Atos 21
Theophylact of Ohrid
Atos 21:1
Luke uses a strong expression, saying "having parted from them" ("torn away from them"). And this is quite expressive, because after the tearing away they could not put out to sea. What does "we came with a straight course" mean? It means that they passed by all the other places without stopping at them. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:2-3
"Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia." Perhaps this ship had its anchorage here, in Patara; and they, not finding a ship departing for Caesarea, but finding a ship sailing to Phoenicia, set out on it and left Cyprus and Syria to the side, since the expression "leaving on the left" was not added without purpose, but to show that they did not even think of approaching Syria. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:4
If the Spirit commanded Paul, then why did he resist? For the disciples spoke, knowing from the Spirit about the dangers threatening him. Yes, they did not persuade him "by the prompting of the Spirit," they did not directly predict the dangers awaiting him, but, sparing him, they simply said "that he should not go to Jerusalem." — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:8-9
The deacon Philip had daughters. But notice that his daughters were virgins and prophetesses, and that they attained through piety above all else to the point that they were even deemed worthy of the gift of prophecy. The writer would not have added that they were virgins if this were not worthy of attention. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:10
This is that Agabus who earlier predicted the famine. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:11
This is that Agabus who earlier predicted the famine. But bitter is the fact that "they will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles." Notice: as soon as he heard that he was about to endure many sufferings, he begins to hasten. Agabus did not say that they would bind Paul, lest they think he was speaking by prior arrangement; no, he said: "the man whose belt this is." — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:12
The others wept, but Paul comforted them: and he who did not fear his own trials grieved on account of their tears. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:13
I weep for you, he says, and not for the sufferings that await me, because for the sake of the Lord Jesus I am ready even to die. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:14
When they could not persuade him, they fell silent, because they recognized that this was the will of God. It should be noted that one ought to restrain those who hinder someone from doing a noble deed, even if they weep. And these tears moved even Paul himself and weakened his resolve. Therefore he also rebukes them. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:15
The word "having prepared" means "having taken everything necessary for the journey." — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:18
"On the next day Paul came with us to James." James was the bishop of Jerusalem; this is the brother of the Lord, a great man and worthy of admiration. Paul tells them what happened among the Gentiles, not out of vainglory, but wishing to show God's love for mankind. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:19
"By his ministry," that is, by the preaching of the evangelical teaching. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:20
These thousands of Jews who believed were from those who cried out: "His blood be on us and on our children" (Matt. 27:25). Yet the Lover of mankind accepted many both from them and from their children and granted them innumerable blessings. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:23
Many kinds of vows existed: some promised sacrifices, others – money, still others – themselves, and a fourth group – not to drink wine and not to cut their hair for a certain number of days. To this last category these men belonged. The hair was a symbol of mortification, because it, like the dead, does not feel pain. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:24
"Taking them, purify yourself with them, and take upon yourself the expenses for the sacrifice for them." That is, he says, the sacrifices which, according to the law, must be offered for them, provide yourself, in order to destroy every suspicion. Defend yourself, it is said, by deed, not by word. "That they may shave their heads, and all will know that what they have heard about you is untrue." It was customary that those who had taken a vow, after purification, would shear their heads and in this manner for seven days make offerings for themselves. Something similar was done by Aquila and Priscilla, so that it would be evident that they sheared their heads as worshippers of God. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:25
As we give instructions to the Gentiles, although we preach to the Jews, so also you cooperate with us, although you preach to the Gentiles. Do not be afraid, it is a matter of condescension. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:26
Paul had his hair cut and fulfilled all the Jewish rites, but not because he changed his opinion (for that would have been a thing impure from vice), but because love is condescending. "He declared the completion of the days of purification," that is, he himself declared about himself that the purification was completed. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:27
Notice God's arrangement: after some were dissuaded, others, out of fear that the rest might also be dissuaded, attack Paul. Their restless character is visible everywhere. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:30
They wanted to kill him and dragged him out of the temple, so that they could commit the murder with greater boldness. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:36
They say "Away with him!" in accordance with Roman custom, since it was customary among the Jews to shout this phrase against the righteous, as they also shouted against the Lord: "Away with Him" (Luke 23:18). — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:38
"Are you not that Egyptian?" There appeared a certain Egyptian, an innovator, a rebel, a deceiver, and a sorcerer. The devil flattered himself with the hope of using this man and presenting both Christ and the apostles as participants in those crimes which were committed by the followers of this Egyptian. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:39
We, Christians, are the true Jews, as those who profess the true faith, because the name "Judah" means "confession." Since the commander asked whether he was that Egyptian, Paul first of all deflects him from this suspicion. And so that he would not think that he was a Jew by origin, he then declares his faith. So what then? Did he deny it? By no means! He was both a Jew and a Christian. "Allow me to speak to the people." This is the strongest proof that he was not guilty of anything—so ready was he to defend himself and so eager was he to address a word to the Jewish people. — Commentary on Acts
Atos 21:40
Much contributed to him the very place — the stairs — namely, that he spoke while standing high up and being bound. To see Paul, bound with two chains, speaking to the people — what spectacle could equal this? How he was not frightened, looking upon such a multitude of agitated people! — Commentary on Acts