Acts 21:12
And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
when
G5613
ὡς
when
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 16
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
παρεκαλοῦμεν
besought
G3870
παρεκαλοῦμεν
besought
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
5 of 16
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
This urgent pleading followed Agabus's prophetic demonstration (Acts 21:10-11) of Paul's coming imprisonment. The believers' fear was reasonable—Jerusalem had proven deadly for Stephen and James the apostle. Their love for Paul made them want to preserve his life at the cost of his mission.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern when loving counsel from fellow believers conflicts with God's specific calling on your life?
- What does this passage teach about the difference between Spirit-revealed warnings and human attempts to avoid suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
Both we, and they of that place, besought him (παρακαλέω, parakaléō)—The unified pleading from both Paul's traveling companions ('we') and Caesarean believers ('they of that place') revealed genuine love and concern. Yet this emotional appeal, though well-intentioned, opposed God's clear purpose for Paul's Jerusalem journey. The Greek 'besought' suggests urgent, repeated entreaty. This demonstrates that sincere Christian counsel, even from Spirit-filled believers, must be tested against one's divine calling. Affection must not override obedience.