Acts 21:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:31 captures a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's ministry in Jerusalem, detailing the immediate threat to his life as a furious mob sought to kill him in the Temple courts. This verse highlights the dramatic and timely intervention of the Roman chief captain and his military cohort, whose arrival was prompted by reports that the entire city of Jerusalem had erupted into widespread chaos and tumult, thereby saving Paul from certain death and redirecting the course of his apostolic journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Paul's third missionary journey, specifically during his final visit to Jerusalem. It immediately follows the escalating tension described in [Acts 21:27-30](/acts/21-27-30 "Acts 21:27-30 - The Mob's Accusations and Attack"). Paul had returned to Jerusalem, seeking to demonstrate his adherence to Jewish custom by undertaking a purification vow alongside four other men, as advised by James and the elders of the Jerusalem church ([Acts 21:23-26](/acts/21-23-26 "Acts 21:23-26 - Paul's Purification Vow")). However, Jews from Asia, who had previously encountered Paul, recognized him in the Temple. They falsely accused him of teaching against the Law and the Temple, and, more inflammatory, of defiling the holy site by bringing Gentiles into forbidden areas—a capital offense. These baseless accusations ignited a furious riot, leading the crowd to seize Paul, drag him out of the Temple, and savagely beat him with the clear intention of killing him. Verse 31 describes the crucial moment when this violent attempt on Paul's life was interrupted.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem in the mid-1st century CE was a city simmering with religious fervor, political tension, and nationalistic sentiment under Roman occupation. The Roman military presence, specifically the cohort stationed in the Antonia Fortress, which overlooked the Temple courts, was a constant reminder of imperial rule and served to maintain order in a volatile environment. Riots and civil disturbances, often sparked by religious disputes or perceived Roman infringements, were not uncommon. The Roman chief captain, a military tribune (chiliarch), was responsible for the security of the city. The Temple itself was a highly sacred space, and any perceived desecration was met with extreme outrage by the Jewish populace. The false accusation of bringing Gentiles into the inner courts was particularly inflammatory, as signs explicitly warned Gentiles against entering under penalty of death. The swift escalation of the mob's violence against Paul reflects the deep-seated animosity some Jewish factions held against those they believed were undermining their traditions or collaborating with foreign powers.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 21:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Persecution and False Accusation**, showing the intense hostility Paul faced, often fueled by misunderstanding, religious zealotry, and outright fabrication. This incident is a stark example of the dangers early Christians encountered while proclaiming the Gospel, echoing the persecution faced by Jesus Himself. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Roman Intervention**. Despite the immediate danger, God orchestrates events, using secular Roman authorities—who were often hostile to Jewish and Christian movements—as instruments of His protection for His servant. The timely arrival of the Roman "chief captain" and his "band" (a military cohort) is a clear demonstration of God's sovereign hand at work, turning a life-threatening situation into a strategic opportunity for Paul's ministry, ultimately leading him toward Rome as prophesied by the Lord in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Promise to Paul"). Finally, the phrase "all Jerusalem was in an uproar" underscores the theme of **Urban Unrest and Social Volatility**, demonstrating how quickly religious disputes could escalate into widespread civil disturbances in the highly charged atmosphere of Jerusalem.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went about to kill (Greek, _zētéō apokteínō'_):** The verb _zētéō_ (G2212) means "to seek, desire, endeavor," and when combined with _apokteínō_ (G615), "to kill outright, slay, destroy," it vividly conveys the mob's determined and lethal intent. It's not merely a casual attack but a concerted effort to take Paul's life, reflecting a deep-seated hatred and a desire for summary execution without legal process. This combination emphasizes the extreme danger Paul was in.
