Acts 21:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

What {G5101} is it {G2076} therefore {G3767}? the multitude {G4128} must {G1163} needs {G3843} come together {G4905}: for {G1063} they will hear {G191} that {G3754} thou art come {G2064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“What, then, is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come.

Berean Standard Bible

What then should we do? They will certainly hear that you have come.

American Standard Version

What is it therefore? they will certainly hear that thou art come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:22 captures a pivotal moment in Jerusalem where James and the elders of the church address Paul regarding the widespread rumors about his teachings among the Diaspora Jews. This verse highlights their urgent concern that a large assembly of Jewish believers, zealous for the Law, would inevitably gather and confront Paul due to the misinformation circulating about his perceived abandonment of Mosaic customs. It underscores the immediate need for a strategic response to preserve unity and dispel false accusations within the nascent Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's final journey to Jerusalem at the close of his third missionary tour, as recorded in [Acts 21](/acts/21 "Acts 21 - Paul's Journey to Jerusalem"). Upon his arrival, Paul meets with James and the elders, recounting the powerful work of God among the Gentiles through his ministry ([Acts 21:19](/acts/21-19 "Acts 21:19 - Paul Reports to the Elders")). Immediately following this joyful report, the elders express their profound concern over the thousands of Jewish believers in Jerusalem who are "all zealous for the Law" ([Acts 21:20](/acts/21-20 "Acts 21:20 - Jewish Believers Zealous for the Law")). They then articulate the specific, damaging rumors that Paul was teaching Jews among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, instructing them not to circumcise their children or walk according to the customs ([Acts 21:21](/acts/21-21 "Acts 21:21 - The Accusations Against Paul")). Acts 21:22 serves as the elders' rhetorical question and immediate assessment of the situation, emphasizing the unavoidable public confrontation that awaits Paul, setting the stage for their proposed solution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jerusalem was the heartland of Judaism, where adherence to the Mosaic Law and temple practices remained central to Jewish identity and piety. Even Jewish converts to Christianity often maintained a strong zeal for these traditions, viewing them as complementary to, rather than superseded by, faith in Christ. The rumors against Paul, accusing him of teaching Jews to abandon circumcision and customs, struck at the core of their religious and cultural identity. These accusations were particularly inflammatory because they implied Paul was undermining the very heritage that defined them. The "multitude" refers to the large number of Jewish Christians residing in Jerusalem, many of whom would have been deeply rooted in these traditions and susceptible to such reports. The elders' concern reflects the delicate balance the early church had to maintain between its Jewish roots and its burgeoning Gentile mission, a tension that had previously necessitated the [Jerusalem Council in Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several significant themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the persistent theme of **misunderstanding and false accusation** against the apostles, particularly Paul. His ministry, though divinely appointed, was frequently met with opposition and misrepresentation, both from hostile Jewish groups and, as seen here, from within the believing community due to incomplete information. Secondly, it underscores the critical importance of **church unity and pastoral wisdom**. James and the elders, despite their own strong Jewish identity, prioritize the peace and cohesion of the church, offering a practical solution to prevent division. This demonstrates genuine pastoral concern for both Paul's safety and the spiritual well-being of the Jewish believers. Finally, it sets the stage for Paul's demonstration of **strategic flexibility and cultural sensitivity**, illustrating his principle of becoming "all things to all people" to win some ([1 Corinthians 9:22](/1_corinthians/9-22 "1 Corinthians 9:22 - Paul's Adaptability for the Gospel")). While Paul never compromised the core gospel message of salvation by grace through faith, he was willing to accommodate cultural practices where they did not contradict truth, aiming to remove stumbling blocks for the sake of the gospel ([Romans 14:19](/romans/14-19 "Romans 14:19 - Pursuing Peace and Edification")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **multitude (Greek, _plēthos'_):** From G4128, meaning "a fulness, i.e. a large number, throng, populace." In this context, it refers to the significant number of Jewish believers in Jerusalem who were zealous for the Law and had heard the rumors about Paul. This term emphasizes the sheer volume of people whose concerns needed to be addressed, highlighting the potential for widespread unrest or division.
* **must needs (Greek, _deî_ / _pántōs'_):** The KJV translates "must needs" from a combination of G1163 (_deî_), meaning "it is necessary (as binding)," and G3843 (_pántōs_), an adverb meaning "entirely; specially, at all events, (with negative, following) in no event." Together, these words convey a strong sense of inevitability and compulsion. It was not merely probable, but absolutely necessary and unavoidable that the multitude would gather due to the gravity of the situation and the intensity of the rumors.
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, a primary verb meaning "to hear (in various senses)." Here, it denotes not just the physical act of hearing, but also the reception and processing of information, implying that the multitude would be influenced by what they had already heard and would continue to hear about Paul's arrival and alleged teachings. This word underscores the power of communication, both true and false, in shaping public perception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What is it therefore?"**: This rhetorical question, posed by James and the elders, signifies their immediate recognition of the gravity and urgency of the situation. It conveys a sense of "What then shall we do?" or "What is the consequence of this?" given the widespread rumors about Paul. It sets up their subsequent assessment and proposed solution.
* **"the multitude must needs come together"**: This clause emphasizes the unavoidable nature of a large gathering. The "multitude" refers to the numerous Jewish believers in Jerusalem who were deeply committed to the Mosaic Law. The phrase "must needs" (from the Greek _deî_ and _pántōs_) conveys an absolute necessity; their assembly was not a possibility but an inevitability, driven by their zeal and the circulating misinformation.
* **"for they will hear that thou art come."**: This final clause provides the reason for the inevitable gathering. The Jewish believers would not only hear of Paul's arrival, but also of the accusations against him, prompting them to assemble, likely to confront him or demand an explanation. This highlights the power of information (or misinformation) to stir up a crowd and necessitate a public response.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Rhetorical Question** ("What is it therefore?"), immediately drawing attention to the pressing problem at hand and inviting a joint consideration of the solution. The elders are not asking for information but are using the question to underscore the urgency and inevitability of the situation. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the statement "the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come" anticipates the very public and potentially volatile encounter that Paul is about to face, leading directly to the elders' proposed course of action. The use of "multitude" functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the large number of Jewish believers) represents the whole (the collective sentiment and potential unrest within the Jerusalem church).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:22 serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges inherent in cross-cultural ministry and the vital importance of discerning leadership within the church. The elders' recognition of the "multitude's" inevitable gathering due to misinformation underscores the ongoing need for truth, transparency, and careful communication in the body of Christ. The tension between Jewish tradition and Gentile freedom, though largely resolved doctrinally at the Jerusalem Council, continued to pose practical challenges, requiring wisdom and humility from all parties. This passage highlights how even within a community of faith, misunderstandings can arise, necessitating proactive and pastoral responses to preserve unity and prevent division.

