Acts 21:30

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G5037} all {G3650} the city {G4172} was moved {G2795}, and {G2532} the people {G2992} ran together {G1096}{G4890}: and {G2532} they took {G1949} Paul {G3972}, and drew {G1670} him {G846} out of {G1854} the temple {G2411}: and {G2532} forthwith {G2112} the doors {G2374} were shut {G2808}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The whole city was aroused, and people came running from all over. They seized Sha’ul and dragged him out of the Temple, and at once the gates were shut.

Berean Standard Bible

The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut.

American Standard Version

And all the city was moved, and the people ran together; and they laid hold on Paul, and dragged him out of the temple: and straightway the doors were shut.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:30 vividly captures the sudden and violent escalation of hostility against the Apostle Paul in Jerusalem. Incited by false accusations, a furious mob seized Paul within the sacred precincts of the Temple, forcefully dragging him out. The immediate and decisive shutting of the Temple doors following his expulsion underscores the gravity of the alleged defilement and the community's swift, collective rejection of Paul, marking a critical turning point that would lead to his arrest and subsequent journey to Rome.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic climax of a series of events following Paul's return to Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey. Chapters 20 and 21 detail his prophetic warnings of suffering and his determined journey to the city, despite knowing the dangers. Upon arrival, Paul, seeking to demonstrate his continued respect for Jewish customs and to counter rumors that he taught Jews to forsake the Law, participated in a purification ritual with four other men, as advised by James and the elders of the Jerusalem church ([Acts 21:26](/acts/21-26 "Acts 21:26 - Paul's Purification Ritual")). It was during this period, while Paul was in the Temple, that some Jews from Asia, who had seen him previously, falsely accused him of teaching against the Law and the Temple, and, most critically, of bringing a Gentile (Trophimus, an Ephesian) into the sacred inner courts, an act punishable by death ([Acts 21:28-29](/acts/21-28-29 "Acts 21:28-29 - False Accusations Against Paul")). This inflammatory accusation instantly ignited the fury of the populace, leading directly to the chaotic scene described in Acts 21:30.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Temple in Jerusalem was the epicenter of Jewish religious and national identity, revered with profound zeal. Its layout included outer courts accessible to Gentiles, but a strict barrier, known as the *soreg*, separated these from the inner courts, which only Jews were permitted to enter. Inscriptions on this barrier explicitly warned Gentiles against proceeding further on pain of death. The accusation that Paul had brought a Gentile beyond this point was therefore an extremely serious charge of defilement, a capital offense under Jewish law, designed to provoke maximum outrage. The city of Jerusalem, particularly during festivals (though this event occurred after Pentecost), was often a volatile environment, prone to riots due to the intense religious and political sensitivities of its inhabitants and the ever-present Roman military occupation. The mob's immediate and violent reaction reflects this deep-seated reverence for the Temple and the fervent desire to protect its sanctity from perceived desecration.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 21:30 powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts and throughout Paul's ministry. Firstly, it underscores the destructive power of **mob mentality and false accusations**, showing how a crowd, stirred by misinformation and prejudice, can quickly descend into irrational violence, disregarding truth and justice. Secondly, it highlights the relentless **persecution of Paul** for the sake of the Gospel. This incident is but one of many examples of the intense opposition, suffering, and unjust treatment Paul consistently endured, demonstrating the high cost of faithfully proclaiming Christ ([2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings")). Thirdly, the event signifies the **desecration of sacred space**, as the Temple, intended for worship and prayer, became a scene of violent uproar and attempted murder. The act of dragging Paul out and immediately shutting the doors emphasizes the severity of the alleged offense and the community's desire to prevent further perceived defilement or to contain the riot. Finally, and paradoxically, this chaotic event serves as a testament to **divine providence**. Despite the immediate danger and injustice, this incident ultimately sets in motion the chain of events that would lead Paul to testify before Roman authorities, kings, and rulers, fulfilling God's sovereign plan for him to preach the Gospel even to Rome ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Appears to Paul")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **moved (Greek, _kinéō_):** From G2795. This word means "to stir," "to set in motion," or "to agitate." In this context, it conveys a sense of profound disturbance, agitation, and commotion that swept through the entire city. It suggests a widespread, tumultuous uproar, indicating that the unrest was not confined to a small group but had seized the populace, prompting a collective, agitated response.
* **drew (Greek, _helkýō_):** From G1670. This verb means "to drag" or "to pull forcibly." It implies a violent and forceful action, emphasizing the mob's brutality and Paul's helplessness as he was physically pulled out of the Temple. This is not a gentle leading but a harsh, aggressive removal, indicative of the crowd's fury and intent to harm.
* **shut (Greek, _kleíō_):** From G2808. This primary verb means "to close" or "to shut up." The immediate shutting of the Temple doors after Paul's expulsion is highly significant. It symbolizes a decisive act of exclusion and separation, preventing Paul from re-entering and perhaps preventing further perceived defilement or containing the riot within the Temple precincts. It also reflects the religious establishment's swift condemnation and rejection of Paul.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the city was moved":** This clause describes the immediate and widespread reaction to the false accusations against Paul. The term "moved" (from _kinéō_) indicates a deep agitation and disturbance that permeated the entire urban population, suggesting a collective, tumultuous uproar rather than a localized incident. It conveys the sense of a city thrown into chaos and excitement.
* **"and the people ran together":** This phrase further elaborates on the mob's rapid and concerted response. The "running together" (from _syndromḗ_ G4890, associated with _gínomai_ G1096) signifies a swift, spontaneous gathering of a large crowd, driven by the escalating tension and the inflammatory nature of the accusations. It paints a picture of a rapidly forming, potentially riotous assembly.
* **"and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple":** This is the central action of the verse, depicting the mob's direct assault on Paul. "Took" (from _epilambánomai_ G1949, meaning "to seize") indicates a forceful apprehension, while "drew him out" (from _helkýō_ G1670, meaning "to drag") emphasizes the violent and undignified manner of his expulsion. The Temple, a sacred space, became the scene of this violent act, highlighting the mob's disregard for its sanctity in their zeal.
* **"and forthwith the doors were shut":** This final clause describes a swift and decisive action. "Forthwith" (from _euthéōs_ G2112, meaning "immediately") underscores the urgency and speed with which the Temple doors were closed. This act served multiple purposes: to prevent Paul from returning, to prevent further alleged defilement of the sacred space, and possibly to contain the riot or signal the official exclusion and condemnation of Paul by the Temple authorities.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 21:30 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the chaotic and pivotal nature of the event. **Hyperbole** is evident in "all the city was moved," emphasizing the widespread and intense agitation, even if not every single inhabitant was literally agitated. This serves to underscore the magnitude of the uproar. **Imagery** is richly used, painting a vivid picture of a surging, agitated crowd, the forceful dragging of Paul, and the resounding closure of the Temple doors, all contributing to a sense of immediate danger and irreversible consequence. The scene also functions as **dramatic irony**, as Paul, who sought to reconcile with the Jewish community by demonstrating his adherence to the Law, is instead violently rejected and expelled from their most sacred space. Furthermore, the event serves as **foreshadowing**, setting in motion the chain of events that will lead to Paul's imprisonment, trials, and eventual journey to Rome, fulfilling God's greater purpose despite human opposition. The immediate shutting of the doors can be seen as **symbolism**, representing the finality of the Jewish religious establishment's rejection of Paul and, by extension, the Gospel he preached, paving the way for the Gospel's further expansion to the Gentiles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The tumultuous events of Acts 21:30 resonate with profound theological themes found throughout Scripture. It is a stark reminder of humanity's propensity for mob violence, particularly when fueled by misinformation, prejudice, and religious fervor, echoing similar scenes of injustice and the rejection of God's messengers. The violent expulsion of Paul from the Temple, a place meant for divine encounter, underscores the tragic reality of human sin and the spiritual blindness that can lead people to persecute those who bring God's truth. Yet, even in this moment of intense opposition and apparent defeat, God's sovereign plan is at work. Paul's arrest and subsequent trials, initiated by this incident, become the very means by which he will bear witness to Christ before kings and rulers, ultimately reaching Rome as prophesied. This demonstrates that God can use even the most hostile circumstances to advance His kingdom purposes, transforming moments of human malice into opportunities for divine glory and the spread of the Gospel.

