Acts 26:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 26:21 encapsulates Paul's concise explanation to King Agrippa II regarding the true "causes" of his imprisonment: his faithful obedience to the divine commission received from the resurrected Christ. He recounts how his ministry, particularly his outreach to the Gentiles, provoked intense hostility from certain Jewish factions in Jerusalem, leading to his violent apprehension within the Temple precincts and a deliberate attempt on his life. This statement serves as a pivotal moment in his defense, revealing the profound spiritual conflict at the heart of his trials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 26:21 is a crucial part of Paul's eloquent defense before King Agrippa II, Festus, and Bernice in Caesarea. Paul is not merely defending himself against legal charges but is presenting a theological defense of his entire life and ministry, rooted in his dramatic conversion experience. The phrase "For these causes" directly refers to Paul's preceding testimony of his Damascus Road encounter and his subsequent divine commission to proclaim the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles ([Acts 26:16-18](/acts/26-16-18 "Paul's Commission to the Gentiles")). This verse specifically recounts the violent incident in the Jerusalem Temple, which is detailed in [Acts 21:27-36](/acts/21-27-36 "The Temple Riot and Paul's Arrest"), serving as the immediate catalyst for his arrest and subsequent trials. Paul uses this historical event to illustrate the direct consequence of his obedience to God's calling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the volatile relationship between Jewish religious authorities and the burgeoning Christian movement, particularly concerning the inclusion of Gentiles. For many Jews, the Temple in Jerusalem was the sacred center of their identity, a place where God's presence dwelt and where the Mosaic Law was upheld. Paul's teaching that Gentiles could be saved by faith in Christ without full adherence to the Mosaic Law (including circumcision) was perceived by some as a direct assault on the Law, the Temple, and Jewish identity itself. The accusation that Paul had brought a Gentile into the inner courts of the Temple (a capital offense) was a highly inflammatory charge, designed to incite a mob. The Roman presence, represented by Festus and Agrippa, highlights the complex political environment where Jewish religious disputes often escalated into civil unrest, requiring Roman intervention to maintain order.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Persecution for the Gospel**, demonstrating 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, as seen throughout the book of Acts (e.g., [Acts 4:1-3](/acts/4-1-3 "Peter and John Arrested")). Secondly, it highlights **Jewish Hostility to Gentile Inclusion**, a primary reason for the violent reaction. 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 challenged deeply ingrained religious and cultural traditions for many Jews, leading to accusations of apostasy and betrayal (e.g., [Acts 15:1-5](/acts/15-1-5 "The Jerusalem Council and Gentile Salvation")). Finally, despite the mob's lethal intent, Paul's life was providentially preserved through the intervention of Roman soldiers, illustrating the theme of **Divine Preservation and Purpose**. 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](/acts/9-15 "God's Plan for Paul to Witness to Kings")), transforming a moment of peril into an opportunity for gospel proclamation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **caught (Greek, _syllambánō'_):** From *sýn* (together) and *lambánō* (to take), this verb (G4815) signifies a forceful seizure or arrest. It conveys the sudden and aggressive nature of the mob's action, highlighting Paul's lack of agency in the situation and the violent intent behind their capture. This was not a polite invitation but a hostile apprehension.
* **temple (Greek, _hierón'_):** This term (G2411) refers to the entire sacred precinct of the Jerusalem Temple, including its outer courts, not just the inner sanctuary (ναός). The location is crucial, as it was a place of worship and supposed peace, making the violent assault on Paul there particularly sacrilegious and scandalous to the Jewish authorities and the general populace.
* **kill (Greek, _diacheirízomai'_):** Derived from *diá* (through) and *cheír* (hand), this word (G1315) literally means "to handle thoroughly" or "to lay violent hands upon." It denotes a deliberate and forceful attempt to slay, underscoring the lethal intent of Paul's assailants. This was not merely an angry crowd, but one actively seeking his death, indicating the extreme danger Paul faced.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For these causes":** This phrase (G1752, *héneka*; G5130, *toútōn*) serves as Paul's direct answer to Agrippa's inquiry about the charges against him. It establishes a causal link between Paul's divine commission and his subsequent suffering. Paul asserts that his imprisonment is not due to any criminal offense but directly because of his obedience to the heavenly vision and his faithful proclamation of the gospel, especially its implications for Gentiles, as he had just described in [Acts 26:19-20](/acts/26-19-20 "Paul's Obedience to the Heavenly Vision").
* **"the Jews caught me in the temple":** This clause identifies the perpetrators and the sacred location of the assault. "The Jews" (G2453, *Ioudaîos*) here refers to those who opposed Paul's message, particularly his teaching on Gentile inclusion and the perceived disregard for the Law. The act of "catching" (G4815, *syllambánō*) implies a forceful apprehension, akin to an arrest, within the very precincts of the Jerusalem Temple (G2411, *hierón*). This setting underscores the religious fervor and perceived sacrilege that fueled their animosity towards Paul, as they believed he had defiled the holy place.
* **"and went about to kill me":** This clause reveals the extreme and lethal intent of Paul's captors. The phrase "went about" (G3987, *peiráō*) indicates a determined attempt or endeavor, while "to kill" (G1315, *diacheirízomai*) signifies their aim to violently slay him. This was not a mere threat but an active, physical assault with murderous intent, highlighting the grave danger Paul faced and the depth of the opposition to his ministry. It emphasizes the severity of the persecution he endured for the sake of the gospel.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Acts 26:21 employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. There is a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as Paul, once a zealous persecutor of Christians, is now himself persecuted, even to the point of attempted murder, for proclaiming the very message he once sought to destroy. This reversal underscores the transformative power of Christ. The description of being "caught in the temple" and the subsequent attempt to "kill me" evokes **Pathos**, appealing to the audience's emotions by highlighting the extreme danger and injustice Paul faced. Furthermore, the scene serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the ongoing persecution Paul will endure throughout his missionary journeys and trials, yet also implicitly foreshadowing God's continued preservation and use of Paul for His divine purposes, even in the face of death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 26:21 profoundly illustrates the inherent conflict between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, particularly when the divine message challenges established religious and cultural norms. Paul's experience reveals that faithfulness to God's calling often invites opposition, especially when that calling involves breaking down human-made barriers and expanding God's grace beyond preconceived boundaries. This verse underscores the cost of discipleship and the reality that proclaiming the inclusive gospel of Christ can be met with violent resistance from those who cling to exclusive traditions. Yet, even in the face of such lethal intent, God's sovereign hand is evident, preserving His messenger for His greater redemptive purposes, turning what was meant for harm into an opportunity for gospel proclamation before the highest authorities.

