New International Version“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.
New Living Translation“And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me,
English Standard VersionAnd now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there,
Berean Standard BibleAnd now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.
Berean Literal BibleAnd now behold, bound in the Spirit I go to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me in it,
King James BibleAnd now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
New King James VersionAnd see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,
New American Standard BibleAnd now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there,
NASB 1995“And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there,
NASB 1977“And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there,
Legacy Standard BibleAnd now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there,
Amplified BibleAnd now, compelled by the Spirit and obligated by my convictions, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there,
Christian Standard Bible“And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there,
Holman Christian Standard BibleAnd now I am on my way to Jerusalem, bound in my spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there,
American Standard VersionAnd now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
Contemporary English VersionI don't know what will happen to me in Jerusalem, but I must obey God's Spirit and go there.
English Revised VersionAnd now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
GOD'S WORD® Translation"I am determined to go to Jerusalem now. I don't know what will happen to me there.
Good News TranslationAnd now, in obedience to the Holy Spirit I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.
International Standard VersionAnd now, compelled by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there,
NET BibleAnd now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem without knowing what will happen to me there,
New Heart English BibleAnd now, look, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there;
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd now behold, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
Weymouth New Testament"And now, impelled by a sense of duty, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.
World English BibleNow, behold, I go bound by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd now, behold, I—bound in the Spirit—go on to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will befall me in it,
Berean Literal BibleAnd now behold, bound in the Spirit I go to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me in it,
Young's Literal Translation 'And now, lo, I -- bound in the Spirit -- go on to Jerusalem, the things that shall befall me in it not knowing,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd now, behold, I, bound in the spirit, am going to Jerusalem, not knowing the things going to happen to me in it; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd now, behold, being bound in the spirit, I go to Jerusalem: not knowing the things which shall befall me there:
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd now, behold, being obliged in spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there,
New American BibleBut now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem. What will happen to me there I do not know,
New Revised Standard VersionAnd now, as a captive to the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd now I am on my way to Jerusalem, bound in the spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there:
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“And now I am shackled by The Spirit, and I go on to Jerusalem, and I do not know what will meet me there.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd now, behold, I am going, bound in spirit, to Jerusalem, not knowing what shall befall me there,
Godbey New TestamentAnd now, behold, I go to Jerusalem bound in spirit, not knowing the things which shall come upon me in it:
Haweis New TestamentAnd now behold I am going, bound by the Spirit, unto Jerusalem, not knowing what things shall there befal me:
Mace New Testamentin our Lord Jesus Christ, but now I am fix'd in my resolution to go to Jerusalem, without any apprehension of what may befal me there:
Weymouth New Testament"And now, impelled by a sense of duty, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there,
Worrell New TestamentAnd, now, behold, I, bound by the Spirit, am going to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there;
Worsley New TestamentAnd now, being constrained by the spirit, behold I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will befal me there:
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians… 21testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22Andnow,compelledby theSpirit,Iam goingtoJerusalem,notknowingwhatwill happento methere.23I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.…
Cross References Acts 21:11-14Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.’” / When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. / Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” ...
Acts 9:16I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”
Acts 19:21After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”
Romans 15:30-32Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. / Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, / so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.
2 Corinthians 5:14For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died.
Philippians 1:20-21I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. / For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
2 Timothy 4:6-8For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. / I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.
Luke 9:51As the day of His ascension approached, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
John 16:13However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.
Galatians 2:2I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I spoke privately to those recognized as leaders, for fear that I was running or had already run in vain.
Hebrews 11:8By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going.
1 Corinthians 9:16Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
Romans 8:14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Isaiah 50:7Because the Lord GOD helps Me, I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame.
Jeremiah 20:9If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.
