Acts 21:15 (KJV)

What does Acts 21:15 mean?

Acts 21:15 describes how Paul and his companions gathered their belongings and began their journey to Jerusalem after spending several days in the previous location. The verse simply records the group’s decision to leave and head toward Jerusalem, marking a transition in their travels.

In this part of Acts, Luke is narrating the events as an eyewitness, using “we” to include himself among Paul’s traveling group. The phrase “took up our carriages” in the King James Version refers to preparing their luggage or packing up their things for the trip. This verse sets the stage for the important events that will soon take place in Jerusalem, showing the deliberate and purposeful movement of Paul and his companions toward the city.

The Greek behind Acts 21:15

• The word translated “carriages” is σκεύη (skeuē), which often means baggage or personal belongings rather than vehicles or carts. The King James wording can be confusing, but the Greek points to the act of packing up what they needed for travel.
• The phrase “went up” uses the Greek ἀναβαίνω (anabainō), which literally means to go up. In the context of traveling to Jerusalem, it reflects the city’s higher elevation and its spiritual importance, as people often spoke of “going up” to Jerusalem regardless of their starting point.

Why Acts 21:15 matters

• This verse helps clarify that Paul’s journey to Jerusalem was intentional and prepared, not a casual or spur-of-the-moment decision.
• Understanding the meaning of “carriages” as baggage helps avoid the misconception that the group was traveling with wagons or carriages, which is not what the Greek suggests.
• The transition in this verse connects the previous events—warnings and farewells—to the significant developments awaiting Paul in Jerusalem, highlighting the narrative’s movement and building anticipation.