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

ACTS 21:12KJV
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Acts 21:12 (KJV)

What does Acts 21:12 mean?

Acts 21:12 describes how Paul’s companions and the local believers, after hearing a warning about what awaited Paul in Jerusalem, pleaded with him not to go there. The verse shows a moment of deep concern and emotional appeal from those around Paul, urging him to avoid danger.

In this scene, Luke (the author, who includes himself with "we") and the Christians in that area respond to a prophecy about Paul’s coming suffering in Jerusalem. Their plea is heartfelt, reflecting both their affection for Paul and their fear for his safety. This verse highlights the tension between Paul’s sense of mission and the protective instincts of his friends and fellow believers.

The Greek behind Acts 21:12

  • παρακαλέω (parakaleō, "besought"): This word means to urge, beg, or strongly encourage. The Greek here carries a sense of earnest pleading, not just a casual suggestion, showing how deeply those around Paul felt about the risk he faced.
  • ἀναβαίνω (anabainō, "go up"): This verb literally means "to go up," which is often used for traveling to Jerusalem because the city sits on a hill. It’s not just about physical movement but also hints at the significance of Jerusalem as a central, elevated place in Jewish life.

Why Acts 21:12 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Paul’s companions were indifferent to his fate; it shows their strong emotional investment and their willingness to speak up, even if it meant opposing Paul’s intentions.
  • Acts 21:12 emphasizes the real danger Paul faced and sets up the tension for the following events, making his decision to continue toward Jerusalem more dramatic and meaningful.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme in Acts of believers wrestling with God’s will, personal sacrifice, and the cost of following a calling, especially when it involves suffering.

Where else these words appear

“up” Greek G305 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • John 1:51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
  • Acts 20:11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

“Jerusalem” Greek G2419 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
  • Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
  • Acts 15:4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

“besought” Greek G3870 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Acts 16:39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?

“we” Greek G2249 · used in 121 verses

  • Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
  • Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
  • 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.