Acts 21:34

And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

And {G1161} some {G243} cried {G994} one thing {G5100}, some another {G243}, among {G1722} the multitude {G3793}: and {G1161} when he could {G1410} not {G3361} know {G1097} the certainty {G804} for {G1223} the tumult {G2351}, he commanded {G2753} him {G846} to be carried {G71} into {G1519} the castle {G3925}.

Everyone in the crowd shouted something different; so, since he couldn’t find out what had happened because of the uproar, he ordered him brought to the barracks.

Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, and some another. And since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks.

And some shouted one thing, some another, among the crowd: and when he could not know the certainty for the uproar, he commanded him to be brought into the castle.

Context

Acts 21:34 describes a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's ministry, specifically during his final visit to Jerusalem. After completing his third missionary journey, Paul arrived in Jerusalem, bringing an offering for the poor saints there (Romans 15:26). Despite attempts to show his adherence to Jewish customs and avoid offense, he was falsely accused by Jews from Asia Minor of defiling the Temple by bringing Gentiles into forbidden areas (Acts 21:28). This accusation ignited a furious mob, who seized Paul and attempted to kill him.

Key Themes

  • Mob Mentality and Injustice: The verse vividly portrays the chaos and irrationality of a mob. The crowd's diverse and contradictory shouts ("some cried one thing, some another") highlight their lack of clear evidence and their collective frenzy. This situation prevented any fair hearing and underscores how quickly justice can be subverted by popular uproar.
  • Roman Intervention and Divine Providence: The Roman commander (later identified as Claudius Lysias in Acts 23:26) acted, though motivated by a desire to restore order and understand the situation, inadvertently served to protect Paul. Carrying Paul into the "castle" (the Antonia Fortress, a Roman barracks overlooking the Temple) was a strategic move to remove him from the immediate danger of the mob. This demonstrates how God often uses secular authorities, even those unaware, to fulfill His purposes and protect His servants.
  • Paul's Peril and Protection: Paul faced immediate death at the hands of the angry crowd. The commander's intervention saved his life, allowing Paul to later bear witness to Christ before various authorities, from the Sanhedrin to Felix, Festus, and Agrippa, eventually reaching Rome (Acts 23:11).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "could not know the certainty for the tumult" captures the essence of the Greek word thorubos (θόρυβος), which means "a noise, clamor, tumult, uproar." It emphasizes the sheer volume and confusion of the crowd's shouting, making rational inquiry impossible for the Roman tribune amidst the Jerusalem Temple disturbance.

Practical Application

Acts 21:34 reminds us of the dangers of mob rule and the importance of seeking truth amidst confusion. In our own lives, it's easy to be swayed by popular opinion or emotional outbursts. The verse encourages us to pause, seek clarity, and discern facts rather than yielding to the "tumult" of misinformation or groupthink. It also reassures us that God's protective hand is often at work even in chaotic circumstances, using unexpected means to safeguard His people and advance His kingdom.

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 23:10

    And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring [him] into the castle.

  • Acts 19:32

    Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

  • Acts 22:24

    The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.

  • Acts 23:16

    And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

  • Acts 21:37

    And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

  • Acts 22:30

    On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from [his] bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.

  • Acts 25:26

    Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.

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