For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.
For {G1063} the multitude {G4128} of the people {G2992} followed after {G190}, crying {G2896}, Away {G142} with him {G846}.
the crowd kept following and screaming, “Kill him!”
For the crowd that followed him kept shouting, “Away with him!”
for the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, Away with him.
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.
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John 19:15
But they cried out, Away with [him], away with [him], crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. -
Acts 22:22
¶ And they gave him audience unto this word, and [then] lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a [fellow] from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. -
Luke 23:18
And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this [man], and release unto us Barabbas: -
1 Corinthians 4:13
Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, [and are] the offscouring of all things unto this day. -
Acts 7:54
¶ When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with [their] teeth.
Acts 21:36 vividly captures the intense hostility and mob violence directed at the Apostle Paul in Jerusalem. This verse marks a critical turning point in Paul's ministry, leading to his arrest and subsequent appeals to Roman authority.
Context of Acts 21:36
This verse immediately follows a chaotic scene in the Temple courts. Paul had returned to Jerusalem after his third missionary journey, seeking to present offerings and purify himself to show his respect for Jewish customs (Acts 21:26). However, Jews from Asia, who had previously encountered Paul and harbored animosity towards him, falsely accused him of defiling the Temple by bringing Gentiles into sacred areas (Acts 21:28). This accusation ignited a riot, and the entire city was stirred up against Paul. The crowd seized him, dragged him out of the Temple, and began to beat him, intending to kill him (Acts 21:31). A Roman tribune, Claudius Lysias, hearing of the disturbance, quickly intervened with soldiers, rescuing Paul from the angry mob, who were by this point clamoring for his death.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "Away with him" translates the Greek Airon auton (αἶρον αὐτόν). This is a forceful imperative, meaning "Lift him up and take him away" or "Remove him!" In this context, it carries the strong implication of executing or putting to death, mirroring the cry of the crowd against Jesus before Pilate (John 19:15). It reveals the deep-seated hatred and desire for Paul's immediate demise.
Practical Application
Acts 21:36 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths: