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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 21:33 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:33 describes the moment when the Roman tribune (also known as the chief captain) in Jerusalem intervenes as the Apostle Paul is being mobbed by the Jewish crowd at the temple.

The tribune orders that Paul be shackled with two chains before inquiring about his identity and the accusations against him.

This intervention is both an act of restraint, to prevent possible harm from the crowd, and of authority, to ascertain the reasons behind the tumult.

The two chains symbolize Paul's sudden shift from being a free man to a prisoner, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

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Historical Context

This event occurs during the late period of the Acts of the Apostles, which covers the history of the early Christian church.

The tribune mentioned is likely the commander of the Roman garrison stationed at the Antonia Fortress in Jerusalem, a structure built by Herod the Great and named after Mark Antony.

The fortress was adjacent to the temple grounds, allowing the Roman garrison to intervene quickly in case of disturbances.

The presence of Roman soldiers in Jerusalem, especially during the time of Jewish festivals, was common to maintain order, as tensions between the Jewish population and the Roman authorities were high during this period.

Theological Insights

The verse is significant for several reasons.

From a Christian theological perspective, Paul's arrest can be seen as a fulfillment of Christ's prediction that his followers would face persecution.

Additionally, it reflects the early church's tensions with Jewish authorities and the challenge of spreading the Gospel in a hostile environment.

The image of Paul in chains for his faith is often perceived as a testament to his apostolic mission and commitment to preaching regardless of the personal cost.

Practical Applications

Practical lessons that can be drawn from this verse include the importance of standing firm in one's convictions despite challenges, as Paul does. It also serves as an encouragement for believers to bear witness to their faith even when facing opposition or adversity.

Furthermore, the chief captain's approach to seeking understanding amidst the chaos can serve as a model for crisis management and conflict resolution.

Cross-References

Acts 21:30-31 – Describes the events leading up to the verse in question, providing context for the intervention of the chief captain.
Acts 22:29 – References Paul being bound with chains.
Ephesians 6:20 – Paul refers to himself as an "ambassador in bonds," which aligns with the depiction of his situation in Acts 21:33.
2 Timothy 2:9 – Paul speaks again of suffering trouble as an "evildoer, even unto bonds."

Language Study

In the original Greek used in Acts 21:33, key terms include:

"δεσμών" (desmōn): Translated as "in chains," this term refers to being bound or chained as a prisoner.
"ἐπύθετο" (epyntheto): This verb, translated as "demanded," carries a connotation of inquiring with urgency or intensity, and indicates the tribune's authority and determination to understand the situation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The act of binding someone with chains was a common practice in ancient times to ensure prisoners could not escape and to signify their loss of freedom.

This narrative of Acts can be compared to other ancient religious traditions where prophets or figures of authority faced persecution or imprisonment for their teachings.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific study of crowd behavior and conflict resolution may shed light on the practical aspects of the chief captain's actions in controlling the situation and preventing escalation.

The psychology of mob dynamics and its impact on individual behavior could be relevant in analyzing how a crowd can turn violent and how authority figures often act to reestablish order.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse typically emphasize the tense atmosphere in Jerusalem at the time and the rapid response of the Roman authority to maintain peace.

They discuss the significance of Paul's arrest as a turning point in his ministry, leading to a series of trials and his ultimate journey to Rome.

Scholars note the paradox of Paul's chains, representing both the suppression of his physical freedom and the unstoppable nature of his spiritual mission.

Experts often examine the role of the Roman garrison in policing the temple area and the broader implications of Roman governance in Judea during this period.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:33 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 21:33 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?