And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

ACTS 21:15KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“those” Greek G5025 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 13:53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
  • Luke 13:14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
  • Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

“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.