And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

ACTS 21:14KJV
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Acts 21:14 (KJV)

What does Acts 21:14 mean?

Acts 21:14 describes how Paul’s companions stopped trying to convince him not to go to Jerusalem, accepting that what would happen was God’s will. They recognized that Paul was determined, so they entrusted the outcome to the Lord, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”

In this scene, Paul’s friends had been pleading with him not to continue his journey because they feared for his safety. When Paul remained firm, they ceased their efforts and expressed a willingness to accept whatever God intended. This verse captures a moment of surrender and trust in God’s purposes, even when the future was uncertain or troubling.

The Greek behind Acts 21:14

  • θέλημα (thelēma, “will”): This word points to God’s intention or desire, not just a passive allowance but an active purpose. The companions’ statement shows their acceptance of whatever God actively intends.
  • κυρίου (kyriou, “Lord”): This refers specifically to the Lord, emphasizing that the outcome is in God’s hands, not just fate or chance.
  • γένοιτο (genoito, “be done”): This word is often used in prayers or expressions of hope, carrying a sense of “let it happen” or “may it come to pass.” Here, it reflects a willing submission to God’s plan.

Why Acts 21:14 matters

  • Acts 21:14 shows a turning point where Paul’s friends move from trying to control the situation to trusting God’s plan, even when it is difficult.
  • The verse highlights the theme of surrendering personal desires or fears in favor of God’s greater purpose, a recurring idea throughout Acts.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage by showing the deep love and concern among early Christians, as well as their ultimate faith in God’s sovereignty over events they cannot control.

Where else these words appear

“ceased” Greek G2270 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 14:4 And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;
  • Luke 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
  • Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

“would” Greek G3982 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
  • Acts 23:21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.
  • Galatians 5:10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

“will” Greek G2307 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  • Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
  • Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;