Acts 21:38

KJV

Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

KJV (with Strong's)

Art {G1488} not {G3756} thou {G4771}{G686} that Egyptian {G124}, which before {G4253} these {G5130} days {G2250} madest an uproar {G387}, and {G2532} leddest out {G1806} into {G1519} the wilderness {G2048} four thousand {G5070} men {G435} that were murderers {G4607}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Say, aren’t you that Egyptian who tried to start a revolution a while back, and led four thousand armed terrorists out into the desert?”

Berean Standard Bible

“Aren’t you the Egyptian who incited a rebellion some time ago and led four thousand members of the ‘Assassins’ into the wilderness?”

American Standard Version

Art thou not then the Egyptian, who before these days stirred up to sedition and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the Assassins?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:38 captures the Roman chief captain's immediate and critical misidentification of Paul during his arrest in Jerusalem. Having rescued Paul from a violent mob in the Temple courts, the captain, Claudius Lysias, suspects Paul is a notorious Egyptian rebel who, a few years prior, had led a significant uprising of four thousand "murderers" or assassins into the wilderness, causing widespread unrest and challenging Roman authority. This pivotal moment sets the stage for Paul's subsequent defenses and appeals, highlighting the constant perils and misunderstandings he faced in his ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a dramatic turning point in Paul's ministry, marking the beginning of his extended period of Roman imprisonment. Paul has just returned to Jerusalem, seeking to demonstrate his continued adherence to Jewish customs and to deliver a collection for the poor saints there, as recounted in [Acts 21:17-26](/acts/21-17-26 "Paul's Return to Jerusalem and Vow"). While in the Temple, he is falsely accused by Jews from Asia of defiling the holy place by bringing Gentiles into it, an accusation that ignites a furious riot. The mob attempts to kill Paul, dragging him out of the Temple. It is at this critical juncture that the Roman cohort, stationed nearby in the Antonia Fortress, intervenes to quell the disturbance. The chief captain, Claudius Lysias, arrests Paul, assuming him to be a dangerous revolutionary, and his question in [Acts 21:38](/acts/21-38 "Acts 21:38 - The Captain's Question") reflects this immediate, yet mistaken, judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The chief captain's suspicion is rooted in a very real and recent historical event that deeply concerned Roman authorities in Judea. The "Egyptian" refers to a messianic pretender who, around 54-56 AD (a few years before Paul's arrest in 57-58 AD), had gathered a large following, estimated by the Jewish historian Josephus at 30,000, and led them from the wilderness to the Mount of Olives. He promised that at his command, the walls of Jerusalem would fall, enabling his followers to overthrow Roman rule. The Roman procurator Felix had dispatched forces to suppress this rebellion, dispersing the rebels, though the Egyptian himself escaped. The captain's mention of "four thousand men that were murderers" likely refers to a core group of violent zealots or _Sicarii_ within this larger movement, or perhaps a more conservative Roman estimate of the most dangerous elements. This incident underscores the volatile political climate of Judea under Roman occupation, where various messianic claimants and nationalist factions frequently incited unrest, leading Roman officials to be highly vigilant against any perceived revolutionary threat.
* **Key Themes:** The captain's question in [Acts 21:38](/acts/21-38 "Acts 21:38 - The Captain's Question") contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Mistaken Identity**, as Paul, a preacher of peace and salvation through Christ, is wrongly associated with a violent political revolutionary. This misjudgment is a recurring motif in Paul's life, often leading to his persecution. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the **Roman Authority and Order** in Judea; the swift intervention of the Roman cohort demonstrates their primary concern for maintaining peace, even if their initial assessment of a situation is flawed. Their presence, though oppressive to many Jews, paradoxically often served to protect Paul from the zealous fury of his Jewish opponents, as seen in this very instance and later in [Acts 23:10](/acts/23-10 "Acts 23:10 - Roman Protection of Paul"). Finally, this event is another vivid example of **Paul's Suffering and Persecution for the Gospel**, a consistent theme throughout his missionary journeys. He frequently faced false accusations, imprisonment, and physical danger, as he himself recounts in [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "Paul's Sufferings for Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Egyptian (Greek, _Aigýptios'_):** This term directly identifies the specific individual the chief captain suspects Paul to be. Derived from "Aigyptos" (Egypt), it refers to an inhabitant of Egypt. The captain's immediate leap to this conclusion indicates the notoriety and recent memory of the Egyptian rebel's uprising, making him a prime suspect for any large-scale disturbance.
