SEV Biblia, Chapter 21:9
Y ste tenía cuatro hijas, doncellas, que profetizaban.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Acts 21:9
Verse 9. Four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.] Probably these were no more than teachers in the Church: for we have already seen that this is a frequent meaning of the word prophesy; and this is undoubtedly one thing intended by the prophecy of Joel, quoted chap. ii. 17, 18, of this book. If Philip's daughters might be prophetesses, why not teachers?
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 9. And the same man had four daughters , etc.] So that he was a married man, which may be observed against the Papists, who forbid marriage to ecclesiastics: and they were, virgins : not under any vow of virginity, but they had not as yet changed their state of life, and were pure and incorrupt: which did prophesy ; not explain and interpret Scripture, or preach in public assemblies; for these were not allowed women, neither in the Jewish synagogues, nor in Christian assemblies; but they were endowed with a gift of foretelling future events, as was promised such should have in Gospel times, ( Joel 2:28).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 8-18 - Paul had express warning of his troubles, that when they came, the might be no surprise or terror to him. The general notice given us that through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God should be of the same use to us. Their weeping began to weaken an slacken his resolution Has not our Master told us to take up our cross It was a trouble to him, that they should so earnestly press him to d that in which he could not gratify them without wronging his conscience. When we see trouble coming, it becomes us to say, not only The will of the Lord must be done, and there is no remedy; but, Let the will of the Lord be done; for his will is his wisdom, and he doeth all according to the counsel of it. When a trouble is come, this must alla our griefs, that the will of the Lord is done; when we see it coming this must silence our fears, that the will of the Lord shall be done and we ought to say, Amen, let it be done. It is honourable to be a old disciple of Jesus Christ, to have been enabled by the grace of God to continue long in a course of duty, stedfast in the faith, growin more and more experienced, to a good old age. And with these ol disciples one would choose to lodge; for the multitude of their year shall teach wisdom. Many brethren at Jerusalem received Paul gladly. We think, perhaps, that if we had him among us, we should gladly receiv him; but we should not, if, having his doctrine, we do not gladl receive that.
Greek Textus Receptus
τουτω 5129 D-DSM δε 1161 CONJ ησαν 2258 5713 V-IXI-3P θυγατερες 2364 N-NPF παρθενοι 3933 N-NPF τεσσαρες 5064 A-NPF προφητευουσαι 4395 5723 V-PAP-NPF
Robertson's NT Word Studies
21:9 {Virgins which did prophesy} (parqenoi profeteusai). Not necessarily an "order" of virgins, but Philip had the honor of having in his home four virgin daughters with the gift of prophecy which was not necessarily predicting events, though that was done as by Agabus here. It was more than ordinary preaching (cf. #19:6) and was put by Paul above the other gifts like tongues (#1Co 14:1-33). The prophecy of Joel (#2:28f.) about their sons and daughters prophesying is quoted by Peter and applied to the events on the day of Pentecost (#Ac 2:17). Paul in #1Co 11:5 gives directions about praying and prophesying by the women (apparently in public worship) with the head uncovered and sharply requires the head covering, though not forbidding the praying and prophesying. With this must be compared his demand for silence by the women in #1Co 14:34-40; 1Ti 2:8-15 which it is not easy to reconcile. One wonders if there was not something known to Paul about special conditions in Corinth and Ephesus that he has not told. There was also Anna the prophetess in the temple (#Lu 2:36) besides the inspired hymns of Elizabeth (#Lu 1:42-45) and of Mary (#Lu 1:46-55). At any rate there was no order of women prophets or official ministers. There were Old Testament prophetesses like Miriam, Deborah, Huldah. Today in our Sunday schools the women do most of the actual teaching. The whole problem is difficult and calls for restraint and reverence. One thing is certain and that is that Luke appreciated the services of women for Christ as is shown often in his writings (#Lu 8:1-3, for instance) before this incident.
