Acts 21:20
What does Acts 21:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 21:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 21:20 means
Hearing Paul’s report, the leaders glorify God, then note the many thousands of believing Jews who are zealous for the law. This is not a rebuke of Paul but a recognition of the church’s diversity. Jewish believers, shaped by lifelong devotion, continue to value the law’s practices even as they trust in the Lord Jesus. The elders must shepherd both Gentiles and Jews in one body. They celebrate God’s grace among the nations while carefully tending consciences in Jerusalem. Their praise leads to prudence: acknowledging a potential stumbling block so that unity is preserved without compromising the gospel’s truth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they, when they heard it, glorified God; and they said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of them that have believed; and they are all zealous for the law:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they, when they heard it, glorified God; and they said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of them that have believed; and they are all zealous for the law:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And hearing it, they gave praise to God; and they said to him, You see, brother, what thousands there are among the Jews, who have the faith; and they all have a great respect for the law:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they having heard, were glorifying the Lord. They said also to him, `Thou seest, brother, how many myriads there are of Jews who have believed, and all are zealous of the law,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they having heard [it] glorifiedGod, and said to him, Thou seest, brother, how many myriads there are of the Jews who have believed, and all are zealous of the law.
Context
This verse follows Paul’s God-centered report (verse 19) and frames the pastoral issue to be addressed. Verses 21–22 will specify the rumors about Paul’s teaching regarding Moses and Jewish customs. Verses 23–24 will offer a concrete plan involving a vow to publicly signal Paul’s continued respect for the law. Verse 25 will reaffirm the earlier decision for Gentile believers, preserving liberty while seeking peace. The flow balances celebration with careful shepherding.
v.19And when he had saluted them, he rehearsed one by one the things which God had wrought among the Gentiles through his ministry.
v.20This passage
v.21and they have been informed concerning thee, that thou teachest all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 15:5
But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, It is needful to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses.
- Luke 15:3
And he spake unto them this parable, saying,
- Psalms 22:23
Ye that fear Jehovah, praise him; All ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; And stand in awe of him, all ye the seed of Israel.
- Luke 12:1
In the mean time, when the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
- Luke 15:32
But it was meet to make merry and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:10
when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 21
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 21.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…