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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 21:31 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:31 describes a critical moment when Paul the Apostle was nearly killed by a mob in Jerusalem.

Understanding the literal meaning of the verse requires unpacking it: as the mob was attempting to kill Paul, "tidings" (or news) reached the "chief captain," a Roman tribune or commander, that the city of Jerusalem was in chaos.

The commander would have been responsible for maintaining peace and order.

The deeper significance is found in the response this information triggers: it sets in motion a rescue operation that will save Paul from the mob, emphasizing themes of divine protection and the unintended consequences of conflicts within societies.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts was written by Luke, the companion of Paul, in the first century AD.

At this time, the early Christian Church was spreading through the Roman Empire.

Jerusalem was a city with a significant Jewish population; it was also under Roman rule, which caused political tensions.

Paul, previously a persecutor of Christians, had converted to Christianity and was actively evangelizing, which upset some of the Jewish leaders and believers who felt threatened by his teaching that Jesus was the Messiah.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this event may be interpreted as an example of God's providential care for His servants. Paul's narrow escape from death could be seen as God using the Roman authority to protect Paul so he could continue his missionary work.

Additionally, this highlights the Christian belief in divine intervention and the concept that God can work through secular powers to accomplish His will.

Practical Applications

A lesson that can be drawn from this verse is the importance of being aware of societal tensions and the potential for conflict within communities.

There is also an application concerning the role of government and authority; despite their secular nature, they can be instrumental in upholding justice and peace.

For individuals, it serves as a reminder that help can come from unexpected places in moments of crisis.

Cross-References

Acts 9:23-25 - "And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But their laying await was known of Saul.

And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket."

Acts 23:10 - "And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of this verse provide additional insight:

"tidings" (Greek: ἀπαγγελία - apangelia): a message or report.
"chief captain" (Greek: χιλίαρχος - chiliarchos): the commander of a thousand soldiers, a tribune.
"band" (Greek: σπεῖρα - speira): a cohort or battalion, suggesting a significant military presence.
"uproar" (Greek: ταραχή - tarachē): disturbance, confusion, or riot, indicating a state of disorder.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient cultures, the Greco-Roman world also abounded with stories where divine or supernatural intervention saved individuals from harm, such as the myths regarding Hercules or Daniel in the lion's den from the Hebrew Bible.

Also, the involvement of governmental power in resolving or participating in religious disputes is not uncommon in ancient narratives.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific correlation to the events described in Acts 21:31, modern crowd psychology and urban studies could provide insight into how rumors and news spread through a city, how riots develop, and the typical responses by law enforcement to restore order amidst chaos.

Commentaries

Commentators have various perspectives on this passage:

John Calvin notes the providence of God in preserving Paul's life, suggesting that Paul's imprisonment was part of God's plan for spreading the gospel.
Matthew Henry comments on the tumult being a way to draw the attention of the rulers, highlighting the seriousness with which Roman authorities treated public disorder.
The Expositor's Greek Testament discusses the role of the chiliarchos and the Roman military's efficiency in responding to this situation, emphasizing the historical interplay between Roman governance and the Jewish populace.
More contemporary commentators might focus on the sociopolitical aspects of the event, drawing parallels with current events where religious freedoms clash with societal norms.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:31 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 21:31 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?