Acts 21:27

KJV

¶ 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when {G5613} the seven {G2033} days {G2250} were almost {G3195} ended {G4931}, the Jews {G2453} which were of {G575} Asia {G773}, when they saw {G2300} him {G846} in {G1722} the temple {G2411}, stirred up {G4797} all {G3956} the people {G3793}, and {G2532} laid {G1911} hands {G5495} on {G1909} him {G846},

Complete Jewish Bible

The seven days were almost up when some unbelieving Jews from the province of Asia saw him in the Temple, stirred up all the crowd and grabbed him.

Berean Standard Bible

When the seven days were almost over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him,

American Standard Version

And when the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the multitude and laid hands on him,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:27 describes the dramatic culmination of Paul's purification ritual in the Jerusalem Temple, where Jews from the Roman province of Asia, recognizing him, falsely accused him of defiling the sacred space and incited a riot among the people, leading to his violent apprehension. This incident marks a critical turning point in Paul's ministry, initiating a prolonged period of imprisonment and trials, ultimately leading to his journey to Rome.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's decision, on the advice of James and the elders in Jerusalem, to participate in a Nazirite vow purification ritual with four other men ([Acts 21:20-26](/acts/21-20-26 "Acts 21:20-26 - Paul's Purification Vow")). This act was intended to demonstrate Paul's continued respect for Jewish law and customs, thereby refuting widespread rumors that he taught Jews to forsake Moses and the Law ([Acts 21:21](/acts/21-21 "Acts 21:21 - Accusations Against Paul")). The "seven days" mentioned in the verse refer to the completion of this purification period, during which Paul was present in the temple. The events of [Acts 21:27](/acts/21-27 "Acts 21:27 - Paul Seized in the Temple") directly precipitate Paul's arrest, which then leads to his defense before various authorities, setting the stage for the remainder of the book of Acts, chronicling his appeals and journey to Rome.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem in the mid-1st century AD was a highly charged environment, especially during major festivals like Pentecost (implied by the timing of Paul's arrival in [Acts 20:16](/acts/20-16 "Acts 20:16 - Paul's Haste to Jerusalem")), which drew Jews from across the Roman Empire. The Temple was the epicenter of Jewish religious life, and any perceived defilement was met with extreme outrage, often leading to mob violence, which Roman authorities struggled to control. The "Jews which were of Asia" refers to individuals from the Roman province of Asia Minor, where Paul had conducted extensive missionary work, particularly in Ephesus ([Acts 19:10](/acts/19-10 "Acts 19:10 - Paul's Ministry in Asia")). These individuals would have been familiar with Paul's ministry to Gentiles and likely held deep-seated animosity towards him, interpreting his message as a betrayal of Jewish tradition. Their presence in Jerusalem for the festival provided the opportunity for a confrontation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several recurring themes in Acts. Firstly, the theme of **Opposition to the Gospel** and its messengers is prominent, as Paul consistently faces hostility, particularly from Jewish factions who reject his message about Jesus as the Messiah and the inclusion of Gentiles ([Acts 13:45](/acts/13-45 "Acts 13:45 - Jewish Opposition in Pisidian Antioch"), [Acts 17:5](/acts/17-5 "Acts 17:5 - Thessalonian Uproar")). Secondly, the theme of **False Accusations and Misunderstanding** is central; Paul's actions, intended to show respect for Jewish customs, are twisted into charges of defiling the Temple and teaching against the Law ([Acts 21:28](/acts/21-28 "Acts 21:28 - False Accusations Against Paul")). Thirdly, the **Volatility of Crowds** and the danger of mob mentality are starkly displayed, as a few individuals quickly "stirred up all the people" into a violent frenzy, highlighting how easily public opinion can be swayed by misinformation and passionate rhetoric.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ended (Greek, _synteléō'_):** This verb means "to complete entirely" or "to execute." In this context, it signifies the near completion of the seven-day purification ritual Paul was undertaking. The fact that the events unfolded "when the seven days were almost ended" adds a layer of dramatic irony, as Paul's attempt to fulfill a religious obligation and appease Jewish believers was violently interrupted just before its conclusion, preventing him from fully achieving his intended reconciliation.
* **temple (Greek, _hierón'_):** This term refers to the entire sacred precinct of the Jerusalem Temple, including its courtyards and porticos, as opposed to the inner sanctuary or Holy of Holies (naos). Paul's presence in the _hierón_ was permissible for a Jew undergoing purification. The accusation that he brought Gentiles into this sacred area (mentioned in the subsequent verse, [Acts 21:28](/acts/21-28 "Acts 21:28 - False Accusations Against Paul")) was a grave charge, punishable by death, and served as the immediate catalyst for the mob's fury. The location underscores the religious nature of the conflict and the profound reverence Jews held for this holy site.
* **stirred up (Greek, _synchéō'_):** Meaning "to commingle promiscuously," "to throw into disorder," or "to perplex the mind," this word vividly describes the actions of the Jews from Asia. They did not merely inform or accuse; they actively incited chaos and confusion, transforming a public space into a riotous scene. This term highlights the deliberate and effective manipulation of the crowd, turning a potentially orderly situation into a violent uproar through the spread of false information and passionate agitation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the seven days were almost ended":** This clause sets the temporal context, indicating that Paul's purification ritual, undertaken to demonstrate his adherence to Jewish customs and quell rumors, was nearing its completion. The timing is crucial, as it suggests Paul was diligently fulfilling his commitment within the Temple.
* **"the Jews which were of Asia":** These were not local Jerusalemites but Jews from the Roman province of Asia, where Paul had extensively preached the Gospel, often facing significant opposition. Their presence in Jerusalem, likely for a pilgrimage festival, meant they recognized Paul and carried pre-existing animosity and false impressions of his ministry.
* **"when they saw him in the temple":** This emphasizes the direct recognition and the specific location of the confrontation. Paul was in a public, sacred space where his presence was legitimate for a Jew. Their seeing him was the immediate trigger for their actions, fueled by their prior encounters and prejudices.
* **"stirred up all the people":** This describes the active incitement of a general populace. The Jews from Asia did not merely report; they agitated and inflamed the emotions of the crowd, leveraging the sanctity of the Temple and the prevailing anti-Gentile sentiment to provoke a violent reaction against Paul.
* **"and laid hands on him":** This signifies the physical assault and apprehension of Paul. It marks the transition from verbal accusation and incitement to direct physical violence, indicating the mob's intent to seize and harm him, effectively initiating his arrest and subsequent trials.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Dramatic Irony**, as Paul's very presence in the Temple, intended to demonstrate his fidelity to Jewish law and reconcile with Jewish believers, becomes the catalyst for his violent seizure by those who falsely accuse him of violating that law. There is also strong **Foreshadowing**, as this incident marks the beginning of Paul's long period of imprisonment and trials, setting the stage for the remainder of Acts and his eventual journey to Rome. The phrase "stirred up all the people" is an example of **Hyperbole** or **Synecdoche**, representing a significant portion of the crowd rather than every single individual, vividly conveying the widespread and rapid spread of agitation. The Temple itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only a place of worship but also a flashpoint for religious and political tensions, where perceived desecration could ignite immediate and severe reactions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:27 powerfully illustrates the persistent theme of suffering for the sake of the Gospel, echoing Christ's own experiences of rejection and false accusation. Paul, like his Lord, faced intense hostility not primarily from pagans, but from within his own religious community, driven by misunderstanding, zeal without knowledge, and a rigid adherence to tradition that blinded them to God's new work in Christ. This incident underscores that faithfulness to God's progressive revelation can often lead to conflict with established religious norms, even when one attempts to bridge divides. It also highlights the dangerous power of misinformation and mob mentality, capable of overriding reason and justice, a pattern seen throughout biblical history and relevant to contemporary challenges to truth and reconciliation.

* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Persecution for Christ's Name")
* [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 21:27 serves as a profound reminder that commitment to Christ and His mission often involves facing opposition, even from unexpected sources or within religious contexts. Paul's experience teaches us that attempts at reconciliation or demonstrating good faith may not always be met with understanding, especially when deep-seated prejudices or false narratives are at play. Believers today must be prepared for misrepresentation and hostility when living out their faith, particularly in a world often quick to judge or condemn based on incomplete information or preconceived notions. This passage calls us to cultivate discernment, to remain steadfast in truth even when slandered, and to resist the temptation to join or be swayed by a mob mentality. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of prejudice or quick judgment, and to pray for those who, out of zeal, may oppose the very truth they claim to uphold.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's experience of false accusation and mob violence resonate with challenges faced by Christians today?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the "Jews of Asia" regarding the dangers of unchecked religious zeal and misinformation?**
* **How can believers respond with grace and truth when their actions or beliefs are misunderstood or misrepresented?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Jews from Asia so hostile towards Paul, even though he was a Jew himself?**

Answer: The Jews from the Roman province of Asia, particularly from cities like Ephesus where Paul had spent considerable time ([Acts 19:10](/acts/19-10 "Paul's Ministry in Asia")), were likely familiar with his teaching that Gentiles could be saved and included in God's people without fully converting to Judaism or strictly observing all Mosaic laws. This message, while liberating for Gentiles, was perceived by many zealous Jews as a betrayal of their heritage and a defilement of their sacred traditions. They viewed Paul as an apostate who undermined the Law and the Temple, especially because he ministered extensively to Gentiles. Their hostility stemmed from a deep-seated conviction that Paul was leading Jews astray and bringing "unclean" Gentiles into the holy precincts, even though the specific accusation in [Acts 21:28](/acts/21-28 "False Accusations Against Paul") about Trophimus was false. Their religious zeal, combined with a misunderstanding of the Gospel's inclusive nature, fueled their intense animosity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 21:27, detailing Paul's unjust seizure in the Temple, powerfully echoes the pattern of Christ's own suffering and rejection. Just as Jesus, the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "Jesus, the Temple")), was falsely accused, misunderstood, and violently apprehended by zealous religious leaders and an incited crowd ([Matthew 26:57-68](/matthew/26-57-68 "Jesus Before the Sanhedrin")), so too is Paul, His faithful apostle. Paul's attempt to reconcile with his Jewish brethren through a purification vow ultimately backfired, leading to his arrest, mirroring how Christ's ministry of reconciliation led to His crucifixion. This incident underscores that the path of following Christ often involves sharing in His sufferings ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")), facing opposition from those who reject God's redemptive plan. Paul's subsequent trials and journey to Rome, initiated by this very event, become a means for the Gospel to advance, demonstrating that even human hostility and injustice cannot thwart God's sovereign purposes for His Son and His kingdom ([Acts 28:30-31](/acts/28-30-31 "Paul Preaches in Rome")).

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 26:21

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill [me].

Acts 24:18

Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

Acts 13:50

But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

Acts 17:5

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

Acts 17:6

And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

Acts 14:5

And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use [them] despitefully, and to stone them,

1 Kings 21:25

But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.