Bible Commentary

And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. 35. And stairs ] This was the flight of steps leading from the Temple area up to the Tower where the soldiers were stationed. The stairs were not covered in, for St … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:35”

And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. 34. And some cried [ R. V. shouted] another ] The verb is the same which St Luke uses for the din of the multitude … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:34”

Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded [him] to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. 33. Then took him ] The last verb implies a formal arrest, therefore the Rev. Ver. rightly gives “ laid hold on him.” The chief captain did … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:33”

Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. 32. Who immediately took soldiers and centurions ] Clearly he had charge of a considerable troop, which perhaps might just then be augmented in anticipation of any disturbance to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:32”

And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 31. And as they went about ( Rev. Ver. “were seeking”) to kill him ] The object of the mob was clearly, now that they had the Apostle in their power, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:31”

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. 30. And ran together ] This is a proof that what James and the elders had stated was true, the whole Jewish community had been “catechized” on … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:30”

(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) 29. For they had, &c.] Hence we see that Trophimus had come with the Apostle not only “as far as Asia” (see note on Act 20:4), but all the way to Jerusalem. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:29”

Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all [men] every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. 28. crying help ] The cry as if an outrage had been committed, and they, the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:28”

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, 27. And when the seven days were almost ended ] Rev. Ver. “completed.” This seems to have been the period devoted to the more … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:27”

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. 26. Then Paul took the men ] This consent of Paul to the advice of James and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 21:26”