And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

ACTS 21:19KJV
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Acts 21:19 (KJV)

What does Acts 21:19 mean?

Acts 21:19 describes how Paul greeted the church leaders in Jerusalem and then gave them a detailed report about the things God had accomplished among the non-Jewish people (Gentiles) through his work. Paul wanted the leaders to know exactly what had happened during his ministry to those outside the Jewish community.

In this scene, Paul has arrived in Jerusalem and is meeting with James and the elders of the church. He respectfully greets them and then carefully explains, point by point, what God has done through his efforts among the Gentiles. This shows both Paul's respect for the church leadership and his desire to be transparent and accountable about his mission work.

The Greek behind Acts 21:19

  • "Declared" (ἐξηγέομαι, exēgeomai) means to explain or relate in detail. The word suggests Paul gave a thorough, step-by-step account rather than just a summary.
  • "Particularly" (καθ’ ἓν ἕκαστον, kath’ hen hekaston) carries the idea of explaining "one by one" or "in detail." This emphasizes that Paul did not leave out any important events or results.
  • "Wrought" (ἐποίησεν, epoiēsen) means "did" or "accomplished." The Greek here highlights that Paul credits God as the one who truly accomplished these things, not himself.

Why Acts 21:19 matters

  • This verse shows Paul's humility and accountability—he does not take credit for the results but gives the glory to God and reports honestly to the church leaders.
  • The detailed report helps build trust and unity between the Jewish Christian leaders in Jerusalem and Paul, who worked mainly among Gentiles.
  • The verse sets up the context for the following discussion about how Gentile believers relate to Jewish customs, which becomes a key issue in the next verses.

Where else these words appear

“declared” Greek G1834 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 24:35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
  • John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
  • Acts 15:12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

“ministry” Greek G1248 · used in 32 verses

  • Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
  • Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
  • 2 Corinthians 9:1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

“saluted” Greek G782 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
  • Romans 16:9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
  • Philippians 4:22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

“particularly” Greek G1538 · used in 78 verses

  • Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
  • Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
  • Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.