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.
Original Language Analysis
ζητούντων
as they went about
G2212
ζητούντων
as they went about
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
1 of 14
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 14
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 #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χιλιάρχῳ
unto the chief captain
G5506
χιλιάρχῳ
unto the chief captain
Strong's:
G5506
Word #:
8 of 14
the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σπείρης
of the band
G4686
σπείρης
of the band
Strong's:
G4686
Word #:
10 of 14
a coil (spira, "spire"), i.e., (figuratively) a mass of men (a roman military cohort; also (by analogy) a squad of levitical janitors)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὅλη
all
G3650
ὅλη
all
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
12 of 14
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
Historical Context
The Fortress of Antonia, adjacent to the temple, housed Roman troops specifically to monitor temple activities and prevent riots during festivals. The quick military response shows the garrison's readiness to intervene in temple disturbances.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God used unlikely or even hostile authorities to protect and advance your life's mission?
- What does this teach about trusting God's protection even when circumstances seem deadly?
Analysis & Commentary
The Greek 'zetountōn' (were about) indicates the mob intended to kill Paul, showing the rage religious jealousy can produce. The Roman garrison's intervention prevented Paul's death, demonstrating God's providential protection through unlikely means. The 'chief captain' (chiliarch, commanding 1000 soldiers) represented Roman authority that would preserve Paul's life and enable his testimony.