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Acts 24:18

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Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

{G1161} Whereupon {G1722}{G3739} certain {G5100} Jews {G2453} from {G575} Asia {G773} found {G2147} me {G3165} purified {G48} in {G1722} the temple {G2411}, neither {G3756} with {G3326} multitude {G3793}, nor {G3761} with {G3326} tumult {G2351}.

It was in connection with the latter that they found me in the Temple. I had been ceremonially purified, I was not with a crowd, and I was not causing a disturbance.

At the time they found me in the temple, I was ceremonially clean and was not inciting a crowd or an uproar. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia

amidst which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor yet with tumult: but there were certain Jews from Asia—

Commentary

Context of Acts 24:18

Acts 24:18 is part of the Apostle Paul's defense before Governor Felix in Caesarea. Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem after a riot in the temple, and subsequently brought before the Roman authorities. His accusers, led by the orator Tertullus and representing the Jewish High Priest Ananias, had leveled serious charges against him, including stirring up sedition among Jews worldwide and attempting to profane the temple (see Acts 24:5-6). In this verse, Paul directly refutes the accusation of profaning the temple, asserting the peaceful and ritually clean nature of his presence there.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Paul's Innocence and Integrity: Paul is here defending himself against baseless accusations. His statement highlights his commitment to truth and his blameless conduct. He was not engaging in riotous behavior or desecrating the temple, but rather participating in a legitimate purification rite.
  • Refutation of False Charges: The verse directly counters the claims made by his accusers. Paul emphasizes two crucial points: he was "purified in the temple" and he was found "neither with multitude, nor with tumult." This paints a picture of a calm, devout individual, starkly contrasting with the image of a seditionist or a profaner.
  • Adherence to Jewish Custom: Paul's mention of being "purified" (Greek: kekatharménon) indicates his participation in a Jewish ceremonial cleansing, likely related to a Nazirite vow as recounted in Acts 21:26. This demonstrates his respect for Jewish law and tradition, underscoring that his actions were not intended to provoke or blaspheme.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses precise language that reflects the original Greek, emphasizing Paul's defense:

  • "purified" (κεκαθαρμένον - kekatharménon): This perfect participle indicates a completed state of ritual cleansing. It directly addresses the accusation of profaning the temple by stating he was in a state of ceremonial purity, not defilement.
  • "multitude" (ὄχλου - ochlou): Refers to a large crowd or mob. Paul's assertion that he was not "with multitude" denies that he was leading or inciting a large group, which would support the charge of sedition.
  • "tumult" (θορύβου - thorubou): This word signifies a disturbance, uproar, or riot. By stating he was "nor with tumult," Paul disclaims any involvement in creating disorder, further discrediting the accusations of being a "mover of sedition." He was found quietly observing a religious rite.

Practical Application

Acts 24:18 offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Stand Firm in Truth: Like Paul, we may face misunderstandings or false accusations, especially concerning our faith. This verse encourages us to stand firm in the truth, confident in our blameless conduct before God and man.
  • Maintain a Clear Conscience: Paul's ability to confidently state his actions stemmed from a clear conscience. This serves as a reminder for Christians to live lives of integrity, where our actions align with our faith, even when under scrutiny.
  • God's Vindication: Despite the intense opposition and legal battles, God ultimately used these circumstances to further the gospel and protect His servant. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to vindicate us, even in difficult situations.
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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

  • Acts 26:21 (4 votes)

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

  • Acts 21:26 (4 votes)

    Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

  • Acts 21:30 (4 votes)

    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 24:12 (3 votes)

    And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: