Acts 21:14
And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 11
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πειθομένου
be persuaded
G3982
πειθομένου
be persuaded
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
2 of 11
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 11
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
ἡσυχάσαμεν
we ceased
G2270
ἡσυχάσαμεν
we ceased
Strong's:
G2270
Word #:
5 of 11
to keep still (intransitively), i.e., refrain from labor, meddlesomeness or speech
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλημα
The will
G2307
θέλημα
The will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
8 of 11
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
Τοῦ
G3588
Τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 22:42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.Matthew 26:39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.Matthew 26:42He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
Historical Context
This phrase recalls Jesus's model prayer (Matthew 6:10) and His own submission (Luke 22:42). The early church learned to trust God's purposes even when they led faithful servants into danger and apparent defeat.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern when to accept God's will that leads through difficulty rather than around it?
- What does this teach about supporting fellow believers in difficult callings rather than protecting them from hardship?
Analysis & Commentary
The disciples' submission - 'The will of the Lord be done' - echoes Jesus's Gethsemane prayer and demonstrates mature spiritual discernment. They ceased urging Paul to avoid Jerusalem, recognizing that God's sovereign will transcends human wisdom or safety concerns. This represents the church's corporate surrender to divine providence even when the path leads through suffering.