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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:27-40

Fanaticism and devotedness. It is impossible not to read these verses with a smile of contempt in view of the folly and guilt of fanaticism, and, at the same time, with a smile of satisfaction in view of the calmness and nobility of Christian zeal. I. THE FOLLY AND THE GUILT OF FANATICISM . 1. Its folly. 2. Its guilt. II. THE EXCELLENCY OF CHRISTIAN DEVOTEDNESS . How admirably the attitude of Paul contrasts with the movements of this excited,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:27-40

Danger and deliverance at Jerusalem. I. THE ACCUSATION AGAINST PAUL . 1. He is represented as an enemy of the Law, like Stephen before him. He has to confront the blind and murderous storm of human passion, more dreadful than the waves of the sea, presently to be encountered. Now is the warning concerning the things to be expected in Jerusalem about to be fulfilled. The sincerest friends of religion have often to incur the charge of being its enemies, the truest worshippers... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:28

Moreover he for further brought, A.V.; defiled for polluted, A.V. (For the accusation, comp. on. Acts 6:13 , and above, verse 21.) Brought Greeks also, etc. No uncircumcised person might go beyond the court of the Gentiles, which was not in the ἅγιον . The ἱερόν , which is often used in a wider sense of the whole area, is here restricted to the ἅγιον (see Acts 3:1 , note). But the accusation was utterly false, the offspring of their own fanatical suspicions. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:29

Before seen for seen before, A.V.; the Ephesian for an Ephesian, A.V. Trophimus (see Acts 20:4 ). Having seen him with St. Paul in the city, they concluded that he had come with him into the temple. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:30

Laid hold on for took, A.V. ; dragged for drew, A.V. ; straightway for forth with, A.V. The doors wore shut . The doors of the gates which separated the ἅγιον , or as Luke here styles it the ἱερόν , from the court of the Gentiles. They turned Paul out of the ἱερόν , intending to kill him, and shut the doors, lest, in the confusion and the swaying to and fro of the crowd, the precincts of the temple should chance to be defiled with blood, or even with the presence... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:31

Were seeking for went about, A.V. ; up to for unto, A.V.; confusion for an uproar, A.V. Tidings ; φάσις , only here in the New Testament. The legal use of the word in Greek is an "information" against any one laid before a magistrate. Here it is the information conveyed to the tribune by the sentinels on guard. Came up ; viz. to the castle of Antonia, to which steps led up from the temple area on the north-west side (see Acts 21:32 and Acts 21:35 ). The chief captain ;... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 21:27

And when the seven days were almost ended - Greek: as the seven days were about to be fulfilled - ἔμελλον συντελεῖσθαι emellon sunteleisthai. The seven days which were to complete the observance of the vow, Acts 21:26. Perhaps the whole observance in this case was intended to be but seven days, as the time of such a vow was voluntary. The translation, “were almost ended,” is not quite correct. The Greek implies no more than that the period of the seven days was about to be accomplished,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 21:28

Men of Israel - Jews. All who are the friends of the Law of Moses.This is the man ... - This implies that they had before given information to the Jews at Jerusalem that there was such a man, and they now exulted in the fact that they had found him. They therefore called on all these to aid in securing and punishing him.That teacheth ... - See the notes on Acts 6:13-14.Against the people - The people of the Jews. That is, they pretended that he taught that the customs and laws of the Jewish... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 21:29

In the city - In Jerusalem. As he was with Paul, it was inferred that he would attend him everywhere.Trophimus - He had accompanied Paul on his way from Ephesus, Acts 20:4.Whom they supposed ... - This is a most striking illustration of the manner in which accusations are often brought against others. They had seen him with Paul in the city; they inferred, therefore, that he had been with him in the temple. They did not even pretend that they had seen him in the temple; but the inference was... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 21:30

The city was moved - Was agitated; was thrown into commotion.Drew him out of the temple - Under the pretence that he had defiled it. The evident design was to put him to death, Acts 21:31.The doors were shut - The doors leading into the courts of the temple. read more

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