Acts 21:30

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 {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}.

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.

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.

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.

Acts 21:30 describes the chaotic scene in Jerusalem where a mob seized the Apostle Paul within the sacred confines of the Temple. This verse marks a pivotal moment, leading directly to Paul's arrest and the subsequent events that would take him to Rome.

Context

Paul had returned to Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey, bringing an offering for the poor saints and seeking to quell rumors that he taught Jews to forsake the Law of Moses. He was advised by James and the elders to participate in a purification ritual with four other men, demonstrating his respect for Jewish customs (see Acts 21:26). However, during this time, some Jews from Asia who had previously seen Paul in the city, recognized him in the Temple. They falsely accused him of teaching against the Law and the Temple, and critically, of bringing Gentiles into the sacred inner courts, a capital offense under Jewish law (Acts 21:28). This accusation ignited a furious reaction among the populace.

Key Themes

  • Mob Mentality and False Accusations: The verse vividly portrays the immediate, irrational response of a crowd stirred by misinformation and prejudice. The entire city was "moved," indicating a widespread agitation and uproar, driven by false accusations rather than truth.
  • Persecution of Paul: This incident is another stark example of the intense opposition and suffering Paul endured for the sake of the Gospel. His ministry was consistently met with hostility, highlighting the cost of following Christ.
  • Desecration of Sacred Space: The Temple, meant for reverence and worship, became a scene of violent uproar and attempted murder. The act of dragging Paul out and immediately shutting the doors underscores the severity of the alleged offense and the desire to prevent further defilement or to contain the riot.
  • Divine Providence: Despite the immediate danger, this event ultimately sets in motion the chain of events that would lead Paul to testify before kings and rulers, fulfilling God's plan for him to preach the Gospel even in Rome.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "all the city was moved" translates the Greek word synechythē (συνεχύθη), which conveys a sense of confusion, disturbance, or being thrown into an uproar. It suggests a widespread, tumultuous agitation. "The people ran together" comes from synedramon (συνέδραμον), emphasizing a rapid, concerted gathering of the crowd. The action of "drew him out" uses helkon (ἕλκον), implying a forceful, perhaps violent, dragging, indicative of the mob's fury.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of mob rule, prejudice, and the spread of false information. It challenges believers to:

  • Discern Truth: To not be swayed by rumors or popular opinion, but to seek truth and understand situations fully before reacting.
  • Stand Firm in Persecution: Paul's unwavering commitment despite constant opposition offers a model for enduring unjust treatment for righteousness' sake (compare 2 Timothy 3:12).
  • Pray for Peace: The chaos described highlights the need for peace and order, and the importance of prayer for those in authority and for societal calm.

The immediate shutting of the Temple doors signifies the separation that occurred—Paul was violently expelled, and the religious establishment effectively cut him off, leading to his eventual journey outside Jerusalem and towards his ultimate mission.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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,

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