Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul's response reveals his deep empathy; their tears and pleas physically hurt him, "breaking his heart," even though his resolve to go to Jerusalem remained unshaken. He wasn't just facing potential imprisonment but was fully prepared to die there for Jesus, showing a profound readiness that transcended even his own emotional pain.
Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The disciples in Caesarea, having heard from prophets that Paul would be arrested in Jerusalem, are weeping and pleading with him not to go. Paul, deeply moved by their distress, gently rebukes their tears, asserting his readiness to face not only imprisonment but even death in Jerusalem for Jesus' sake. This declaration highlights his unwavering commitment to his mission, even as he feels the weight of his friends' sorrow.
Paul's friends are weeping, begging him not to go to Jerusalem. He feels their pain deeply, but his heart is set on a higher calling. What does this tension reveal about following Jesus?
Paul’s response in Acts 21:13 isn't harsh, but tender. He says, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart?” This shows his deep human affection for his friends. Their tears and pleas afflict him.
A Shared Humanity, A Distinct Purpose
Paul isn't just willing to face trouble; he's prepared for the ultimate price. What does it mean to be 'ready to die' for Jesus' name?
Paul declares, “For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” This isn't a reckless death wish, but a profound state of readiness born from deep conviction.
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Beyond Fear, Into Purpose
Understand the original words
deō · Greek Verb (participle)
Refers to the act of being held in custody or restricted in movement, often as a result of persecution for the sake of the Gospel. It is a common experience for those identified with Christ.
onoma tou Kyriou Iēsou · Greek Noun
The distinct title of Jesus Christ, representing His authority, divine nature, and identity as Savior. Suffering or dying for this "name" signifies complete devotion to His person and mission.
Paul's deep emotional response to his friends' tears shows his humanity, even as his unwavering commitment to Christ's name in the face of certain suffering reveals a profound spiritual maturity.
c. AD 56-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul undertakes his final major missionary journey, establishing churches across Asia Minor and Greece. He plans to visit Jerusalem with a collection for the suffering believers there.
c. AD 57
Warning in Tyre
While in Tyre, disciples warn Paul not to go to Jerusalem through spiritual signs, foreshadowing the trouble he will face. Paul remains undeterred.
c. AD 57— this verse
Warning in Caesarea
In Caesarea, at the home of Philip the evangelist, the prophet Agabus prophesies Paul's impending imprisonment and suffering in Jerusalem. This deeply troubles Paul's companions.
c. AD 57
Paul's Resolve
Despite the dire warnings and the tears of his friends, Paul declares his readiness to be imprisoned and even to die in Jerusalem for the name of Jesus. His love for the Lord outweighs his fear.
c. AD 57
Arrival in Jerusalem
Paul finally arrives in Jerusalem, where he is met by elders and the apostle James. He recounts his ministry, and they advise him to participate in a temple purification rite to quell rumors.
c. AD 57
Paul's Arrest
While Paul is in the temple, a riot breaks out when he is wrongly accused of bringing a Gentile into the sacred area. Roman soldiers intervene and arrest him.
c. AD 57-60
Imprisonment and Trials
Paul is imprisoned for over two years in Caesarea and then sent to Rome to appeal his case before Caesar, facing numerous trials and conspiracies.
This passage details Paul's extensive suffering and dedication for Christ, mirroring the resolve he expresses in Acts 21:13, highlighting that his willingness to face imprisonment and death was not an isolated incident but a pattern of his ministry.
Philippians 1:20-21Paul writes here about his earnest expectation and hope that Christ will be honored in his body, whether through life or death. This resonates deeply with his statement in Acts 21:13, revealing his ultimate focus was the glory of Jesus, even in the face of extreme danger.
Matthew 16:24-26Jesus teaches his disciples that to follow him, they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and be willing to lose their life for his sake. Paul's readiness to die in Jerusalem (Acts 21:13) is a profound example of him embodying this core teaching of Jesus.
John 15:18-19Jesus warns his followers that the world will hate them because they belong to him. Paul's companions weeping and trying to dissuade him from going to Jerusalem (Acts 21:13) shows the painful reality of this spiritual conflict, where loyalty to Christ often clashes with earthly affections and safety.
ellicottActs 21:13: "Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
(13) What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? —Better, What mean ye weeping and breaking . . .? The intense sensitiveness of St. Paul’s nature shows itself in every syllable. It was with no Stoic hardness that he resisted their entreaties. They were positively crushing to him. He adhered to his purpose, but it was…
barnesActs 21:13: "Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
What mean ye - Greek: What do ye. A tender and affectionate, but firm reproach. To weep and to break mine heart? - To afflict me, and distract my mind by alarms, and by the expressions of tenderness. His mind was fixed on going to Jerusalem; and he felt that he was prepared for whatever awaited him. Expressions of tende…
Paul's response reveals his deep empathy; their tears and pleas physically hurt him, "breaking his heart," even though his resolve to go to Jerusalem remained unshaken. He wasn't just facing potential imprisonment but was fully prepared to die there for Jesus, showing a profound readiness that transcended even his own emotional pain.
The disciples in Caesarea, having heard from prophets that Paul would be arrested in Jerusalem, are weeping and pleading with him not to go. Paul, deeply moved by their distress, gently rebukes their tears, asserting his readiness to face not only imprisonment but even death in Jerusalem for Jesus' sake. This declaration highlights his unwavering commitment to his mission, even as he feels the weight of his friends' sorrow.
The disciples in Caesarea, having heard from prophets that Paul would be arrested in Jerusalem, are weeping and pleading with him not to go. Paul, deeply moved by their distress, gently rebukes their tears, asserting his readiness to face not only imprisonment but even death in Jerusalem for Jesus' sake. This declaration highlights his unwavering commitment to his mission, even as he feels the weight of his friends' sorrow.
"Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”" — Paul's response reveals his deep empathy; their tears and pleas physically hurt him, "breaking his heart," even though his resolve to go to Jerusalem remained unshaken. He wasn't just facing potent…
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Last reviewed October 2026