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c. 142 (and in the classics)):Luke 8:22;Acts 13:13;Acts 16:11;Acts 18:21;Acts 20:3, 13; 21:(),;. (Polybius 1, 21, 4; 23, 3, etc.) (Compare:ἐπανάγω.)

Strong’s Greek number 321 portrays purposeful upward or forward movement, whether the launching of a vessel, the leading of a person to a higher place, or the bringing up of someone from confinement or death. Across Scripture the term consistently serves salvation-history by portraying God’s initiative in moving His people, His servants and His Son toward the fulfillment of divine purpose.

Seafaring and Missionary Journeys

In Acts the word becomes technical language for putting a ship to sea. Luke chooses it for nearly every stage of Paul’s voyages (Acts 13:13; 16:11; 20:13; 21:2; 27:2,4,12,21; 28:10,11), reinforcing the missionary momentum of the early Church. Each time the gospel literally “sets sail,” the same verb reminds the reader that mission is an intentional launching under God’s providence.Acts 16:11: “Setting sail from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day to Neapolis.” The Spirit’s call (Acts 16:10) is immediately matched by movement; theology and travel intertwine.

Elevation to High Places

The term also describes being carried to an elevated physical location. The Spirit “led” Jesus up into the wilderness for testing (Matthew 4:1), and the devil “led Him up” to a high mountain to display the kingdoms of the world (Luke 4:5). By using the same verb the Evangelists contrast holy guidance with satanic manipulation while underscoring Christ’s obedience in every circumstance. Likewise,Luke 8:22 notes that Jesus and the disciples “set out” across the lake—again signaling deliberate movement initiated by the Lord.

Deliverance and Resurrection

When the focus shifts from geography to soteriology the verb still communicates upward motion.Romans 10:7 asks, “Who will descend into the Abyss? (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).”Hebrews 13:20 blesses “the God of peace, who… brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus.” Here the resurrection is portrayed as an upward deliverance accomplished by the Father. The same word describes Peter’s intended public display after imprisonment (Acts 12:4) and the bringing of Dorcas’ mourners to the upper room (Acts 9:39), hinting at reversal of despair through divine intervention.

Guided Movement by Divine Agency

Whether the agent is God (Matthew 4:1;Hebrews 13:20), human leadership (Acts 9:39), or the Church in mission (Acts 20:13), the action is never random. Luke repeatedly marks the difference between mere travel and God-directed advance. Even storms cannot override divine purpose; although Paul’s crew reluctantly “were forbidden to set sail” (Acts 27:21), God’s plan still reaches Rome (Acts 28:11).

Christological Focus

The resurrection texts reveal the ultimate “bringing up” that secures redemption. Because the Father raised Jesus, believers may trust Him to “bring” them safely into His presence (cf.Romans 10:9, contextually linked with 10:7). The same verb that records ships leaving harbor now proclaims the Savior leaving the grave.

Ecclesiological and Pastoral Applications

1. Missionary resolve: congregations are called to “set sail” in obedience, confident that God directs the journey.
2. Spiritual warfare: believers, like Christ, may be “led up” to testing yet remain under the Spirit’s oversight.
3. Hope in bereavement: the God who “brought back” the Shepherd guarantees future resurrection for the flock (Hebrews 13:20-21).
4. Leadership: pastors emulate Paul by guiding others to launch into new fields, trusting God for safe harbor.

Historical Context

First-century readers, familiar with Mediterranean commerce, would sense the risk and faith bound to every voyage. Luke’s nautical precision grounds theology in everyday experience: raising anchor, catching wind, braving storms. Likewise, Roman judicial procedure (Acts 12:4) and Hellenistic burial customs (Acts 9:39) frame the word in concrete settings, making the upward movement of God’s salvation palpable.

Reflection for Contemporary Discipleship

Every occurrence of Strong’s 321 reminds modern readers that Christian life is neither static nor aimless. The Lord leads upward—sometimes into wilderness testing, often across uncharted waters, ultimately out of death itself. Emboldened by that pattern, believers can launch obediently, endure trials faithfully, and anticipate the final “bringing up” when Christ returns.