Acts 21:19
New International Version
Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

New Living Translation
After greeting them, Paul gave a detailed account of the things God had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry.

English Standard Version
After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

Berean Standard Bible
Paul greeted them and recounted one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

Berean Literal Bible
And having greeted them, he began to relate, one by one, each of the things God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

King James Bible
And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

New King James Version
When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

New American Standard Bible
After he had greeted them, he began to relate one by one the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

NASB 1995
After he had greeted them, he began to relate one by one the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

NASB 1977
And after he had greeted them, he began to relate one by one the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

Legacy Standard Bible
And after he had greeted them, he began to relate one by one the things which God did among the Gentiles through his ministry.

Amplified Bible
After greeting them, Paul began to give a detailed account of the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

Berean Annotated Bible
Paul greeted them and recounted one by one the things that God {Theos} had done among the Gentiles {ethnesin} through his ministry {diakonias}.

Christian Standard Bible
After greeting them, he reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After greeting them, he related in detail what God did among the Gentiles through his ministry.

American Standard Version
And when he had saluted them, he rehearsed one by one the things which God had wrought among the Gentiles through his ministry.

Contemporary English Version
Paul greeted them and told how God had used him to help the Gentiles.

English Revised Version
And when he had saluted them, he rehearsed one by one the things which God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After greeting them, Paul related everything God had done through his work with non-Jewish people.

Good News Translation
Paul greeted them and gave a complete report of everything that God had done among the Gentiles through his work.

International Standard Version
After greeting them, Paul related one by one the things that God had done among the gentiles through his ministry.

NET Bible
When Paul had greeted them, he began to explain in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

New Heart English Bible
When he had greeted them, he reported one by one the things which God had worked among the non-Jewish people through his ministry.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

Weymouth New Testament
After exchanging friendly greetings, Paul told in detail all that God had done among the Gentiles through his instrumentality.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Paul greeted them and recounted one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

World English Bible
When he had greeted them, he reported one by one the things which God had worked among the Gentiles through his ministry.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and having greeted them, he was expounding, one by one, each of the things God did among the nations through his ministry,

Berean Literal Bible
And having greeted them, he began to relate, one by one, each of the things God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

Young's Literal Translation
and having saluted them, he was declaring, one by one, each of the things God did among the nations through his ministration,

Smith's Literal Translation
And having greeted them, he recounted to each one what things God had done among the nations through his service.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Whom when he had saluted, he related particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he had greeted them, he explained each thing that God had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry.

New American Bible
He greeted them, then proceeded to tell them in detail what God had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry.

New Revised Standard Version
After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when we had saluted them, Paul told them in successive order everything that God had done among the Gentiles by his ministry.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And we gave them greeting and Paulus was reporting in order to them everything that God had done among the Gentiles by his ministry,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when he had saluted them, he related, in every particular, the things which. God had done among the Gentiles by his ministry.

Godbey New Testament
And having saluted them, he related each one of those things which God did among the Gentiles through his ministry.

Haweis New Testament
And after embracing them, he related every particular of the things which God had done among the Gentiles by his ministry.

Mace New Testament
after having saluted them, he gave a particular account of what God had wrought by his ministry among the Gentiles.

Weymouth New Testament
After exchanging friendly greetings, Paul told in detail all that God had done among the Gentiles through his instrumentality.

Worrell New Testament
And, having saluted them, he narrated, one by one, each of the things God wrought among the gentiles through his ministry.

Worsley New Testament
And when he had saluted them, he gave a particular narrative of the things which God had done among the Gentiles by his ministry.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Arrival at Jerusalem
18The next day Paul went in with us to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and recounted one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20When they heard this, they glorified God. Then they said to Paul, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law.…

Cross References
Paul greeted them

Acts 18:22
When Paul had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church at Jerusalem. Then he went down to Antioch.

Romans 16:16
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings.

1 Thessalonians 5:26
Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
and recounted one by one

Acts 11:4
But Peter began and explained to them the whole sequence of events:

Acts 15:3-4
Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers. / On their arrival in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and apostles and elders, to whom they reported all that God had done through them.

Acts 14:27
When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
the things that God had done

Acts 19:11-12
God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul, / so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and the diseases and evil spirits left them.

Romans 15:18-19
I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, / by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

Galatians 2:8
For the One who was at work in Peter’s apostleship to the circumcised was also at work in my apostleship to the Gentiles.
among the Gentiles

Acts 15:12
The whole assembly fell silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul describing the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.

Acts 13:46-47
Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. / For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Acts 26:17-18
I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them / to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’
through his ministry.

Acts 20:24
But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Romans 15:16
to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Colossians 1:25
I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God,
Acts 15:4
On their arrival in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and apostles and elders, to whom they reported all that God had done through them.


Treasury of Scripture

And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had worked among the Gentiles by his ministry.

he declared.

Acts 11:4
But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

Acts 14:27
And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

Acts 15:4,12
And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them…

by.

Acts 1:17
For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

2 Corinthians 12:12
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

Jump to Previous
Account Declared Declaring Detail Detailed Exchanging Friendly Gentiles Glad Greeted Greeting Greetings Instrumentality Ministration Ministry Nations Particularly Paul Rehearsed Relate Reported Saluted Work Worked Wrought
Jump to Next
Account Declared Declaring Detail Detailed Exchanging Friendly Gentiles Glad Greeted Greeting Greetings Instrumentality Ministration Ministry Nations Particularly Paul Rehearsed Relate Reported Saluted Work Worked Wrought
Acts 21
1. Paul calls at the house of Philip, whose daughters prophesy.
10. Agabus, foretelling what should befall him at Jerusalem,
13. he will not be dissuaded from going thither.
17. He comes to Jerusalem;
27. where he is apprehended, and in great danger, but by the chief captain is rescued;
37. and requests, and is permitted to speak to the people.












Paul greeted them
Paul's greeting signifies his respect and acknowledgment of the leadership in Jerusalem. This moment reflects the unity and fellowship among early Christians, despite cultural and geographical differences. The act of greeting is a common biblical practice, emphasizing community and brotherhood, as seen in Romans 16:16.

and recounted one by one
Paul's detailed recounting indicates the importance of testimony in the early church. It highlights the practice of sharing God's work as a means of encouragement and accountability. This methodical recounting also underscores the significance of each event in Paul's ministry, reflecting the thoroughness and dedication of his mission.

the things that God had done
This phrase emphasizes that the successes of Paul's ministry are attributed to God's power and not human effort. It aligns with the biblical theme that God is the primary actor in the spread of the Gospel, as seen in Philippians 2:13. This acknowledgment of divine intervention is crucial in understanding the nature of Christian ministry.

among the Gentiles
The inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan was a revolutionary concept in the early church, fulfilling prophecies such as Isaiah 49:6. Paul's ministry among the Gentiles marks a significant shift in the early Christian mission, breaking traditional Jewish boundaries and expanding the reach of the Gospel, as further elaborated in Acts 13:47.

through his ministry
Paul's ministry is a testament to his calling as the Apostle to the Gentiles, as stated in Romans 11:13. His work is characterized by church planting, teaching, and performing miracles, all of which serve to authenticate his apostolic authority and the truth of the Gospel. This phrase underscores the role of human agency in God's divine plan, as Paul serves as an instrument for God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who played a significant role in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. In this passage, he is recounting his missionary work.

2. Jerusalem
The city where Paul is meeting with the elders of the church to report on his ministry.

3. Gentiles
Non-Jewish people who were receiving the Gospel message through Paul's ministry.

4. The Elders
Leaders of the Jerusalem church who are receiving Paul's report.

5. Paul's Ministry
The missionary journeys and efforts of Paul to spread the Gospel, particularly focusing on the Gentiles.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Testimony
Sharing what God has done in our lives can encourage and strengthen the faith of others. Paul’s recounting of his ministry serves as a powerful testimony to God’s work.

Unity in the Body of Christ
Paul’s report to the Jerusalem church highlights the importance of unity and accountability within the church. It reminds us to work together for the Gospel, regardless of cultural or ethnic differences.

God’s Sovereignty in Ministry
Paul attributes the success of his ministry to God, reminding us that any achievements in ministry are due to God’s power and grace, not our own efforts.

The Role of Leadership
The elders’ role in receiving Paul’s report shows the importance of church leadership in guiding and supporting ministry efforts.

Encouragement through God’s Work
Hearing about God’s work among the Gentiles would have been encouraging to the Jewish believers, reminding us that God’s plan is inclusive and expansive.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Acts 21:19?

2. How does Paul's report in Acts 21:19 inspire your own ministry efforts?

3. What does Acts 21:19 reveal about God's work among the Gentiles?

4. How can we emulate Paul's dedication to sharing God's work in Acts 21:19?

5. Connect Acts 21:19 with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20.

6. How does Acts 21:19 encourage you to share testimonies within your community?

7. How does Acts 21:19 demonstrate the spread of Christianity among the Gentiles?

8. What does Acts 21:19 reveal about Paul's mission and its impact on early Christianity?

9. How does Acts 21:19 reflect the fulfillment of God's promises to the Gentiles?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 21?

11. What is the timeline of Paul's life events?

12. 1 Corinthians 16:5-6 - Why do Paul's stated travel plans seem to conflict with the timelines and routes suggested by Acts?

13. In Acts 16:3, why would Paul have Timothy circumcised right after the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 seemingly decided against such requirements?

14. Who were the seven sons of Sceva?
What Does Acts 21:19 Mean
greeting and fellowship

• Fresh from his travels, “Paul greeted them” (Acts 21:19), walking into the Jerusalem meeting with warmth and respect—exactly what he urged others to show (Romans 16:16).

• The setting echoes Acts 21:18, where James and “all the elders were present,” highlighting shared leadership.

• Unity shines here: Jew and Gentile believers, missionary and home church, all recognizing one Lord (Ephesians 4:4–6).


recounting one by one

• Paul “recounted one by one” every work God had done. This careful, orderly report mirrors Acts 14:27, where he and Barnabas similarly “reported all that God had done.”

• Why itemize?

– To give precise glory to God (Psalm 9:1).

– To encourage accuracy and accountability (2 Corinthians 8:21).

– To build faith in listeners who might never see these distant mission fields firsthand (Romans 10:17).


the things God had done

• The spotlight never rests on Paul’s endurance or strategy but on “the things that God had done.” As Paul later wrote, “I labored… yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Acts 15:4 shows the same pattern: “They reported all that God had done through them.” Testimony is worship; listing divine works magnifies the Lord (Psalm 126:3).


among the Gentiles

• God’s works were “among the Gentiles,” fulfilling the promise that salvation would reach “to the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).

• Peter had earlier observed that God “made no distinction between us and them” (Acts 15:9). Paul’s stories—churches planted, miracles, conversions—proved that truth in real time (Acts 13:48; 19:20).

• The inclusion of Gentiles confirmed the mystery now revealed: “the Gentiles are fellow heirs” (Ephesians 3:6).


through his ministry

• God chose Paul as “a chosen instrument… to carry My name before the Gentiles” (Acts 9:15).

• “Through his ministry” stresses human obedience joined to divine power. Paul sowed, Apollos watered, “but God made it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6).

• Spiritual fruit validated his calling (2 Corinthians 3:2–3) and silenced critics who doubted Gentile outreach (Galatians 2:8–9).


summary

Acts 21:19 paints a simple yet profound picture: Paul enters Jerusalem’s council, greets the elders, and—detail by detail—celebrates God’s mighty acts among the Gentiles accomplished through his own Spirit-empowered service. The verse reminds us to value fellowship, give thorough testimony, keep God at center stage, rejoice in Gospel reach to every nation, and embrace our role as willing instruments in His hands.

(19) He declared particularly . . .--Better, one by one, or, in detail, the adverb of the Authorised version having acquired in modern English a slightly different meaning. This must, it is obvious, have implied a narrative of considerable length, including an outline of all that had passed since the visit of Acts 18:22, and ending with an account of the contribution which he and his companions had brought with them from well-nigh all the churches of the Gentiles.

Verse 19. - Rehearsed one by one for declared particularly, A.V.; the things which for what things, A.V. The things which God had wrought, etc. (comp. Acts 15:12). It was a noble account to render. Since he had saluted the Church (Acts 18:22), when he had probably seen James last, he had labored at Antioch, in Galatia and Phrygia, and had wrought a mighty revolution in Asia. He had consolidated his work in Macedonia and Achaia; he had held his visitation of Gentile eiders in Miletus; he had visited Tyre, Ptolemais, and Caesarea, great Gentile cities, and had seen everywhere astonishing tokens of the grace of God which was with him. And now he pours his tale into the ears of the chief pastor of the mother Church of Jerusalem, and those of the Jewish elders. A tale of wonder indeed!

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[Paul] greeted
ἀσπασάμενος (aspasamenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 782: To greet, salute, pay my respects to, welcome. To enfold in the arms, i.e. to salute, to welcome.

them
αὐτοὺς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.

[and] recounted
ἐξηγεῖτο (exēgeito)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1834: To lead, show the way; met: I unfold, narrate, declare. From ek and hegeomai; to consider out, i.e. Rehearse, unfold.

one
ἓν (hen)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

by
καθ’ (kath’)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

one
ἕκαστον (hekaston)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1538: Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.

the things
ὧν (hōn)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

God
Θεὸς (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

had done
ἐποίησεν (epoiēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

among
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative 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.

Gentiles
ἔθνεσιν (ethnesin)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1484: Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.

through
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 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.

ministry.
διακονίας (diakonias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1248: Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service.


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NT Apostles: Acts 21:19 When he had greeted them he reported (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 21:18
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