* **madest an uproar (Greek, _anastatóō'_):** This verb, meaning "to drive out of home," "to disturb," "to turn upside down," or "to make an uproar," perfectly describes the disruptive and revolutionary activities of the Egyptian. It conveys the sense of causing widespread civil unrest and overturning established order, which is precisely what the Roman authorities sought to prevent. The captain's use of this word underscores the severity of the perceived threat.
* **murderers (Greek, _sikários'_):** This term, of Latin origin (from _sica_, a short dagger), refers to a "dagger-man" or "assassin." The _Sicarii_ were a notorious extremist faction of Jewish nationalists who employed daggers to carry out assassinations of Roman officials and Jewish collaborators in public places. The captain's use of this specific term for the Egyptian's followers highlights their violent nature and the grave danger they posed to both Roman rule and the general populace, further emphasizing the captain's alarm and misjudgment of Paul.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Art not thou that Egyptian":** This opening phrase immediately reveals the chief captain's primary suspicion. He does not ask *if* Paul is an Egyptian, but rather *confirms* his assumption, indicating a strong belief that Paul is the notorious rebel leader who had recently caused significant trouble. The question is rhetorical, expecting an affirmative answer.
* **"which before these days madest an uproar":** This clause provides the specific reason for the captain's suspicion. The Egyptian rebel was known for instigating a major disturbance or revolt. The phrase "before these days" indicates that the event was recent enough to be fresh in the captain's memory and a significant concern for Roman stability.
* **"and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?":** This final clause details the scale and nature of the Egyptian's followers. Leading men "into the wilderness" alludes to a common pattern of messianic pretenders in that era who would gather followers in desolate areas before attempting a move on Jerusalem. The description of these men as "murderers" (or _Sicarii_) emphasizes their violent, extremist nature and the severe threat they posed, justifying the captain's immediate and forceful intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 21:38 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience knows Paul's true identity and mission, while the Roman captain is completely mistaken, creating tension and suspense. The captain's question functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit information but to express his strong conviction and suspicion, setting up Paul's subsequent defense. The use of the term "_sikarios_" (translated "murderers") is a powerful example of **Loaded Language**, immediately associating Paul with a highly feared and violent group of Jewish extremists, thus justifying the captain's harsh treatment and the severity of the situation. Furthermore, the entire scene serves as a **Foreshadowing** of Paul's future trials and his repeated need to defend himself against false accusations before Roman authorities, leading him ultimately to appeal to Caesar.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The misidentification of Paul as a violent revolutionary underscores a profound theological truth: the Kingdom of God, which Paul preached, operates on fundamentally different principles than the kingdoms of this world. While earthly powers seek to maintain order through force and suppress perceived threats, God's kingdom advances through peace, truth, and sacrificial love. Paul, far from leading an armed rebellion, was proclaiming the good news of a crucified and resurrected Messiah, whose power is made perfect in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power in Weakness")). This incident highlights the inherent tension between the Gospel message and worldly systems, where spiritual truth is often misunderstood or conflated with political agitation. It also demonstrates God's sovereign hand in protecting His servants, even amidst grave misunderstandings and danger, to ensure His purposes are fulfilled.

