Acts 21:4
And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπεμείναμεν
we tarried
G1961
ἐπεμείναμεν
we tarried
Strong's:
G1961
Word #:
5 of 19
to stay over, i.e., remain (figuratively, persevere)
αὐτοῦ
there
G847
αὐτοῦ
there
Strong's:
G847
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, belonging to the same spot, i.e., in this (or that) place
ἡμέρας
days
G2250
ἡμέρας
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
7 of 19
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παύλῳ
to Paul
G3972
Παύλῳ
to Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
11 of 19
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ἔλεγον
said
G3004
ἔλεγον
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
13 of 19
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματος
the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
15 of 19
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
16 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Historical Context
Tyre was an ancient Phoenician port city with a small Christian community established after Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 11:19). Paul's seven-day stay suggests established relationships and organized church life.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between Spirit-led warnings to heed and obstacles to overcome in faith?
- What does this passage teach about the tension between personal safety and divine mission?
Analysis & Commentary
The disciples at Tyre, speaking 'through the Spirit,' warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem. This presents a tension between prophetic warning and apostolic calling - the Spirit revealed the danger ahead, but Paul understood his divine commission required him to press forward. This demonstrates that spiritual discernment sometimes involves weighing multiple Spirit-led impressions against God's overarching mission.