* [Matthew 27:24-25](/matthew/27-24-25 "Matthew 27:24-25 - Mob Incitement at Jesus' Trial")
* [Acts 7:54-60](/acts/7-54-60 "Acts 7:54-60 - The Stoning of Stephen")
* [1 Peter 4:12-16](/1_peter/4-12-16 "1 Peter 4:12-16 - Suffering for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 21:30 offers potent lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to critically examine our own responses to information and conflict. The scene serves as a powerful cautionary tale against the dangers of mob mentality, where emotions override reason, and false accusations can quickly escalate into violence and injustice. In an age of rapid information dissemination, often without verification, we are called to cultivate discernment, seeking truth and understanding situations fully before reacting or participating in collective condemnation. Paul's unwavering commitment to his mission, even in the face of such intense and unjust persecution, provides a compelling model of steadfastness. It reminds us that faithfulness to Christ may involve enduring opposition, misunderstanding, and even suffering. We are encouraged to stand firm in our convictions, trusting in God's sovereignty even when circumstances appear chaotic or unjust. Furthermore, the desecration of the Temple by human rage highlights the importance of reverence for sacred spaces and, more broadly, for human dignity. It also prompts us to pray for peace and order in our communities, and for wisdom for leaders to navigate societal tensions without succumbing to the pressures of an inflamed populace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "mob mentality" described in Acts 21:30 manifest in our society today, and how can believers resist being swept up by it?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Paul's experience of unjust persecution, and how might we apply them when facing opposition for our faith?**
* **In what ways might we, perhaps unknowingly, contribute to the spread of misinformation or prejudice that could harm others?**
* **How does this passage encourage us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or contrary to our expectations?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary reason Paul was attacked in the Temple?**

Answer: The primary reason Paul was attacked was a false accusation by some Jews from Asia that he had brought a Gentile (Trophimus, an Ephesian) into the inner courts of the Temple. This was considered a grave defilement of the sacred space, punishable by death under Jewish law, and it inflamed the already zealous populace. While Paul had indeed been seen with Trophimus in the city, there is no biblical evidence that Trophimus entered the forbidden inner court with Paul ([Acts 21:29](/acts/21-29 "Acts 21:29 - The False Accusation")).

**What is the significance of the Temple doors being shut immediately after Paul was dragged out?**

Answer: The immediate shutting of the Temple doors (G2374 _thýra_) after Paul was dragged out (G1670 _helkýō_) signifies several things. First, it was a swift act to prevent Paul from re-entering, underscoring the mob's and potentially the Temple authorities' belief that he had defiled the sacred space (G2411 _hierón_). Second, it served to contain the riot, preventing further chaos from spilling into the holy precincts. Theologically, it can also be seen as a symbolic act of ultimate rejection by the Jewish religious establishment, effectively cutting Paul off from the center of Jewish worship and paving the way for his ministry to increasingly focus on the Gentiles and his eventual journey to Rome.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The violent expulsion of Paul from the Temple in Acts 21:30, driven by false accusations and mob fury, profoundly mirrors the experience of Jesus Christ Himself. Just as Paul was dragged out of the Temple precincts, accused of defiling the sacred, Jesus too was ultimately rejected by the religious establishment of His day and led outside the city walls to suffer and die. The zeal for the Law and the Temple that fueled the mob's rage against Paul was ironically the same misguided zeal that led to the crucifixion of the very One who embodied the Law and was the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of the Temple of His Body")). Paul's suffering for righteousness' sake, his unjust condemnation, and his expulsion from the heart of Jewish worship foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who was "despised and rejected by men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")). In this chaotic scene, we see the pattern of Christ's own rejection by His people, a rejection that paradoxically became the means of salvation for the world. Paul's subsequent journey to Rome, initiated by this very arrest, demonstrates how God uses the suffering of His servants, patterned after the suffering of Christ, to advance His redemptive purposes and extend His kingdom to the ends of the earth, fulfilling the divine plan even through human malice ([Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel")).

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].

2 Corinthians 11:26

[In] journeyings often, [in] perils of waters, [in] perils of robbers, [in] perils by [mine own] countrymen, [in] perils by the heathen, [in] perils in the city, [in] perils in the wilderness, [in] perils in the sea, [in] perils among false brethren;

Acts 16:19

And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew [them] into the marketplace unto the rulers,

Acts 16:22

And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat [them].

2 Kings 11:15

But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD.

Matthew 21:10

And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?

Acts 7:57

Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,