Acts 21:38

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

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}?

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?”

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

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

In Acts 21:38, the Roman chief captain, Claudius Lysias (as identified later in Acts 23:26), confronts Paul during a tumultuous arrest in Jerusalem. Having rescued Paul from a violent mob in the Temple courts (Acts 21:30), the captain immediately suspects Paul to be a notorious Egyptian rebel who had caused significant unrest.

Historical and Cultural Context

The chief captain's question reveals a significant historical event contemporary to Paul's ministry. The "Egyptian" refers to a messianic pretender mentioned by the Jewish historian Josephus. This figure, active a few years prior to Paul's arrest (around 54-56 AD), had led a large band of followers, estimated by Josephus to be up to 30,000, from the wilderness to the Mount of Olives. He promised that at his command, the walls of Jerusalem would fall, allowing his followers to overthrow Roman rule. The Roman governor Felix had sent forces against him, dispersing the rebels, but 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 sikarioi within this larger movement, or perhaps a more conservative Roman estimate of the truly dangerous elements.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Mistaken Identity: The verse highlights the immediate and dangerous misunderstanding of Paul's identity. The Roman authorities, accustomed to dealing with violent uprisings, naturally assumed Paul, caught in a riot, was a revolutionary leader rather than a preacher of Christ.
  • Roman Authority and Order: It underscores the Roman Empire's presence and its role in maintaining peace and order, even if through forceful intervention and initial misjudgment. Their swift action prevented Paul's immediate death.
  • Paul's Persecution: This incident is another example of the constant perils and false accusations Paul faced throughout his ministry, a theme he often recounted (2 Corinthians 11:26).

Linguistic Insights

The term "murderers" in the KJV translates the Greek word sikarioi (σικάριοι). This is a Latinized term for "dagger-men" (from sica, a short dagger). The Sicarii were an extremist faction of Jewish nationalists who, during the Roman occupation, used daggers to assassinate prominent Jews suspected of collaborating with the Romans, as well as Roman officials, often doing so in crowded public places. The chief captain associating Paul with such a group indicates the severity of his initial misjudgment and the perceived threat. The word "uproar" translates the Greek tarachos (τάραχος), signifying a disturbance or commotion.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that appearances can be deceiving, and people are often quick to judge based on incomplete information or prevailing fears. Paul's situation illustrates the importance of patiently seeking truth and allowing individuals to speak for themselves, just as Paul was eventually given the opportunity to clarify his identity and purpose (Acts 22:1). It also highlights how God can use unexpected circumstances, even moments of intense danger and misunderstanding, to advance His purposes and protect His servants.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 24:26 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

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