Devine Scripture

Acts 21:4

What does Acts 21:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 21:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 21:4 means

Finding disciples at Tyre, Paul and his companions stay seven days. These believers, “through the Spirit,” urge Paul not to set foot in Jerusalem. The wording suggests that the Spirit disclosed real suffering awaiting Paul; the disciples responded by pleading that he avoid it. There is no contradiction between Spirit and Paul’s resolve; rather, the Spirit reveals danger, and loving believers interpret that revelation as a call to stay away. Paul perceives his path differently—as obedience that may include bonds. The weeklong stay allows reflection, fellowship, and a sober acceptance that costly faithfulness will define the next chapter of his ministry.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And having found the disciples, we tarried there seven days: and these said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not set foot in Jerusalem.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And having found the disciples, we tarried there seven days: and these said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not set foot in Jerusalem.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And meeting the disciples we were there for seven days: and they gave Paul orders through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having found out the disciples, we tarried there seven days, and they said to Paul, through the Spirit, not to go up to Jerusalem;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul, through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having found out the disciples, we remained there seven days; who said to Paul by the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.

Context

After the sea journey, verse 4 centers on spiritual community and prophetic insight. The Tyrian disciples’ warning introduces a repeated theme that will recur at Cæsarea (verses 10–12) and culminate in Paul’s firm confession (verse 13). The seven-day stay gives the church time to pray and process. Verse 5 will show the warmth and seriousness of their parting prayer, including families. Verse 6 will close the Tyre visit, as the team boards again and locals return home, setting up a brief stop at Ptolemais (verse 7).

v.3And when we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed unto Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

v.4This passage

v.5And when it came to pass that we had accomplished the days, we departed and went on our journey; and they all, with wives and children, brought us on our way till we were out of the city: and kneeling down on the beach, we prayed, and bade each other farewell;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 1:10

    I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet

  • Acts 21:10

    And as we tarried there some days, there came down from Judæa a certain prophet, named Agabus.

  • Acts 20:22

    And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

  • Acts 19:1

    And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples:

  • Acts 11:26

    and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people; and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

  • Acts 28:14

    where we found brethren, and were entreated to tarry with them seven days: and so we came to Rome.

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