* [Acts 15:1-29](/acts/15-1-29 "Acts 15:1-29 - The Jerusalem Council's Decree") - The Jerusalem Council addressed the core theological issue of Gentile inclusion without Mosaic Law, but practical and cultural sensitivities remained.
* [Romans 14:1-23](/romans/14-1-23 "Romans 14:1-23 - Principles of Christian Liberty and Conscience") - Paul's teaching on not causing a brother to stumble, emphasizing sensitivity to weaker consciences and pursuing peace.
* [1 Corinthians 9:19-23](/1_corinthians/9-19-23 "1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - Paul's Willingness to Adapt for the Gospel") - Paul's principle of becoming "all things to all people" to win some, demonstrating his flexibility in non-essential matters for the sake of the gospel.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 21:22 offers profound insights into navigating conflict and misinformation within a community, a timeless challenge for believers today. It calls us to consider how we respond when faced with rumors, misunderstandings, or cultural sensitivities that threaten unity. Like James and the elders, Christian leaders and congregants are called to be proactive in addressing potential divisions, seeking to understand the root causes of concern, and offering wise, biblically sound solutions. This passage encourages us to cultivate a spirit of humility and adaptation, being willing to set aside personal preferences or even perceived rights for the greater good of the body of Christ, especially when it comes to dispelling false narratives. It also serves as a caution against the rapid spread of unverified information and emphasizes the responsibility of every believer to seek truth, speak truth in love, and prioritize the peace and edification of the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I hear rumors or misinformation about fellow believers or Christian leaders?**
* **In what ways can I proactively contribute to unity and understanding within my church or community, especially when cultural or theological differences arise?**
* **Are there areas in my life where I need to exercise greater sensitivity to the consciences or traditions of others, without compromising biblical truth?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure that my communication, both online and offline, promotes truth, grace, and unity rather than division?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Jewish believers in Jerusalem so concerned about Paul's teachings?**

Answer: The Jewish believers in Jerusalem were "all zealous for the Law" ([Acts 21:20](/acts/21-20 "Acts 21:20 - Jewish Believers Zealous for the Law")), meaning they held a deep reverence for the Mosaic Law, including customs like circumcision, dietary laws, and temple rituals. They had heard widespread rumors that Paul was teaching Jews among the Gentiles to abandon these traditions ([Acts 21:21](/acts/21-21 "Acts 21:21 - The Accusations Against Paul")), which they perceived as a direct attack on their heritage and a deviation from their understanding of God's covenant. This was not a theological disagreement about salvation by grace (which had largely been settled at the [Jerusalem Council in Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council")), but a cultural and practical concern about maintaining Jewish identity within the Christian faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 21:22 primarily highlights human conflict and resolution within the early church, it subtly points to the greater work of Christ in reconciling diverse peoples. The tension between Jewish and Gentile believers, and the need for Paul to demonstrate his respect for Jewish customs, underscores the profound challenge of unity that only Christ could ultimately overcome. Jesus himself, the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Christ, the Prince of Peace")), broke down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile through His cross ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")). Paul's willingness to accommodate for the sake of peace, even when facing false accusations, mirrors Christ's own humility and self-sacrifice, who, though innocent, endured slander and misunderstanding for the salvation of humanity ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). The ultimate solution to the "multitude's" concerns, and indeed to all human division, is found in the unifying power of the Holy Spirit, poured out by Christ, who creates one new humanity in Himself, transcending all cultural and ethnic barriers ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). Thus, this passage, though focused on a practical problem, implicitly magnifies the reconciling work of Jesus, the true source of unity and peace for His church.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 15:12

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

Acts 15:22

¶ Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; [namely], Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

Acts 19:32

Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.