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Acts 21

And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

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

And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purifcation, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.

Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

What does Acts 21:30 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:30 refers to a moment of significant turmoil in the life of the Apostle Paul.

In the verse, the writer (traditionally believed to be Luke) describes an uproar in the city of Jerusalem where Paul is seized by a crowd and dragged out of the temple.

The "city was moved" indicates that this was not a small commotion but one that attracted widespread attention and caused a major disturbance.

Paul was a figure of controversy, as his teachings about Jesus as the messiah were seen by some Jews as a threat to their traditions and religious practices.

As the crowd took action against Paul, they shut the temple doors, which may have been an effort to indicate that Paul was unwelcome in that holy place, or to protect the sanctity of the temple from the chaos that unfolded.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, is a New Testament book that narrates the spread of Christianity in the early church, after the resurrection of Jesus.

Acts 21:30 happens amidst Paul's journey back to Jerusalem, despite warnings that he would face persecution there.

The historical context includes the tension between the early Christian movement and the traditional Jewish authorities.

The Jewish populace, particularly those in Jerusalem, held deep reverence for the Law of Moses and traditions, and many saw the teachings of Jesus, which Paul preached, as a threat to their way of life.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights themes of persecution and the conflict between the new Christian movement and traditional Judaism. It reflects the early church's struggle as they sought to define and live out their faith in a world that was often hostile to their beliefs.

The verse can also be seen as fulfilling Jesus' prophetic words that His followers would face persecution for His name's sake. Paul's experiences align with the ministry of Jesus, where Christ himself was rejected and persecuted by his own people.

Practical Applications

Practically, Acts 21:30 can be instructive for believers in how to respond to persecution and opposition. It serves as a reminder to hold steadfast to one's faith in the midst of challenges.

This verse can also encourage believers to expect and be prepared for misunderstandings and confrontations as a part of their religious life, which can sometimes even come from within their own religious communities or heritage.

Cross-References

Acts 21:27-29 - Previous verses state the reasons for the uproar, as Jews from Asia accused Paul of defiling the temple.
Acts 22:1-22 - Paul addresses the crowd after this incident, defending his actions and faith.
Matthew 10:22 - Predictions of persecution for Jesus' followers: "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."
John 15:20 - Jesus warns his disciples about persecution: "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you..."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words like "moved" (ἐκινήθη, ekinēthē) and "ran together" (ἐσυνδραμεν, esydramen) suggest a sudden and intense reaction by the people.

Other significant words are "drew" (εἷλκυσαν, heilkusan), indicating that Paul was forcibly taken, and "shut" (ἔκλεισαν, ekleisan), implying a deliberate action to close the temple doors, separating the holy space from the chaos outside or symbolically casting Paul out.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparison to other ancient texts can be made on how societies deal with those who challenge existing religious norms.

The action of shutting the temple doors resembles other ancient cultures which might physically remove or cast out those considered a threat to sacred rituals or spaces.

The story of Paul in Jerusalem resonates with various narratives from antiquity where prophets or messengers faced persecution due to their radical teachings.

Scientific Perspectives

Current scientific understanding of crowds and mass psychology might offer insight into the dynamics of the mob behavior displayed in Acts 21:30.

Studies in crowd psychology suggest that groups can act in ways that individuals alone might not, sometimes resulting in irrational or violent behavior.

These dynamics can shed light on how such a dramatic scene unfolded against Paul.

Commentaries

Commentators have various perspectives on this verse:

Some emphasize the growing tension between the nascent Christian movement and the established Jewish religious structure of the time.
Others discuss the role of Paul as a central figure in the spread of Christianity and the inevitable conflict that his missionary work would incite among those holding traditional Jewish beliefs.
There is also discussion about the strategic importance of shutting the temple doors, whether to maintain ritual purity or as a symbol of casting Paul out of the religious community.
Lastly, commentaries may highlight the foreknowledge and determination of Paul who, despite dire warnings, chose to go to Jerusalem where his fate awaited him, showing his unwavering commitment to his mission.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:30 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 21:30 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?