* [Matthew 26:52](/matthew/26-52 "Matthew 26:52 - Live by the Sword, Die by the Sword")
* [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World")
* [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 21:38 serves as a poignant reminder that appearances can be profoundly deceiving, and people are often quick to judge based on incomplete information, prevailing fears, or preconceived notions. Paul's situation illustrates the critical importance of patiently seeking truth and allowing individuals the opportunity to clarify their identity, intentions, and purpose. Just as Paul was eventually given the chance to speak for himself before the crowd and later before Roman officials ([Acts 22:1](/acts/22-1 "Paul's Defense Before the Crowd")), we are called to extend grace, listen carefully, and resist the urge to jump to conclusions, especially when dealing with those who are different or misunderstood. Furthermore, this passage beautifully illustrates how God can orchestrate even moments of intense danger and misunderstanding to advance His divine purposes, protecting His servants and opening doors for the Gospel to be proclaimed in unexpected venues, even before the highest authorities. It encourages us to trust in God's providence, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be quick to misjudge others based on appearances or incomplete information?**
* **How does Paul's calm demeanor in this chaotic situation challenge me to respond when I am misunderstood or falsely accused?**
* **Where can I see God's hand protecting or guiding me through difficult or misunderstood circumstances in my own life?**
* **How does the contrast between Paul's true mission and the captain's mistaken assumption inform my understanding of the nature of God's kingdom?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Roman chief captain so quick to suspect Paul was the Egyptian rebel?**

Answer: The chief captain's immediate suspicion stemmed from the recent and significant threat posed by the Egyptian rebel, who had led a large, violent uprising just a few years prior. Roman authorities were constantly vigilant against any form of rebellion or unrest in Judea, a province known for its volatile political climate and frequent messianic pretenders. When Paul was found at the center of a massive riot in the Temple courts, being attacked by a furious mob, it was a logical, albeit mistaken, assumption for the captain to believe he had apprehended this notorious revolutionary. The scale of the disturbance and the intense hatred directed at Paul mirrored the kind of chaos that figures like the Egyptian rebel would instigate, prompting the captain's swift and decisive action to restore order.

**What was the significance of the "four thousand men that were murderers" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "four thousand men that were murderers" refers to the followers of the Egyptian rebel, specifically highlighting their violent nature. The Greek term used, _sikários_ (σικάριος), is a Latinized word meaning "dagger-men" or "assassins." The _Sicarii_ were an extremist faction of Jewish nationalists who used daggers to carry out assassinations of Roman officials and Jewish collaborators. By associating the Egyptian's followers with these "murderers," the chief captain emphasizes the extreme danger and ruthlessness of the rebel group. While the Jewish historian Josephus claimed the Egyptian led up to 30,000 followers, the captain's figure of four thousand might represent a Roman estimate of the core, most dangerous elements of the rebellion, or perhaps a more conservative figure of those who were truly armed and violent. This detail underscores the severe threat the Roman authorities perceived from such figures and their followers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 21:38, with its portrayal of Paul's mistaken identity as a violent revolutionary, powerfully foreshadows and echoes the ultimate misjudgment of Christ Himself. Just as Paul, a messenger of peace, was confused with a leader of armed rebellion, so too was Jesus, the Prince of Peace, misunderstood and accused of sedition against Rome ([Luke 23:2](/luke/23-2 "Luke 23:2 - Accusations Against Jesus")). The Jewish crowds, expecting a political Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule, rejected Jesus because His kingdom was not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World")), leading them to cry out for His crucifixion. Both Paul and Jesus endured false accusations and the wrath of both religious and political authorities, demonstrating that the path of God's true servants often involves suffering and misunderstanding in a world that cannot comprehend divine truth. Paul's willingness to suffer for the Gospel, even to be mistaken for a "murderer," reflects the self-emptying love of Christ, who, though innocent, was "numbered with the transgressors" ([Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - Numbered with the Transgressors") cited in [Luke 22:37](/luke/22-37 "Luke 22:37 - Fulfillment of Prophecy")). Ultimately, Paul's trials, beginning with this pivotal misunderstanding, served to advance the Gospel, just as Christ's suffering and death led to the salvation of the world, demonstrating God's sovereign plan to use even human error and malice for His redemptive purposes ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")).

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

Matthew 24:26

Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, [he is] in the secret chambers; believe [it] not.

Acts 5:36

For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

Acts 5:37

After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, [even] as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

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.

Matthew 5:11

Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.