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,
Original Language Analysis
Ὡς
when
G5613
Ὡς
when
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 27
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἔμελλον
were almost
G3195
ἔμελλον
were almost
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
3 of 27
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραι
days
G2250
ἡμέραι
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
6 of 27
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
συντελεῖσθαι
ended
G4931
συντελεῖσθαι
ended
Strong's:
G4931
Word #:
7 of 27
to complete entirely; generally, to execute (literally or figuratively)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
which were of
G575
ἀπὸ
which were of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
9 of 27
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἀσίας
Asia
G773
Ἀσίας
Asia
Strong's:
G773
Word #:
11 of 27
asia, i.e., asia minor, or (usually) only its western shore
θεασάμενοι
when they saw
G2300
θεασάμενοι
when they saw
Strong's:
G2300
Word #:
13 of 27
to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερῷ
the temple
G2411
ἱερῷ
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
17 of 27
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
συνέχεον
stirred up
G4797
συνέχεον
stirred up
Strong's:
G4797
Word #:
18 of 27
to commingle promiscuously, i.e., (figuratively) to throw (an assembly) into disorder, to perplex (the mind)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλον
the people
G3793
ὄχλον
the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
21 of 27
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπέβαλον
laid
G1911
ἐπέβαλον
laid
Strong's:
G1911
Word #:
23 of 27
to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); specially (with g1438 implied) to reflect; impersonal
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρας
hands
G5495
χεῖρας
hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
25 of 27
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
Cross References
Acts 24:18Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.Acts 26:21For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.Acts 13:50But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
Historical Context
These Asian Jews likely came for Pentecost celebrations, seven weeks after Paul's arrival in Jerusalem. Their presence in Jerusalem for the feast created the perfect opportunity for accusations and mob action.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when faithful ministry generates opposition and false accusations?
- What does this teach about God's sovereignty in using even hostile opposition to accomplish His purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
The 'Jews which were of Asia' recognized Paul in the temple and stirred up opposition, demonstrating how his Ephesian ministry (Acts 19) had created lasting enemies. Their accusations would prove false but inflammatory, showing how effective ministry often generates intense opposition. God's sovereignty allowed this arrest to fulfill His purpose of bringing Paul to Rome.