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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 21:37 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:37 records a moment when the Apostle Paul is taken into custody in Jerusalem.

Earlier in the chapter, Paul arrived in Jerusalem, where he was recognized by Jews from Asia, who stirred up the crowd and seized him, claiming he taught against the Jewish people, the Law, and the Temple.

They also accused him of bringing Greeks into the Temple, thus defiling the holy place.

A riot ensued, resulting in the Roman troops taking action to prevent Paul from being killed by the mob.

The verse in question captures Paul's interaction with the Roman tribune (chief captain) as he is about to be taken into the fortress of Antonia. Surprised by Paul's ability to speak Greek, the tribune's question reveals his mistaken assumption that Paul was an Egyptian rebel leader.

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Historical Context

Acts 21 occurs during Paul's final visit to Jerusalem around 57 to 58 AD.

Following his third missionary journey, he felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to return to Jerusalem despite knowing he would face hardships there.

The Roman presence in Jerusalem was strong, especially during festivals when the population swelled, and the potential for unrest was high.

The chief captain mentioned was likely Claudius Lysias, commander of the Roman garrison stationed at the Fortress Antonia, which was adjacent to the Temple complex.

Theological Insights

This interaction between Paul and the Roman tribune carries several theological insights.

Firstly, it highlights God’s providence in Paul's ministry.

Even in custody, Paul is given an opportunity to testify to the gospel.

Secondly, the ability of Paul to communicate in both Hebrew and Greek reflects the multicultural and multilingual skills that were key to the spread of the early Christian message.

Thirdly, the assumption that Paul was an insurgent indicates that the Romans were more concerned about peace and political stability than religious nuances, emphasizing the tension between the secular and sacred worlds.

Practical Applications

The verse can inspire believers to be prepared to speak and testify in every opportunity, even when facing adversity.

It also challenges Christians to cultivate the ability to communicate effectively across cultures and languages, which remains relevant in a globalized age.

Lastly, the verse serves as a reminder of the importance of clarifying misunderstandings in order to build bridges of communication.

Cross-References

Acts 22:27-28: Paul later reveals his Roman citizenship to the chief captain.
Acts 6:1: Demonstrates the early church's multicultural and multilingual nature.
Acts 9:15: Speaks to Paul being a chosen instrument to carry God's name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.

Language Study

Key words in Greek from this verse include:

"Greek" (Hellēnisti): Indicating the Greek language, hinting at Paul's educational background and ability to interact with a diverse audience.
"Speak" (lalein): This term is used frequently in the New Testament to denote the act of speaking or preaching.
"Chief Captain" (chiliarchos): This is a Roman military term equivalent to a tribune, indicating command over approximately a thousand soldiers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Paul's ability to speak Greek and connect with the Roman commander could be compared to the role of intermediaries in other cultures, who bridge gaps between different groups.

In various ancient myths, figures who can communicate across different worlds, such as Hermes in Greek mythology, are crucial.

Paul serves a similar function but within the realm of communicating the Christian message across cultural boundaries.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings in terms of content.

However, sociolinguistics, a field that investigates the relationship between language and social dynamics, can shed light on how Paul's bilingualism afforded him certain advantages in navigating multi-cultural environments, influencing social interactions, and the spread of Christianity.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators interpret this verse within the narrative of Acts and the broader context of Paul's ministry.

F.F.

Bruce notes that Paul's Roman citizenship was an important detail in his protection and further opportunities to preach.

John Stott underscores Paul's intelligence and adaptability as he engages with people from different backgrounds.

Many commentaries agree that this verse showcases the conflict between the early church and the broader pagan society, emphasizing Paul's critical role in the church's missionary efforts amidst political and social challenges.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:37 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 21:37 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?