Acts 21:22 – “What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse comes in the middle of a tense conversation between the apostle Paul and the church leaders in Jerusalem. Paul has just arrived in the city, and James and the elders are concerned about the rumors spreading about him. They know that many Jewish believers have heard that Paul is teaching against the Law of Moses, even though this is not exactly true.

The leaders ask, “What shall we do?” because they anticipate trouble. They realize that once word gets out that Paul is in town, there will be strong opposition from certain Jewish believers who still hold tightly to their traditions. These Jews see Paul as a threat because he teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus, not by keeping the Jewish law.

This verse sets up the plan the church leaders suggest to Paul in the following verses. They ask him to publicly participate in a Jewish purification ritual to show that he respects Jewish customs. Their hope is that this will ease tensions and prove that Paul is not telling Jewish Christians to abandon their heritage.

At its core, this verse highlights a challenge that Christians still face today—how to live faithfully while navigating misunderstandings and opposition.

Historical Context

At this point in history, the early church was growing, but there was a major struggle between Jewish and Gentile believers. Many Jewish Christians still followed the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, food laws, and temple rituals. While they believed in Jesus, they saw their Jewish customs as an essential part of their faith.

Paul, however, had been preaching to Gentiles all over the Roman Empire, teaching that salvation comes by grace through faith, not by works of the law (Ephesians 2:8-9). Some Jewish Christians misunderstood his teaching, thinking he was completely rejecting Jewish customs.

The city of Jerusalem was a dangerous place for Paul. The Jewish religious leaders saw him as a traitor, and tensions were high. The leaders of the church in Jerusalem knew that Paul’s presence could cause an uproar, which is why they asked, “What shall we do?” They wanted to protect Paul while also keeping peace in the church.

Theological Implications

This verse raises an important theological question: How should Christians handle conflicts over cultural and religious traditions?

Paul believed that the law could not save anyone—only Jesus could (Galatians 2:16). However, he was also willing to accommodate cultural customs to avoid unnecessary conflict, as long as it did not compromise the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

This verse also reminds us that opposition is inevitable for followers of Jesus. Paul’s presence in Jerusalem stirred controversy because the message of grace is often misunderstood. Even today, people resist the gospel because it challenges their traditions, pride, or self-reliance.

Literary Analysis

Acts 21:22 is part of Luke’s detailed account of Paul’s final days as a free man. The book of Acts is written as a historical narrative, and this verse functions as a moment of suspense. The church leaders recognize the growing tension and ask a question that prepares the reader for what comes next.

The phrase “They will certainly hear that you have come” builds anticipation. It signals that trouble is coming, making the reader wonder what will happen next. This tension drives the story forward, leading to Paul’s arrest in the following verses.

Luke’s writing also highlights the contrast between Paul’s boldness and the fears of the Jerusalem church leaders. Paul knows that suffering awaits him (Acts 20:22-23), but he is willing to face it. The leaders, on the other hand, are trying to find a way to avoid trouble. This contrast emphasizes Paul’s faithfulness to God’s mission.

Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 20:22-23 – Paul knew that imprisonment and hardships awaited him in Jerusalem, yet he was willing to go.
• 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 – Paul was willing to adapt to different cultures to win people to Christ, as long as it did not compromise the gospel.
• Galatians 2:16 – Salvation comes by faith in Jesus, not by following the law.
• Matthew 10:16 – Jesus told His disciples to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” when navigating opposition.
• John 15:18-19 – Jesus warned that the world would hate His followers because it hated Him first.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Christians today still face opposition and misunderstandings. People may misrepresent what we believe or challenge our faith. Acts 21:22 reminds us that being faithful to Christ will sometimes lead to tension, even within religious communities.

This verse also teaches us about wisdom in handling conflict. The church leaders in Jerusalem were not compromising the gospel, but they were trying to prevent unnecessary division. As Christians, we must balance standing for the truth while also being wise in how we engage with others.

Additionally, this verse encourages us to expect opposition but not to fear it. Paul did not back down from his mission, and neither should we.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in how He provides wisdom and guidance for His people. The church leaders were trying to protect Paul, and though their plan did not prevent his arrest, God still used it for good.

This verse also reminds us that God’s love is greater than any opposition we face. Even when people misunderstand or reject us, God remains faithful. Paul’s story shows that God’s plan is always at work, even in difficult circumstances.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s situation in Acts 21 is very similar to what Jesus faced in Jerusalem. Jesus also came to the city knowing that opposition awaited Him. The religious leaders misunderstood and opposed Him, just as they did with Paul.

Jesus, like Paul, was falsely accused and arrested because of His message (Mark 14:55-59). Yet, through His suffering, Jesus brought salvation to the world. Paul followed in Christ’s footsteps, willingly enduring suffering for the sake of the gospel.

Paul’s willingness to face opposition reflects the heart of Jesus, who laid down His life for others (John 10:17-18). Just as Jesus remained faithful to God’s mission, Paul also stood firm, and we are called to do the same.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever been misunderstood or misrepresented because of your faith? How did you respond?
2. How can you balance standing for the truth while also being wise in handling conflicts?
3. What does this passage teach you about the cost of following Jesus?
4. How does Paul’s example encourage you to remain faithful even when facing opposition?
5. What are some ways you can show grace and wisdom when dealing with people who misunderstand Christianity?

Acts 21:22 reminds us that following Christ often comes with challenges, but God’s plan is always at work. Like Paul, we are called to remain faithful, trust in God’s guidance, and boldly stand for the truth, no matter the cost.