Acts 21:11

“And when he was come unto us, etc.] In Philip’s house: he took Paul’s girdle and bound his own hands and feet; and so prophesied by types and symbols, and gestures, as the prophets of old did; as Isaiah in (<232002>Isaiah 20:2,3) and Jeremiah in (<241301>Jeremiah 13:1-9, 27:2,3), and Ezekiel in (<260401>Ezekiel 4:1-13, 12:3,7) and Hosea in (<280102>Hosea 1:2,3), some understand this of his binding Paul’s hands and feet, but it seems rather to design his own: and said, thus saith the Holy Ghost; who was in Agabus, and spoke by him, and foretold some things to come to pass; and which did come to pass, and is a proof of the foreknowledge, and so of the deity of the blessed Spirit: so shall the…”

“So shall the Jews bind the man that owneth this girdle, &c.--For though the Romans did it, it was at the Jews' instigation (Act 21:33; Act 28:17). Such dramatic methods of announcing important future events would bring the old prophets to remembrance. (Compare Isa 20:2, &c.; Jer 13:1, and Eze 5:1, &c.). This prediction and that at Tyre (Act 21:4) were intended, not to prohibit him from going, but to put his courage to the test and when he stood the test, to deepen and mature it.”

“He took Paul’s girdle - The loose, flowing robes, or outer garments, which were worn in Eastern countries, were bound by a girdle, or sash, around the body when they ran, or labored, or walked. Such a girdle was therefore an indispensable part of dress. And bound his own hands and feet - As emblematic of what would be done by the Jews to Paul. It was common for the prophets to perform actions which were emblematic of the events which they predicted. The design was to make the prediction more forcible and impressive by representing it to the eye. Thus, Jeremiah was directed to bury his girdle by the Euphrates, to denote the approaching captivity of the Jews, Jeremiah 13:4. Thus, he was…”

“Binding his own feet and hands - In the manner that malefactors were wont to be bound when apprehended. So shall the Jews bind the man whose girdle this is - St. Paul's bonds were first particularly foretold at Cesarea, to which he afterward came in bonds, Act 23:33. Acts 21:12”

“21:11-14 Despite Agabus’s prediction of suffering and the believers’ begging Paul not to go to Jerusalem, Paul was resolutely ready even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus. Luke stresses Paul’s courage, determination, and heroism as a Christian missionary who would let nothing interfere with his mission. See study note on 21:4-6.”

“he took: Sa1 15:27, Sa1 15:28; Kg1 11:29-31; Kg2 13:15-19; Jer 13:1-11, Jer 19:10, Jer 19:11; Eze 24:19-25; Hos 12:10 Thus: Act 13:2, Act 16:6, Act 20:23, Act 28:25; Heb 3:7; Pe1 1:12 So shall: Act 21:33, Act 22:25, Act 24:27, Act 26:29, Act 28:20; Eph 3:1, Eph 4:1, Eph 6:20; Ti2 2:9; Heb 10:34 and shall: Act 28:17; Mat 20:18, Mat 20:19, Mat 27:1, Mat 27:2 Acts 21:12”