Acts 21:22
What does Acts 21:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 21:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 21:22 means
The elders acknowledge that Paul’s presence in Jerusalem will not stay hidden. The question “What is it therefore?” asks for a practical, peace-seeking response. They anticipate that the believing community—and likely the broader populace—will hear he is in the city. Without prudent action, rumors may harden into division. The leaders are not capitulating to fear but seeking a way for the truth about Paul to be seen. Wisdom often requires visible acts, not merely private assurances. They aim to remove obstacles to fellowship so that the gospel’s unity may be displayed amid a tense and watchful environment.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000What is it therefore? they will certainly hear that thou art come.
KJV
King James Version · 1611What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901What is it therefore? they will certainly hear that thou art come.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949What then is the position? They will certainly get news that you have come.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862what then is it? certainly the multitude it behoveth to come together, for they will hear that thou hast come.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752What is it therefore? The multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890What is it then? a multitude must necessarily come together, for they will hear that thou art come.
Context
Coming after the report of slander (verse 21), this verse transitions from problem to solution. Verses 23–24 will present a specific proposal involving four men under a vow and Paul’s participation and sponsorship. Verse 25 will reaffirm the previous letter regarding Gentile believers to ensure clarity. The goal is to publicly demonstrate Paul’s respect for the law, not to compromise gospel doctrine. This plan leads directly to Paul entering the temple (verse 26), where external opposition intrudes.
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.
v.22This passage
v.23Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men that have a vow on them;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 15:12
And all the multitude kept silence; and they hearkened unto Barnabas and Paul rehearsing what signs and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles through them.
- Acts 19:32
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was in confusion; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
- Acts 15:22
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
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