Acts 21:35

KJV

And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when {G3753} he came {G1096} upon {G1909} the stairs {G304}, so it was {G4819}, that he was borne {G941} of {G5259} the soldiers {G4757} for {G1223} the violence {G970} of the people {G3793}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Sha’ul got to the steps, he actually had to be carried by the soldiers, because the mob was so wild —

Berean Standard Bible

When Paul reached the steps, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob.

American Standard Version

And when he came upon the stairs, so it was that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the crowd;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:35 vividly depicts the perilous moment when the Apostle Paul, having been seized by a furious mob in the Temple courts, was physically lifted and carried by Roman soldiers up the stairs to the Antonia Fortress. This dramatic scene underscores the extreme violence directed at Paul by the enraged populace and highlights the providential intervention of Roman authority that saved him from certain death, allowing God's purposes for his ministry to continue.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Paul's third missionary journey, specifically during his final visit to Jerusalem. The preceding verses (Acts 21:27-34) describe the immediate catalyst for the violence: Jewish zealots from Asia, recognizing Paul in the Temple, falsely accused him of defiling the holy site by bringing Trophimus, an Ephesian Gentile, into its sacred precincts. This accusation, though baseless (Paul had only brought Trophimus to Jerusalem, not into the Temple beyond the Court of the Gentiles), ignited a city-wide uproar. The mob seized Paul, dragged him out of the Temple, and began to beat him, intending to kill him. News of the riot reached the Roman commander, Claudius Lysias, who swiftly dispatched soldiers and centurions from the nearby Antonia Fortress to quell the disturbance. As the soldiers intervened, Paul was being apprehended, and the sheer force of the hostile crowd made it impossible for him to walk, necessitating his being carried.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem in the mid-first century CE was a volatile city, particularly during major Jewish festivals like Pentecost, which was occurring at this time (Acts 20:16). The city was under Roman occupation, and tensions between Jewish nationalist sentiments and Roman authority were high. The Antonia Fortress, strategically located adjacent to the Temple, served as a Roman garrison, allowing for rapid deployment to suppress any unrest in the Temple area. Jewish law strictly prohibited Gentiles from entering certain areas of the Temple, a prohibition punishable by death, as indicated by warning signs. The false accusation against Paul thus struck at the heart of Jewish religious identity and nationalistic fervor, explaining the mob's extreme violence. The Roman soldiers' intervention, while seemingly a rescue, was primarily motivated by the Roman imperative to maintain public order and prevent a full-scale rebellion.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 21:35 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **intense opposition and persecution** faced by early Christian missionaries, especially Paul, from both Jewish and Gentile adversaries. Despite the constant threat to his life, Paul's commitment to his mission remains unwavering, demonstrating the theme of **apostolic steadfastness**. Crucially, the verse also highlights God's **sovereign protection and providential care** for His servants. Even in the midst of extreme danger, God orchestrates events, often through unexpected means (like Roman soldiers), to preserve Paul's life and ensure the continuation of his ministry, as the Lord later confirms in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul"). This incident is part of a larger narrative arc in Acts where Paul's trials ultimately lead him to Rome, fulfilling the divine plan outlined in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission to Witness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **borne (Greek, _bastázō'_):** This word (G941) means "to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.):--bear, carry, take up." In this context, it emphasizes that Paul was not merely escorted or supported, but physically lifted off his feet and carried by the soldiers. This conveys the overwhelming force of the crowd, making it impossible for Paul to walk on his own, and highlights the urgency and necessity of the soldiers' action to protect him from being trampled or torn apart by the enraged populace.
* **violence (Greek, _bía'_):** The term (G970) signifies "force," specifically denoting forceful, physical coercion or assault. Its use here underscores the intense, unrestrained aggression and brutality of the mob. It was not just a noisy crowd, but one actively engaged in a physical assault with murderous intent, necessitating a forceful response from the Roman authorities.
* **stairs (Greek, _anabathmós'_):** This word (G304) refers to "a stairway." In this specific context, it denotes the steps leading up from the Temple courts to the Antonia Fortress. The act of carrying Paul up these stairs signifies his removal from the immediate danger of the Temple crowd and his ascent to a place of relative safety under Roman custody, albeit a different form of confinement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he came upon the stairs":** This clause sets the scene as Paul is being moved from the Temple area. The verb "came" (G1096, _gínomai_) here implies a transition or arrival at a specific point, indicating the soldiers' movement towards the fortress. The "stairs" (G304, _anabathmós_) are the physical ascent from the Temple courtyard to the Antonia Fortress, a crucial architectural feature that served as a choke point and a pathway to Roman jurisdiction.
* **"so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers":** This phrase describes the extraordinary measure taken by the Roman soldiers. The verb "borne" (G941, _bastázō_) is key, indicating that Paul was literally carried, not merely escorted. This action highlights the severity of the situation and the physical impossibility of Paul moving on his own. The "soldiers" (G4757, _stratiṓtēs_) represent the Roman military authority, dispatched to restore order. Their intervention is a pivotal moment, shifting Paul from the mob's clutches to Roman custody.
* **"for the violence of the people":** This final clause provides the explicit reason for the soldiers' drastic action. The "violence" (G970, _bía_) refers to the unrestrained, physical aggression of the "people" (G3793, _óchlos_), meaning the agitated crowd or rabble. This clarifies that Paul was carried not because he was injured or weak, but because the mob's fury was so intense that it posed an immediate, life-threatening danger, making it unsafe for him to be on the ground.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 21:35 employs several powerful literary devices. **Imagery** is paramount, as the verse paints a vivid picture of a helpless Paul being lifted above the raging crowd by Roman soldiers, ascending the stairs to the fortress. This visual immediately conveys the chaos, danger, and Paul's vulnerability. There is a strong element of **Dramatic Irony** in the scene: the very Roman authorities who would later imprison Paul and bring him to trial are, in this moment, his unexpected saviors, protecting him from a Jewish mob. This highlights God's sovereign use of secular powers to accomplish His divine will. Furthermore, the description of the "violence of the people" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme, murderous intent of the crowd, justifying the soldiers' extraordinary measure of carrying Paul. This exaggerated portrayal underscores the gravity of the threat Paul faced.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:35 powerfully illustrates the theme of divine preservation amidst intense human hostility. Paul's life was not merely spared by chance or human intervention alone; rather, God sovereignly orchestrated the arrival of the Roman soldiers precisely at the moment of gravest danger. This event underscores that God often uses unexpected means and even secular authorities to protect His servants and advance His kingdom purposes. Paul's survival was crucial for the continuation of his mission to the Gentiles and his eventual testimony in Rome, demonstrating that God's plan cannot be thwarted by human opposition. This incident serves as a profound reminder that even when facing overwhelming odds and life-threatening persecution, believers can trust in God's unfailing protection and His ability to deliver them for His glory and the fulfillment of His will.

