Definition: And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the [day] following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 21:1. It’s a really important part of how Paul is traveling to Rome after his trial. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Paul is saying: “After we were released and started our journey, we headed towards Coos and then to Rhodes, and then to Patara.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “And it came to pass…” : This is just a way of saying "It was happening." It's an introductory phrase. “…that after we were gotten from them…” : “Gotten from them” means they were released or freed from their imprisonment – specifically, from the Jewish authorities who had been waiting for him. They were released . “…and had launched…” : "Launched" means they started moving forward. They began their journey. “we came with a straight course unto Coos…” : “Straight course” means a planned and determined route. They set off towards Coos – a city in the region of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). “…and the [day] following unto Rhodes…” : "The [day] following" refers to the next day after they started their journey. They traveled to Rhodes, a port city. “from thence unto Patara:” : “From thence” means “thenward,” or “further.” They continued traveling toward Patara – another city. So, putting it all together: Paul and his companions were freed from their imprisonment and began a journey towards Coos, then to Rhodes, and finally to Patara. It’s a clear and purposeful plan for their travels. What does this verse tell us about Paul's situation? He’s still imprisoned: It highlights that he’s still under arrest and facing potential consequences. He's determined: The phrase "launched" suggests a purposeful beginning to the journey – he wasn’t just wandering aimlessly. It’s a strategic move: The route towards Coos and Rhodes is important because it shows Paul was aiming for a specific destination (Rome) as part of his plan. Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like me to focus on the symbolism of the journey itself? Or perhaps you’d like to know what this verse might mean in terms of Paul's purpose?

Definition: And as we tarried [there] many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse! It’s a really important part of the story of early Christians in Jerusalem. Here's what it means: Basically, it says: “As we stayed there for a while, a messenger came from Judea with a message.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “Acts 21:10” : This is the specific verse number. It tells us exactly where this event happened in the Bible. “As we tarried [there] many days…” : "Tarried" means to stay somewhere for a while. "Many days" means a long time – it wasn’t just a quick visit. “…a certain prophet, named Agabus.” : This is the key part! “Prophet” means someone who speaks with authority and shares important news. “Agabus” was a man who had been sent from Jerusalem to bring good news to the Christians in Jerusalem. So, what’s the story? The verse tells us that the Christians in Jerusalem were experiencing some difficulties – maybe they were feeling discouraged or worried about their future. A messenger (Agabus) arrived with a message of hope and encouragement. This message was essentially: “Don't worry! God is still working for you, and he’s going to help you!” What does this verse tell us about the early church? Hope & Support: It shows that even when things are tough, God is actively involved and offers support. Faith & Trust: It emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's plan, even when we don’t understand it completely. Communication: It highlights the role of messengers – people who share important news and guidance. In short, this verse is a gentle reminder that God is working for us, even when things seem difficult. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss what this passage might mean in a broader context (like the early church)?

Definition: And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver [him] into the hands of the Gentiles.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 21:11. It’s a really significant moment in Paul’s journey and has huge implications for the future. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Paul is being held captive: Before this verse, Paul had been imprisoned by the Romans. He was essentially under arrest and facing serious punishment. The Romans are planning to execute him: The Roman authorities were determined to get rid of Paul and send him back to wherever he came from. They planned to kill him. What Happened Next: The Romans bound his hands and feet: The Roman guards, in a cruel and dramatic move, bound Paul’s hands and feet together. This was meant to prevent him from escaping or moving around. Paul's Revelation: Suddenly, Paul hears the voice of the Holy Spirit (God’s power) telling him what to do. He says, "Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle." What Does This Mean? The Girdle is a Symbol: The girdle Paul was bound with symbolically represented his captivity and being held captive by the Romans. It’s like a sign of his confinement. The Holy Spirit’s Command: The Holy Spirit is telling Paul to take action – to be prepared for the Jewish people to bind him. The Goal: To Free Paul: The key message here is that the Holy Spirit is actively working in Paul's favor. It’s not just a random act of cruelty; it’s a deliberate step to bring about a change – a freeing of Paul. What Happens Next? The Jews Will Bind Him: The passage describes the Jewish people, led by Peter (who was also imprisoned), planning to bind Paul with his girdle. This is a crucial step toward releasing him. It’s a Victory for God: Ultimately, this act of binding Paul signifies that God is working through events to bring about freedom and victory for those who follow Him. In short, this verse shows that God is actively involved in Paul's situation and working towards his release. It’s a powerful moment where the Spirit speaks directly to Paul, showing that God is not just passively allowing things to happen, but is actively guiding events toward a positive outcome for believers. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give an example of how this verse relates to other stories or Bible passages?