* **chief captain (Greek, _chilíarchos'_):** The _chilíarchos_ (G5506) was a military tribune, typically commanding a cohort of around one thousand soldiers. This term indicates a significant Roman military officer, not a minor official. His rank and the size of his command underscore the gravity of the situation in Jerusalem, as only a major disturbance would warrant the personal intervention of such a high-ranking officer and a substantial military unit. This individual is later identified as Claudius Lysias in [Acts 23:26](/acts/23-26 "Acts 23:26 - Claudius Lysias's Letter").
* **uproar (Greek, _synchéō'_):** The word _synchéō_ (G4797), derived from a root meaning "to pour together, commingle promiscuously," accurately describes the state of "confusion, disorder, tumult." It signifies a chaotic and widespread disturbance that had engulfed not just the immediate vicinity of the Temple but had spread throughout the city. The use of "all Jerusalem" (G3650 _hólos_ Hierousalḗm G2419) further emphasizes the scale and intensity of the civil unrest, indicating a situation serious enough to demand immediate Roman military intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as they went about to kill him":** This clause immediately follows the description of the mob dragging Paul out of the Temple and beating him. It emphasizes the direct and lethal intent of the crowd. The verb "went about" (from _zētéō_) indicates a concerted, active endeavor, not a passive or accidental action. The mob was actively engaged in the process of lynching Paul, demonstrating the extreme hatred and violent fervor that had gripped them. Paul's life hung by a thread, on the verge of being extinguished by an enraged populace.
* **"tidings came unto the chief captain of the band":** This phrase introduces the crucial turning point. "Tidings" (Greek _phásis_, G5334) refers to a report or message. The fact that this report reached the "chief captain" (the _chilíarchos_) of the "band" (the _speîra_, G4686, a Roman military cohort) signifies that the disturbance was not a minor skirmish but a major incident. The Roman authorities, ever vigilant over the peace in Jerusalem, received intelligence about the escalating chaos, prompting their intervention. This highlights the efficiency of Roman intelligence and their readiness to suppress any large-scale unrest.
* **"that all Jerusalem was in an uproar":** This final clause explains the content of the "tidings" and the reason for the chief captain's urgent response. The phrase "all Jerusalem" (Greek _hólos Hierousalḗm_) is likely a hyperbole, emphasizing the widespread nature and intensity of the disturbance rather than every single inhabitant being involved. The word "uproar" (Greek _synchéō_) vividly describes the state of confusion, tumult, and disorder that had gripped the city. This was not merely a localized fight but a general state of civil disturbance that threatened Roman control and public order, thus necessitating immediate and decisive military action.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey the urgency and significance of the moment. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all Jerusalem was in an uproar," which, while not literally meaning every single person, effectively communicates the widespread and alarming nature of the civil disturbance. This exaggeration emphasizes the gravity of the situation and justifies the swift Roman intervention. There is also a strong sense of **Suspense** as Paul's life hangs precariously in the balance, with the reader uncertain of his fate until the Roman intervention is reported. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Dramatic Irony**: the mob believes they are delivering justice by attempting to kill Paul, but their actions inadvertently trigger a chain of events that will ultimately lead Paul to Rome, fulfilling God's greater purpose for his ministry, rather than ending it. The sudden shift from Paul's imminent death to the arrival of the Roman authorities also serves as a **Deus ex Machina**, where an unexpected external force intervenes to resolve a seemingly impossible situation, highlighting divine providence at work through human agents.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:31 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over human events, even in the midst of extreme violence and chaos. It demonstrates that divine purposes cannot be thwarted by human malice or mob rule. God's protection of Paul, through the unexpected means of a pagan Roman authority, underscores His ability to use any instrument—whether willing or unwitting—to accomplish His will and advance His kingdom. This incident serves as a profound reminder that even when His servants face life-threatening persecution, God remains faithful to His promises, turning what appears to be a disastrous setback into a strategic step forward for the Gospel. Paul's deliverance here is not merely a reprieve but a redirection, setting the stage for his subsequent trials and eventual journey to Rome, where he would preach the Gospel to the highest echelons of the Roman Empire.

