Acts 21:31

And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

And {G1161} as they went about {G2212} to kill {G615} him {G846}, tidings {G5334} came {G305} unto the chief captain {G5506} of the band {G4686}, that {G3754} all {G3650} Jerusalem {G2419} was in an uproar {G4797}.

But while they were attempting to kill him, word reached the commander of the Roman battalion that all Yerushalayim was in turmoil.

While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil.

And as they were seeking to kill him, tidings came up to the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in confusion.

Acts 21:31 (KJV) describes a critical moment in the life of the Apostle Paul, illustrating the intense hostility he faced in Jerusalem and the dramatic intervention of Roman authorities that saved his life.

Context

This verse immediately follows a violent outburst against Paul in the temple courts. After returning to Jerusalem and seeking to demonstrate his respect for Jewish customs (as detailed in Acts 21:26), Paul was recognized by Jews from Asia. They falsely accused him of defiling the Temple by bringing Gentiles into forbidden areas and teaching against the Law, inciting a furious mob. This led to a widespread riot, where the crowd seized Paul and dragged him out of the Temple, intending to kill him (Acts 21:30).

Key Themes

  • Mob Violence and False Accusation: The verse vividly portrays the immediate danger Paul was in, facing a lynch mob fueled by misinformation and religious fervor. This highlights the severe persecution faced by early Christians.
  • Divine Providence and Roman Intervention: Although seemingly random, the timely arrival of the Roman "chief captain" (the chiliarchos, Claudius Lysias, stationed in the Antonia Fortress overlooking the Temple) demonstrates how God can use secular authorities to protect His servants and further His purposes. The "uproar" was significant enough to necessitate military intervention, thus saving Paul's life and setting the stage for his appeal to Caesar.
  • Urban Unrest: The phrase "all Jerusalem was in an uproar" underscores the volatile social and political climate of Jerusalem under Roman occupation, where religious disputes could quickly escalate into widespread civil disturbances.

Linguistic Insights

The term "chief captain" translates the Greek word chiliarchos (χιλίαρχος), which denotes a military tribune commanding a cohort of approximately one thousand soldiers. The "band" refers to a Roman cohort (speira), a significant military unit. The word "uproar" comes from sygchysis (σύγχυσις), meaning a confusion, disturbance, or tumult, accurately describing the chaos that had engulfed the city.

Significance and Application

Acts 21:31 is a pivotal moment, preventing Paul's immediate martyrdom and redirecting his journey towards Rome, as God had previously indicated (Acts 23:11). It reminds believers that even in the face of extreme danger and injustice, God is sovereign and can use unexpected means, even pagan authorities, to accomplish His will and protect His people. It also highlights the reality of persecution that can arise from misunderstanding or hostility towards the Gospel message.

This event marks the beginning of Paul's long imprisonment, which ultimately led to his preaching the Gospel before governors and kings, fulfilling another aspect of his divine calling. For further study of Paul's subsequent trials and defenses, consider reading Acts 22 and Acts 24.

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.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:23

    Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:33

    And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

  • Acts 26:9

    I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

  • Acts 26:10

    Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against [them].

  • 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 19:40

    For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

  • Acts 25:23

    And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.

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