* [Acts 21:27-36](/acts/21-27-36 "Paul's Arrest in the Temple")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "All Who Desire to Live Godly Will Suffer Persecution")
* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "You Will Be Hated by Everyone Because of Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's unwavering testimony in Acts 26:21 offers profound lessons for believers today. His experience reminds us that genuine faith and obedience to Christ's commission may not lead to worldly ease but can, in fact, provoke intense opposition. This verse challenges us to examine our own willingness to stand for truth, even when it is unpopular or costly. It encourages us to find strength not in human approval but in divine affirmation, trusting that God's purposes will prevail despite adversity. Just as Paul's trials became platforms for gospel proclamation, our own difficulties, when faithfully navigated, can become opportunities for God's glory to be revealed and for His message to advance. We are called to embody the same steadfast courage and conviction, understanding that our ultimate allegiance is to the heavenly vision, not to human expectations or fears.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might your commitment to Christ provoke opposition, and how are you prepared to respond?**
* **How does Paul's experience of being persecuted in a "holy" place challenge your assumptions about where spiritual opposition might arise?**
* **How can you trust in God's sovereign preservation and purpose, even when facing significant adversity or injustice?**

### FAQ

**Why was Paul's preaching so offensive to certain Jews, leading to such a violent reaction?**

Answer: Paul's preaching was deeply offensive to certain Jewish factions primarily because it challenged their deeply entrenched understanding of salvation, the Mosaic Law, and the unique identity of Israel. While Paul himself was a Jew who respected the Law, his core message was that salvation came through faith in Jesus Christ, not through adherence to the Law, and that this salvation was equally available to Gentiles without requiring them to become proselytes to Judaism (e.g., [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Justification by Faith")). This was seen by some as undermining the Law, defiling the Temple, and betraying the covenant with Israel. The specific accusation in [Acts 21:28](/acts/21-28 "Accusation of Defiling the Temple") was that he had brought a Gentile (Trophimus) into the inner courts of the Temple, a sacred area reserved only for Jews, which was considered a grave sacrilege and a capital offense. This perceived desecration, combined with his radical theology of Gentile inclusion, ignited the mob's fury and their attempt to kill him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 26:21, though recounting Paul's personal suffering, finds its deepest resonance and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's experience of being "caught in the temple" and facing a mob bent on his death powerfully mirrors Christ's own journey. Jesus, the true Temple (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "Jesus, the True Temple")), was Himself rejected and "caught" by the religious authorities in Jerusalem, ultimately being led to a violent death outside the city gates (cf. [Luke 22:54](/luke/22-54 "Jesus Arrested")). Paul's persecution for proclaiming the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family directly reflects Christ's mission to break down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, making "one new humanity" in Himself (cf. [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace")). Furthermore, just as Paul's life was providentially preserved for God's purposes, Christ's death was not the end; He was raised by God, demonstrating God's ultimate victory over death and evil. Paul's suffering, therefore, becomes a participation in the sufferings of Christ (cf. [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection")), bearing witness to the very one who endured the ultimate persecution to bring salvation to all who believe, regardless of their background. His trials serve as a living testament to the enduring power of the gospel and the unwavering faithfulness of God, who sustains His servants through all tribulation for the advancement of His Kingdom.

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 21:30

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.