Treasury of Scripture And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: I go. Acts 19:21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. Acts 21:11-14 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliverhim into the hands of the Gentiles… Luke 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, not. Luke 18:31-33 Then he tookunto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished… John 13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. John 18:4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? Jump to Previous BefallBoundCompelledDutyImpelledJerusalemPrisonerSenseSpiritWayJump to Next BefallBoundCompelledDutyImpelledJerusalemPrisonerSenseSpiritWayActs 20 1.Paul goes to Macedonia, and thence to Troas.7.He celebrates the Lord's supper, and preaches.9.Eutychus having fallen down dead is raised to life.13.Paul continues his travels;17.and at Miletum he calls the elders together, tells them what shall befall to himself,28.commits God's flock to them,29.warns them of false teachers,32.commends them to God,36.prays with them, and departs.And now, compelled by the SpiritThis phrase indicates a divine guidance and urgency in Paul's mission. The Holy Spirit's role in directing believers is a recurring theme in Acts ( Acts 13:2, Acts 16:6-7). The Spirit's compulsion suggests a strong, irresistible influence, aligning with the biblical understanding of the Spirit as a guide and counselor ( John 14:26). This highlights the importance of obedience to God's leading, even when the path is uncertain. I am going to Jerusalem
Jerusalem holds significant historical and theological importance. It is the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. For Paul, a former Pharisee, returning to Jerusalem symbolizes a connection to his Jewish roots and the early church's birthplace (Acts 1:8). This journey also mirrors Jesus' own journey to Jerusalem, where He faced suffering and crucifixion (Luke 9:51). Paul's determination to go despite potential danger reflects his commitment to his mission and the spread of the Gospel. not knowing what will happen to me there
This phrase underscores the uncertainty and potential peril of Paul's journey. It reflects the Christian walk of faith, where believers often step into the unknown, trusting in God's plan (Hebrews 11:8). Historically, Jerusalem was a volatile city, with tensions between Jewish authorities and the early Christian movement. Paul's lack of knowledge about his fate parallels the experiences of the prophets and Jesus, who also faced opposition and suffering (Jeremiah 1:19,Matthew 16:21). This uncertainty emphasizes reliance on God's sovereignty and the courage required to follow His call. Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulThe apostle who is speaking in this verse. He is on his third missionary journey and is addressing the elders of the church in Ephesus. 2. The Holy SpiritThe divine presence compelling Paul to go to Jerusalem, indicating the guidance and influence of God in Paul's mission. 3. JerusalemThe city to which Paul is being led by the Spirit. It is a significant location for early Christianity and the site of many pivotal events in the New Testament. 4. EphesusThe city where Paul is delivering his farewell speech to the church elders. It was an important center for early Christianity. 5. Paul's JourneyThe event of Paul traveling to Jerusalem, despite the uncertainty and potential danger that awaits him. Teaching Points Guidance of the Holy SpiritAs believers, we should seek and be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives, even when the path is uncertain. Faith in UncertaintyLike Paul, we are called to trust God and move forward in faith, even when we do not know what the future holds. Obedience to God's CallPaul's example teaches us the importance of obedience to God's call, regardless of the potential risks or challenges. Courage in the Face of AdversityWe can draw strength from Paul's courage, knowing that God equips us to face adversity when we are following His will. Community and FarewellPaul's farewell to the Ephesian elders reminds us of the importance of community and the bonds we form within the body of Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 20:22?
2.How does Acts 20:22 inspire you to follow the Holy Spirit's guidance?
3.What does "compelled by the Spirit" mean in your daily decision-making?
4.How can Paul's journey to Jerusalem in Acts 20:22 strengthen your faith?
5.What other Scriptures emphasize obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading?
6.How can you apply Paul's example of trust in God's plan today?
7.What does Acts 20:22 reveal about Paul's commitment to his mission despite uncertainty?
8.How does Acts 20:22 challenge believers to trust in God's plan without knowing the outcome?
9.What historical context influenced Paul's journey to Jerusalem in Acts 20:22?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 20?
11.Did Jesus breathe on them to receive the Holy Spirit?
12.Why is the Upper Room significant?
13.What did Paul do between his third and fourth journeys?
14.What is the timeline of Paul's life events?What Does Acts 20:22 Mean And nowThe phrase signals a pivotal moment. Paul has just reminded the Ephesian elders of his faithful ministry among them (Acts 20:18-21). • It marks a transition from past faithfulness to present obedience—much like how Joshua moved from mourning Moses to crossing the Jordan (Joshua 1:1-2). • “Now” underscores urgency; Paul will not delay, echoing Jesus’ own “my time is at hand” (Matthew 26:18). • It also reminds us that faith is lived in real time; yesterday’s victories do not exempt us from today’s calling (Philippians 3:13-14).
compelled by the SpiritPaul’s movement is not self-generated; the Holy Spirit presses him forward. • “Compelled” points to inner constraint, similar to how Jesus was “led by the Spirit into the wilderness” (Luke 4:1). • Obedience to the Spirit is the mark of true sonship (Romans 8:14). • The Spirit sometimes says “no” (Acts 16:6-7) and sometimes “go,” but always in perfect wisdom (Galatians 5:25). • For believers today, this means cultivating a sensitivity that moves beyond mere preference to Spirit-directed conviction (Colossians 3:15).
I am going to JerusalemPaul’s destination is specific. • Jerusalem is both the heart of Jewish faith and the flashpoint of opposition; like Jesus, Paul “set His face resolutely to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). • Earlier the Spirit had put Jerusalem and Rome on Paul’s horizon (Acts 19:21), showing that divine guidance can involve step-by-step revelation. • Going to the city reflects Paul’s burden for his own people (Romans 9:2-3) even though he knows danger awaits (Acts 21:13-14). • The lesson: God’s will often leads us toward, not away from, uncomfortable places—yet always for redemptive purpose (2 Corinthians 4:17).
not knowing what will happen to me therePaul acknowledges uncertainty. • Faith does not demand foreknowledge; like Abraham, he “obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8). • James warns planners who boast about tomorrow; instead we say, “If the Lord wills” (James 4:13-15). Paul models that attitude. • God had revealed hardship ahead (Acts 20:23; 21:11), but not every detail—teaching dependence, not presumption (Psalm 119:105). • Walking into the unknown shifts focus from outcomes to the One who orders the steps (Proverbs 16:9;2 Corinthians 5:7).
summaryActs 20:22 captures a life of Spirit-led resolve: in the present moment, urged by the Holy Spirit, Paul heads toward a God-appointed place, trusting the Lord with the uncertain future. The verse calls every believer to timely obedience, Spirit sensitivity, courageous mission, and humble reliance on God’s sovereign care—even when tomorrow remains unseen. (22) And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit.--The question meets us as before (see Note on Acts 19:21), whether the words refer to the direct action of the Holy Spirit or to the higher element of St. Paul's own nature, as in 1Corinthians 5:3; 2Corinthians 2:13. On the whole, the latter seems the more probable, subject, as before, to the reservation that the word is used because it points to that part of his being which was most in communion with the Divine Spirit. (Comp. Romans 8:16.) He was going to Jerusalem regardless of results, under a constraint which virtually limited the freedom of his human will. As in 1Corinthians 9:16, a "necessity" was laid upon him. Verse 22. - Bound in the spirit. Τῷπνεύματι, may either mean "in my spirit" or "by the Spirit," i.e. the Holy Ghost. If the former, which is the most probable sense (as τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον follows in the next verse), is taken, the sense will be that St. Paul felt himself constrained to go to Jerusalem. A sense of absolute necessity was upon him, and he did not feel himself a free agent to go anywhere else. If the latter sense be taken, the meaning will be that the Holy Ghost was constraining him to go to Jerusalem.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek AndΚαὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.now,νῦν(nyn)Adverb
Strong's 3568:A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.compelledδεδεμένος(dedemenos)Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1210:To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind.by theτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Spirit,πνεύματι(pneumati)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151:Wind, breath, spirit.Iἐγὼ(egō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.am goingπορεύομαι(poreuomai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4198:To travel, journey, go, die.toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.Jerusalem,Ἰερουσαλήμ(Ierousalēm)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2419:Of Hebrew origin; Hierusalem, the capitol of Palestine.notμὴ(mē)Adverb
Strong's 3361:Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.knowingεἰδώς(eidōs)Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1492:To know, remember, appreciate.whatτὰ(ta)Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.will happenσυναντήσοντά(synantēsonta)Verb - Future Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4876:To meet, encounter, fall in with. From sun and a derivative of anti; to meet with; figuratively, to occur.to meμοι(moi)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.[there].αὐτῇ(autē)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
Links Acts 20:22 NIVActs 20:22 NLTActs 20:22 ESVActs 20:22 NASBActs 20:22 KJV
Acts 20:22 BibleApps.comActs 20:22 Biblia ParalelaActs 20:22 Chinese BibleActs 20:22 French BibleActs 20:22 Catholic Bible
NT Apostles: Acts 20:22 Now behold I go bound by (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
