Acts 21:13-14
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.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul isn't just stoic; his heart aches at their weeping because he cherishes their love, yet his resolve for God's will is unshakeable. He acknowledges their deep affection but declares his readiness to face not just imprisonment, but death itself, for Jesus' sake.
As Paul prepares to travel to Jerusalem despite clear warnings of impending imprisonment and hardship, his friends in Caesarea express their deep grief and plead with him to turn back. Paul responds with affectionate yet firm reproach, revealing his profound emotional struggle in facing their tears and entreaties. He declares his unwavering readiness to be imprisoned and even to die for Jesus in Jerusalem, demonstrating a resolute commitment to his mission that outweighs his own personal feelings and their loving pleas.
Paul's friends wept and pleaded with him not to go to Jerusalem. How did this affect him, and what does it reveal about his inner life?
Paul's response, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart?" isn't a sign of weakness, but of deep human connection. He wasn't some unfeeling robot on a mission. The intensity of their love and fear for him genuinely pained him.
A Tender Reproach
He calls their weeping and pleading a "breaking of my heart." This isn't a gentle suggestion; it's a painful affliction. It shows that Paul felt deeply the human affections of those who loved him. Their earnestness, while understandable, was causing him significant emotional distress.
The Weight of Duty
Even with this emotional turmoil, Paul's resolve remained unshaken. He was prepared for imprisonment, and even death. This verse beautifully illustrates the tension between deep personal affection and an unyielding commitment to divine calling. Love can hurt, especially when duty calls you away from those you cherish.
Paul wasn't just willing to face jail; he was ready to die. What fueled this ultimate commitment?
Paul's statement, "For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus," is a profound declaration of his ultimate devotion.
Beyond Mere Willingness
He uses the phrase "I am ready" (or "I hold myself in readiness"). This isn't a passive hope; it's an active state of preparedness. He had mentally and spiritually processed the potential cost of his mission and fully accepted it.
The Highest Motivation
His readiness wasn't for personal glory or even just for the sake of the mission itself. It was specifically "for the name of the Lord Jesus." This means for His sake, for His honor, and to make His name known. This ultimate purpose eclipsed the fear of suffering or death.
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.
thelēma tou Kyriou · Greek Noun
The sovereign desire, decree, or purpose of God for His creation. Submission to this will is the highest calling of a believer, even when it involves personal suffering or death.
Paul's unwavering commitment to facing imprisonment and even death in Jerusalem, despite the heartfelt pleas of his loved ones, highlights the profound spiritual conviction driving his ministry.
c. AD 57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul concludes his extensive third missionary journey, which spanned years and covered vast regions of the Roman Empire, focusing on evangelism and strengthening churches.
c. AD 57
Prophecy of Agabus in Tyre
During Paul's journey, the prophet Agabus foretells that Paul will be arrested and handed over to the Gentiles in Jerusalem, which deeply distresses his companions.
c. AD 57
Arrival in Caesarea
Paul and his companions arrive at Caesarea Maritima, lodging with Philip the evangelist, where the warnings about his impending arrest in Jerusalem are reiterated by concerned friends.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul's Resolve to Go to Jerusalem
Despite the tearful pleas and dire warnings from his friends in Caesarea, Paul remains resolute in his decision to travel to Jerusalem, viewing it as a matter of divine calling.
This passage details Paul's extensive suffering for Christ, mirroring his readiness to face imprisonment and death in Acts, underscoring his unwavering commitment despite immense hardship.
Philippians 1:20-21Paul expresses a similar sentiment here, viewing life and death through the lens of glorifying Christ, aligning with his willingness to die in Jerusalem for Jesus' name.
John 15:18-20Jesus warns his followers that the world will hate them, just as it hated him. This context helps explain why Paul, even with tears, understood the potential suffering and opposition he would face.
Matthew 16:24-26Jesus calls his disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him, even to the point of losing their lives for his sake. Paul's resolve in Acts echoes this radical call to discipleship.
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 isn't just stoic; his heart aches at their weeping because he cherishes their love, yet his resolve for God's will is unshakeable. He acknowledges their deep affection but declares his readiness to face not just imprisonment, but death itself, for Jesus' sake.
As Paul prepares to travel to Jerusalem despite clear warnings of impending imprisonment and hardship, his friends in Caesarea express their deep grief and plead with him to turn back. Paul responds with affectionate yet firm reproach, revealing his profound emotional struggle in facing their tears and entreaties. He declares his unwavering readiness to be imprisoned and even to die for Jesus in Jerusalem, demonstrating a resolute commitment to his mission that outweighs his own personal feelings and their loving pleas.
As Paul prepares to travel to Jerusalem despite clear warnings of impending imprisonment and hardship, his friends in Caesarea express their deep grief and plead with him to turn back. Paul responds with affectionate yet firm reproach, revealing his profound emotional struggle in facing their tears and entreaties. He declares his unwavering readiness to be imprisoned and even to die for Jesus in Jerusalem, demonstrating a resolute commitment to his mission that outweighs his own personal feelings and their loving pleas.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Acts 21:13-14 is available in the Sola app.
The True Martyr's Spirit
This mindset reflects the heart of a true martyr. While his friends saw only the danger, Paul saw the supreme value of his Lord. His willingness to face death demonstrates a faith that had found its ultimate object and purpose in Jesus.
c. AD 57
Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Paul is soon seized by a mob in the temple, based on false accusations, and is subsequently imprisoned by the Roman authorities.
c. AD 57-59
Paul's Imprisonment and Trials
Paul spends approximately two years imprisoned in Caesarea and faces various trials, including appearances before Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa, before appealing his case to Caesar.
"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.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let th…" — Paul isn't just stoic; his heart aches at their weeping because he cherishes their love, yet his resolve for God's will is unshakeable. He acknowledges their deep affection but declares his readiness…
