After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The original Greek word here, often translated as "took up our carriages," actually means "equipped ourselves" or "made ourselves ready." This subtle shift highlights that Paul and his companions weren't just gathering their belongings; they were actively preparing for the challenges and ministry that awaited them in Jerusalem.
After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After spending time in Caesarea with Philip and his family, Paul and his companions make preparations for their journey. They gather their belongings and set out, heading toward Jerusalem for the upcoming feast. This marks the beginning of a significant trip, as Paul is going to Jerusalem despite receiving prophecies about his impending imprisonment there.
Ever read a Bible verse and pause because a word just sounds… weird? 'Took up our carriages' might be one of those moments. What were they actually carrying?
The translation 'carriages' in older English versions (like the KJV) can be a bit misleading today. It doesn't refer to a vehicle like a coach or chariot.
Instead, the original Greek word, 'ap-o-skeu-a-zo-me-noi,' or the preferred reading 'ep-i-skeu-a-zo-me-noi,' means to pack up, make ready, or equip oneself and one's belongings for a journey. Think of it as gathering all your necessary baggage, supplies, and provisions.
So, when Paul and his companions 'took up their carriages,' they were essentially preparing their travel gear and loading it onto whatever mode of transport they were using – perhaps pack animals or even a ship, as some suggest the alms might have traveled by sea.
It highlights the practical, logistical side of their mission as they prepared to travel.
They were going 'up to Jerusalem.' But this wasn't just a change of scenery. What spiritual significance did this journey hold?
The phrase 'went up to Jerusalem' carries a dual meaning. Physically, Jerusalem was a higher elevation, so you literally 'went up' to it. But spiritually, Jerusalem was the holy city, the center of Jewish religious life and the burgeoning Christian church.
For Paul, this journey was particularly significant. He was bringing crucial financial support (the alms collected) to the struggling believers in Jerusalem, a testament to the unity of the Gentile and Jewish branches of the early church.
This trip also represented a return to the heart of the faith, a place where he would face intense scrutiny and ultimately fulfill a divine purpose, even if it meant facing persecution. The journey was fraught with spiritual and relational complexities, not just logistical ones.
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The journey to Jerusalem wasn't just a trip; it was a perilous mission Paul felt divinely compelled to undertake, despite clear warnings of danger, to deliver much-needed aid and to affirm the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers.
c. AD 57
Paul concludes third missionary journey
Paul finishes his extensive travels in the Aegean region, having spent significant time in Ephesus and Corinth. He is now planning a return to Jerusalem, carrying financial contributions from Gentile churches for the believers in Judea.
c. AD 57
Warning in Tyre
While in Tyre, disciples warn Paul not to go to Jerusalem, moved by the Spirit. Paul, however, is resolute in his determination to go, stating he is ready to face imprisonment and death for the Lord Jesus.
c. AD 57
Warning in Caesarea
The prophet Agabus, known from an earlier event in Acts, prophesies Paul's capture in Jerusalem. Despite this dire warning and the pleas of his companions, Paul remains steadfast in his resolve to go.
c. AD 57— this verse
Preparation for Jerusalem journey
After spending time in Caesarea with Philip the evangelist and his family, Paul and his companions pack their belongings and make final preparations for their journey to Jerusalem. They are accompanied by some believers from Caesarea.
c. AD 57
Arrival in Jerusalem
Paul and his companions arrive in Jerusalem. They are welcomed by the local believers and arrange to meet with James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, and the elders.
c. AD 57
Paul arrested in Jerusalem
Upon arriving at the temple, Paul is falsely accused of bringing a Gentile into the inner courts and is seized by a mob. Roman soldiers intervene to save him from being killed.
This passage describes the importance of bringing goods and provisions to Jerusalem for worship, highlighting the city's central role in Israel's religious life, mirroring Paul's journey with his 'baggage' for a significant religious purpose.
Luke 9:51This verse marks Jesus' decisive turning point towards Jerusalem, showing a solemn commitment to a journey with profound spiritual implications, much like Paul's determined ascent.
Matthew 20:18-19Jesus foretells his journey to Jerusalem and what will happen there, paralleling the narrative of Paul's own purposeful and forewarned journey to the same city for a crucial mission.
Galatians 2:10Paul recalls his commitment to remember the poor in his ministry, which directly relates to the purpose of his trip to Jerusalem in Acts, where he was bringing the collection for the saints.
ellicottActs 21:15: "And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem."
(15) After those days we took up our carriages . . . —Better, we took up our baggage. The English word now used always of the vehicle that carries, was in common use at the time of the Authorised version, for the things carried—the luggage or impedimenta of a traveller. So, in 1Samuel 17:22 , David leaves his carriage (or, as in the margin, the vessels from upon him ) in the hand of the “keeper of the carriag…
barnesActs 21:15: "And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem."
After those days - After what had occurred, as related in the previous verses. We took up our carriages - This is a most unhappy translation. The word carriage we apply now exclusively to a vehicle for conveying anything as a coach, chariot, gig, cannon carriage, etc. The original word means simply that they prepared themselves; made themselves ready; put their baggage in order, etc. ἀποσκευασάμενοι aposke…
The original Greek word here, often translated as "took up our carriages," actually means "equipped ourselves" or "made ourselves ready." This subtle shift highlights that Paul and his companions weren't just gathering their belongings; they were actively preparing for the challenges and ministry that awaited them in Jerusalem.
After spending time in Caesarea with Philip and his family, Paul and his companions make preparations for their journey. They gather their belongings and set out, heading toward Jerusalem for the upcoming feast. This marks the beginning of a significant trip, as Paul is going to Jerusalem despite receiving prophecies about his impending imprisonment there.
After spending time in Caesarea with Philip and his family, Paul and his companions make preparations for their journey. They gather their belongings and set out, heading toward Jerusalem for the upcoming feast. This marks the beginning of a significant trip, as Paul is going to Jerusalem despite receiving prophecies about his impending imprisonment there.
"After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem." — The original Greek word here, often translated as "took up our carriages," actually means "equipped ourselves" or "made ourselves ready." This subtle shift highlights that Paul and his companions wer…
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Last reviewed October 2026