Lord Jesus and thankfulness for His work.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when we came to Jerusalem, the brothers were pleased to see us.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And we having come to Jerusalem, the brethren did gladly receive us,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when we arrived at Jerusalem the brethren gladly received us.
Context
This verse completes the journey to Jerusalem begun in verse 15, with lodging secured through Mnason (verse 16). The general fellowship of the brethren now leads to a more formal meeting with Jerusalem’s leadership in verse 18. That gathering allows Paul to report God’s mighty acts (verse 19) and for the elders to both glorify God and raise pressing concerns about rumors among Jewish believers (verses 20–21). The glad reception provides a gracious backdrop for the delicate counsel that follows.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 21:7
And when we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais; and we saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
- 3 John 1:7
because that for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
- Romans 15:7
Wherefore receive ye one another, even as Christ also received you, to the glory of God.
- Acts 15:4
And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church and the apostles and the elders, and they rehearsed all things that God had done with them.
- Hebrews 13:1
Let love of the brethren continue.
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