* [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "The Lord's Promise to Paul")
* [Philippians 1:12](/philippians/1-12 "Paul's Imprisonment Advancing the Gospel")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 21:31 offers profound encouragement for believers facing opposition and injustice today. It reminds us that our lives and ministries are ultimately in God's hands, and His purposes will prevail, even when circumstances seem dire or chaotic. When we face false accusations, intense hostility, or feel overwhelmed by the "uproar" of the world around us, this passage calls us to trust in God's sovereign intervention. He may not always send a "chief captain" to rescue us physically, but He always provides for our ultimate good and the advancement of His kingdom. It challenges us to see beyond the immediate crisis and recognize God's hand at work, even through unexpected or seemingly secular means. Our response should be one of continued faithfulness, prayer, and steadfastness in proclaiming the Gospel, knowing that our suffering can be used by God to further His redemptive plan, just as Paul's imprisonment ultimately led to greater opportunities for evangelism.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you respond when faced with intense opposition or false accusations for your faith?**
* **In what unexpected ways has God intervened in your life or circumstances to protect you or advance His purposes?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to trust God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem chaotic or dangerous?**

### FAQ

**Who was the "chief captain" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "chief captain" (Greek: _chilíarchos_) mentioned in Acts 21:31 was Claudius Lysias, the commander of the Roman garrison stationed in Jerusalem. His primary responsibility was to maintain peace and order in the city, especially given the volatile religious and political climate. The Antonia Fortress, where he and his "band" (a Roman cohort) were stationed, was strategically located overlooking the Temple courts, allowing for swift military response to any disturbances. His intervention in this specific instance was crucial, as he rescued Paul from a mob that was actively attempting to kill him, as detailed in [Acts 21:32-35](/acts/21-32-35 "Acts 21:32-35 - The Chief Captain's Intervention"). His role was not to protect Paul out of personal conviction but to quell a significant civil disturbance that threatened Roman authority.

**Why was "all Jerusalem" in an uproar?**

Answer: The phrase "all Jerusalem was in an uproar" describes the widespread and intense civil disturbance that erupted due to false accusations against Paul. The Jews from Asia had stirred up the crowd by claiming Paul had defiled the Temple by bringing Gentiles into forbidden areas and was teaching against the Law and the Temple itself. These accusations, though untrue, were highly inflammatory in the religiously charged atmosphere of Jerusalem. Any perceived desecration of the Temple or challenge to Jewish law could quickly ignite widespread unrest, especially under Roman occupation where nationalistic and religious sentiments ran high. The mob's attempt to lynch Paul in the Temple courts escalated into a city-wide tumult, signaling a significant threat to public order that necessitated the immediate intervention of the Roman military, as described in [Acts 21:27-30](/acts/21-27-30 "Acts 21:27-30 - The Mob's Accusations and Attack").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 21:31, while detailing Paul's immediate peril and miraculous deliverance, ultimately points to the greater narrative of Christ's redemptive work and the advancement of His kingdom. Paul's suffering and near-death experience mirror the persecution and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Himself, who was unjustly accused and delivered over to death by a mob ([John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - Crucify Him!")). Yet, just as Christ's death was not the end but the means to resurrection and triumph, Paul's near-martyrdom becomes a catalyst for the Gospel's further spread. The divine intervention, even through secular Roman authorities, demonstrates Christ's ongoing sovereignty over all earthly powers and circumstances ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). It is Christ, the head of the Church, who protects His servants and directs their paths, ensuring that His mission to reach "the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")) is fulfilled. Paul's subsequent imprisonment and trials, initiated by this incident, become platforms for him to bear witness to Christ before governors and kings, transforming what seemed like a defeat into a strategic advance for the Gospel, thereby magnifying Christ in his body, whether by life or by death ([Philippians 1:20](/philippians/1-20 "Philippians 1:20 - Christ Magnified in Paul's Body")). Thus, Paul's deliverance in Acts 21:31 is a testament to Christ's faithfulness to His church and His unwavering commitment to the spread of His glorious kingdom, even through the suffering of His devoted followers.

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

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.