Acts 21:14

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 21:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
Acts 21:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 21

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when he would not be persuaded, etc.] But was determined to go to Jerusalem at all events: we ceased; both from tears and arguments: saying, the will of the Lord be done; which was right, and to which they ought to have submitted, and acquiesced in at first, without using any arguments to have dissuaded the apostle from going to Jerusalem; since they might have concluded from Agabus’s prophecy, that it was the will of the Lord he should go thither, and be bound; and the revelation was made to him, not to deter him from it, and to take methods for his own safety, which his friends would have put him upon, but to acquaint him with the will of God, and make him still more certain of it, and…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Would not be persuaded - To remain. He was resolved to go. We ceased - We ceased remonstrating with him, and urging him to remain. The will of the Lord be done - They were now assured that it was the will of God that he should go, and they were now ready to submit to that will. This is an instance and an evidence of true piety. It was the expression of a wish that whatever God might judge to be necessary for the advancement of his cause might take place, even though it should be attended with many trials. They commended their friend to the protection of God, confident that whatever should occur would be right. Compare the notes on Matthew 6:10; Matthew 26:42. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when he would not be persuaded - This was not obstinacy, but true Christian resolution. We should never be persuaded, either to do evil, or to omit doing any good which is in our power; saying, the will of the Lord be done - Which they were satisfied Paul knew. Acts 21:15”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“The will: Gen 43:14; Sa1 3:18; Sa2 15:25, Sa2 15:26; Kg2 20:19; Mat 6:10, Mat 26:39, Mat 26:42; Luk 11:2, Luk 22:42 Acts 21:15”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification