Acts 20:22

Bound in the spirit. Paul may have meant here that he was pressed in his human spirit by the influence of circumstances or that he was forced by his own will; or else that he was constrained by the Spirit of God. In view of v. 23, some hold the former view, saying that the presence of the word “Holy” in that verse suggests a contrast with this verse where it is absent. Others incline to the latter view, believing that the presence of “Holy” in v. 23 identifies “Spirit” in both verses. See on ch. 16:6, 7, where the Holy Spirit prevents Paul from taking a certain course of action. The verb (which here is emphatic by its position) is usually applied to restraint by ropes or fetters (Matt. 13:30; 21:2), or, figuratively, to the pressure of a strong obligation (Rom. 7:2), or to any strong urge or impulsion (cf. the noun in Philemon 13). Paul was a man of strong convictions of duty. When the impulsion of the Spirit’s leading was added, the “binding” would be strong indeed. Duty must be done; the results, left to God.

Shall befall me. Paul knew that on this visit to Jerusalem dangers awaited him (Acts 20:23; cf. Rom. 15:30, 31), but he did not know the nature, the seriousness, or the outcome of what threatened. But his ways were committed to God, and, whatever the dangers, Paul would go where the Spirit led him.