Acts 21:18
And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιούσῃ
the day following
G1966
ἐπιούσῃ
the day following
Strong's:
G1966
Word #:
3 of 15
supervening, i.e., (g2250 or g3571 being expressed or implied) the ensuing day or night
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
6 of 15
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
7 of 15
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
9 of 15
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
παρεγένοντο
were present
G3854
παρεγένοντο
were present
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
13 of 15
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
Historical Context
James, the Lord's brother (Galatians 1:19), led the Jerusalem church and would later write the epistle bearing his name. This meeting represented the highest level of early church leadership consulting together.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your testimony emphasize God's work rather than personal accomplishments?
- What role should accountability to church leadership play in missionary and ministry work?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's formal visit to James and the elders represents apostolic accountability and church unity. His detailed report of 'what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry' emphasized divine initiative rather than personal achievement. The focus on God's work through Paul reflected proper humility and gave glory to the true source of missionary success.