* [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul")
* [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings for Christ")
* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - The Righteous Suffer, but the Lord Delivers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 21:35 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers facing various forms of opposition or pressure for their faith. It reminds us that following Christ, especially in proclaiming His truth, may lead to hostility, misunderstanding, and even outright persecution. Paul's experience demonstrates that such opposition is not a sign of God's abandonment, but often an inevitable part of faithful discipleship. The verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign care, even when circumstances seem overwhelmingly dangerous or out of control. Just as God used Roman soldiers—unlikely deliverers—to protect Paul, He can use any means, person, or situation to preserve His people and further His purposes. This should instill in us a deep reliance on divine intervention and a steadfastness in our commitment to Christ, knowing that our lives are ultimately in His hands and that He will sustain us through every trial for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be using "unexpected means" or "unlikely allies" to protect or guide you in your current circumstances?**
* **How does Paul's steadfastness in the face of such extreme violence inspire your own commitment to Christ amidst challenges?**
* **What specific "violence of the people"—whether physical, verbal, or systemic—do you or others face for their faith today, and how does this verse encourage you?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul being carried by the soldiers instead of walking?**

Answer: Paul was being carried by the soldiers because the "violence of the people" (Acts 21:35) was so extreme and intense that it was physically impossible for him to walk. The mob had seized him, dragged him out of the Temple, and were beating him, intending to kill him (Acts 21:30-31). The Roman chief captain dispatched soldiers to quell the riot, and as they apprehended Paul, the sheer force and fury of the crowd pressing in on him necessitated that he be physically lifted and carried up the stairs to the Antonia Fortress for his own safety, lest he be trampled or torn apart by the enraged populace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 21:35, though depicting Paul's personal peril, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Paul's suffering for the Gospel, culminating in this near-lynching, mirrors the suffering of Christ Himself, who was also rejected by His own people and delivered into the hands of Gentile authorities for crucifixion ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own"), [John 19:16](/john/19-16 "John 19:16 - Jesus Delivered to Be Crucified")). Just as Christ endured immense violence for the sake of humanity's redemption, Paul willingly faced persecution for the sake of proclaiming Christ's redemptive work. Furthermore, Paul's miraculous preservation by the Roman soldiers, an unexpected intervention, points to the sovereign power of God, echoing the resurrection of Christ from the grave and the ongoing protection of His church against the gates of hell ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")). God preserved Paul not merely for his own sake, but to ensure the continued spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles, a mission central to Christ's Great Commission ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission")). Thus, Paul's experience on the stairs is a testament to the living Christ's active involvement in protecting His messengers and advancing His kingdom, even through the most tumultuous circumstances, ensuring that His redemptive work continues to reach the ends of the earth.

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 21:40

And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto [them] in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

Habakkuk 1:2

O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! [even] cry out unto thee [of] violence, and thou wilt not save!

Habakkuk 1:3

Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause [me] to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence [are] before me: and there are [that] raise up strife and contention.

Psalms 55:9

¶ Destroy, O Lord, [and] divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.

Genesis 6:11

¶ The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

Genesis 6:12

And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.

Psalms 58:2

Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth.