And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

ACTS 21:17KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 21:17 (KJV)

What does Acts 21:17 mean?

Acts 21:17 describes how Paul and his companions arrived in Jerusalem and were warmly welcomed by the local believers. The verse highlights the positive reception they received from the Christian community there.

Paul is the main speaker here, traveling with a group of fellow Christians as they return to Jerusalem after missionary journeys. The “brethren” refers to the local followers of Jesus in Jerusalem, who are glad to see Paul and his group. This welcome sets the stage for the important meetings and events that follow in Jerusalem, showing the unity and hospitality among early Christians.

The Greek behind Acts 21:17

  • δέ (de, “And”): This word connects the arrival in Jerusalem to the events just before, marking a transition in the story.
  • ἀδελφοί (adelphoi, “brethren”): This term means “brothers,” but in context it refers to fellow believers, emphasizing the close-knit relationship within the early church.
  • ἀσμένως (asmenōs, “gladly”): This word means “with joy” or “happily,” showing that the welcome was heartfelt and enthusiastic, not just a formality.

Why Acts 21:17 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that Paul was unwelcome or isolated in Jerusalem; instead, he was received with warmth by the local believers.
  • It emphasizes the unity and mutual support among early Christians, even across different regions and backgrounds.
  • This welcome sets a positive tone before the challenges and tensions Paul will soon face in Jerusalem, highlighting the importance of Christian fellowship.

Where else these words appear

“gladly” Greek G780 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

“received” Greek G1209 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
  • Luke 10:10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

“Jerusalem” Greek G2414 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Mark 15:41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.
  • Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.