Acts 26:21

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill [me].

For {G1752} these causes {G5130} the Jews {G2453} caught {G4815} me {G3165} in {G1722} the temple {G2411}, and went about {G3987} to kill {G1315} me.

It was because of these things that Jews seized me in the Temple and tried to kill me.

For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me.

For this cause the Jews seized me in the temple, and assayed to kill me.

Context

Acts 26:21 is a crucial part of Paul's eloquent defense before King Agrippa II, Festus, and Bernice in Caesarea. Paul is explaining the "causes" of his imprisonment, which stem directly from his divine commission and subsequent ministry. The phrase "For these causes" refers to Paul's testimony of his dramatic conversion on the Damascus road and his subsequent call from the resurrected Jesus to bring the message of salvation to both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 26:16-18). This mission, particularly his outreach to the Gentiles, was highly contentious among some Jewish factions. The verse specifically recounts the violent incident in the Jerusalem temple, detailed in Acts 21:27-36, where Paul was falsely accused of defiling the temple and faced a mob intent on killing him.

Key Themes

  • Persecution for the Gospel: This verse underscores the intense opposition Paul faced for faithfully proclaiming the Christian message. His arrest and subsequent trials were a direct consequence of his obedience to Christ's call, highlighting the reality that declaring the truth can provoke hostility.
  • Jewish Hostility to Gentile Inclusion: A primary reason for the violent reaction was Paul's teaching that Gentiles could be saved by faith in Christ without needing to convert to Judaism or adhere strictly to the Mosaic Law. This radical inclusion challenged deeply ingrained religious and cultural traditions for many Jews, leading to accusations of apostasy and betrayal.
  • Divine Preservation and Purpose: Despite the mob's lethal intent, Paul's life was providentially preserved through the intervention of Roman soldiers. This protection allowed him to continue his ministry and ultimately fulfill God's purpose for him to bear witness to Christ before kings and rulers (Acts 9:15), transforming a moment of peril into an opportunity for gospel proclamation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "went about to kill [me]" translates the Greek verb `epicheireō` (ἐπιχειρέω), meaning "to attempt" or "to undertake," combined with `anaireō` (ἀναιρέω), "to kill" or "to take away." This combination emphasizes not merely a threat, but a deliberate, active, and violent attempt by the Jewish mob to end Paul's life. It highlights the extreme danger he was in and the depth of the animosity against him.

Practical Application

  • Steadfastness in Truth: Paul's experience serves as a powerful reminder that proclaiming biblical truths, especially those that challenge popular or traditional views, may lead to opposition or misunderstanding. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast and courageous in their faith, just as Paul did.
  • Understanding Opposition: The hostility Paul faced often stemmed from fear, jealousy, or a rigid adherence to tradition that resisted God's new work in Christ. This helps us understand that opposition to the gospel today can arise from similar roots.
  • God's Sovereignty in Adversity: Even in life-threatening circumstances, God was working through Paul's trials, using them as platforms for him to share the gospel with influential figures. This encourages trust in God's overarching plan and purpose, even when facing hardship and injustice.

Further Study

For more on Paul's arrest and initial defense, explore Acts 21:27-36 and his defense before Felix in Acts 24:10-21. The broader theme of persecution for righteousness' sake is also found in 2 Timothy 3:12.

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 21:30

    And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

  • Acts 21:31

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

  • Acts 21:27

    ¶ And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

  • Acts 25:3

    And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.

  • Acts 23:12

    ¶ And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

  • Acts 23:15

    Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

  • 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.

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