Definition: And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 21:12. It’s a really important moment in the story of the Jewish people after the Roman siege of Jerusalem. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: After hearing about Peter’s plan to go to Jerusalem to present Jesus as the Messiah, the Jewish leaders – specifically, the elders of the city – pleaded with him not to go. Let's unpack it: "We heard these things..." : This means they were told about what happened. "...both we, and they of that place..." : This tells us who was involved. "They of that place" refers to the elders of the city – those who were responsible for the leadership and decisions in Jerusalem. "...besought him not to go up to Jerusalem." : This is the crucial part. They asked him not to go. It wasn't a question, it was a direct command to decline his journey. What’s the significance? This verse shows a few things: Disagreement & Opposition: It highlights that even with a good plan, there was still opposition and disagreement among the Jewish leaders. They weren't fully supportive of Peter’s trip. Peter’s Position: It suggests that Peter wasn't immediately comfortable with the idea of going to Jerusalem. He was likely considering it, but this verse shows he was being cautioned against it. A Moment of Doubt/Hesitation: It implies a moment of doubt or hesitation amongst the elders – they were concerned about the potential consequences of his journey. In essence, it's a snapshot of a challenging situation where Peter was facing resistance and needed to be aware of the potential risks involved. Do you want me to: Explain the context surrounding this verse (why was this happening)? Talk about what happened next?

Definition: Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 21:13. It’s a really powerful and significant moment in Paul’s story. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core of What’s Happening: Paul is facing a serious situation – he’s being arrested by the Romans and accused of disturbing the peace. He’s feeling overwhelmed with fear and despair. Let’s unpack the words: “What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart?” - This isn't a question about sadness. It’s a strong expression of pain, distress, and possibly even a sense of being crushed by the situation. It means he’s feeling deeply burdened and worried. “for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” – This is the crucial part. He's saying: Not just bound: He doesn’t want to be imprisoned or punished. He wants to remain free. But also to die: He’s willing to sacrifice himself entirely for Jesus, his faith and belief in him. The word "die" here means to pass away completely. So, what does this all mean? Paul is expressing a profound commitment to his faith. He's saying that he’s willing to face any consequence, including death, only if it means continuing to follow Jesus and spreading the Gospel (the good news of God’s message). It shows his unwavering loyalty to God and his dedication to his mission. Why is this important? This verse is a testament to Paul's incredible faith and his willingness to stand up for what he believes in, even when facing immense danger. It highlights the importance of standing firm on your beliefs – it’s not about personal comfort, but about honoring God's will. In short: Paul is saying he’s willing to die for Jesus, regardless of the consequences, because his faith is so important to him. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or would you like me to relate it to a specific aspect of Paul's life? For example, we could talk about: The context of the situation – why was he arrested? The significance of his commitment to Jerusalem.

Definition: And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 21:14. It’s a really powerful and significant moment in the story of the early church. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Paul is being pressured by the Romans. Paul was traveling with a group of Christians and they were being pursued by Roman soldiers. They were facing a difficult situation – they were being threatened and potentially imprisoned. They were losing hope. The Romans had already taken control of the city and were trying to force them to leave. They were feeling defeated and discouraged. What Happened Next: Paul asked for rest. Paul, realizing he was facing a difficult situation, asked God to give him rest. He felt overwhelmed and wanted to stop moving forward. The believers stopped. The Christians, seeing this as a moment of great difficulty, decided to pause and wait for God's will to be done. They essentially stopped their journey and waited. What “The Will of the Lord Be Done” Means: God’s Plan is Paramount: This phrase means that God had a specific plan or purpose in mind for what was happening. It wasn't just about Paul continuing his journey; it was about fulfilling something larger. Letting God Lead: It signifies a trust in God’s guidance and the idea that He wants to accomplish His purposes, even when things are tough. In essence, this verse is a story of faith and surrender to God's will. It highlights that when we face challenges and feel like giving up, it's important to remember that we should trust in God’s plan and let Him be in control. Think of it like this: You’re walking down a path, and someone is pushing you forward. You might want to turn around and go back. But if you surrender to the idea that you are meant to follow this path, you'll likely get further than if you just keep going. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse or would you like me to: Explain it in a different way? Provide context from other parts of the Bible?

Definition: And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 21:15. It's a really important part of the story of Peter and Paul’s journey to Jerusalem! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, they were traveling to Jerusalem. “After those days…” – This just tells us we’re talking about a period of time before something happened. It's like saying "Let’s talk about this a bit further back." “…we took up our carriages” – “Carriages” in ancient times were large, animal-drawn wagons used for travel. So, they were walking on foot or in wagons. “And went up to Jerusalem.” – This is the key part! They continued their journey to the city of Jerusalem, which was a very important religious center at the time. What’s the significance? This verse sets the stage for a huge event in the Bible: Peter and Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem to present Jesus to the Jewish leaders. It's a crucial moment where they are essentially going to confront and try to convince them of Jesus’ importance. In short, it means they were on their way to meet with the people of Jerusalem, specifically to share news about Jesus. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about what was happening at the time?

Definition: There went with us also [certain] of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse from Acts 21:16. It’s a really important part of what happened after the Jewish people had been fleeing into slavery in Egypt. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, they were bringing someone with them to stay and help them. Let's unpack it further: "There went with us also [certain] of the disciples of Caesarea..." This tells us who was going along. "Caesarea" is a city in Israel – a place where Jewish people had been living for a while, and they were known to be a bit restless. “Disciples” means followers or believers. "Certain" suggests there were a few specific people involved. "...and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus..." This is the key part! “Mnason” was a very experienced and trusted follower of Jesus, and he was brought along. He's an old friend who’s been with them for a long time. "...an old disciple..." This emphasizes that Mnason is someone who has known Jesus and been involved in the early church. He’s not new to the situation. "...with whom we should lodge." This means they needed to have him stay with them for a while. “Lodge” suggests a temporary place – maybe a room or a space where they could talk, share meals, and be together. So, what’s the big picture? This verse shows that Jesus was actively working to help the Jewish people who were still in captivity. They weren't just passively waiting; they were seeking guidance and support from someone like Mnason. It sets up a situation where he would play a crucial role in helping them understand what to do next. In short, it’s about Jesus sending a trusted friend to help the Jewish people navigate their difficult situation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage within the broader story of Acts?

Definition: And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 21:17: “And when we came to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.” Basically, it means: When our team or group arrived in Jerusalem, they welcomed us with open arms and joy. Let's unpack it a little: “We came” : This refers to the group of people who were traveling or arriving in Jerusalem. “The brethren” : This is a key word – “brethren” means a close-knit group of friends, family, or colleagues. It emphasizes that this wasn’t just any group; it was a trusted and important one. “Received us gladly” : This is the most important part! It shows genuine happiness and enthusiasm about being welcomed. What does this tell us? It's a powerful message of hospitality, friendship, and trust. It suggests that these people were valued and cared for, which was incredibly important in the context of their journey. It indicates a positive and welcoming atmosphere. Context is key: This verse often appears after a difficult or challenging situation. It’s a reminder to be kind and compassionate to those who are welcome to you. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you some more context about this passage?

Definition: And the [day] following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 21:18: “And the [day] following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.” Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it means: Paul was traveling with a group of leaders. He wasn’t just wandering around on his own. They were going to a meeting or gathering. The word “unto” (meaning "to" or "with") suggests they were headed towards a place where people were discussing something important. James, a leader, was included in the group. He was one of the people who was accompanying Paul. All the elders were present. “The elders” refers to older, more experienced leaders – often those with authority and wisdom. They were there to witness and participate in the meeting. What’s the context? This verse is important because it shows that Paul wasn't alone on his journey. He was being supported by a group of trusted individuals, showing he was seeking guidance and support from God. It also highlights that leadership involved more than just the leader – it included the people who were with them. In short, it’s a snapshot of Paul traveling with others to a meeting. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, would you like: A deeper explanation of what “the day” refers to? How this relates to the larger story of Paul’s ministry in Jerusalem?