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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 21:27-40

We have here Paul brought into a captivity which we are not likely to see the end of; for after this he is either hurried from one bar to another, or lies neglected, first in one prison and then in another, and can neither be tried nor bailed. When we see the beginning of a trouble, we know not either how long it will last or how it will issue. I. We have here Paul seized, and laid hold on. 1. He was seized in the temple, when he was there attending the days of his purifying, and the solemn... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 21:37-40

21:37-40 When Paul was about to be brought into the barracks he said to the commander, "May I say something to you?" He said, "Can you speak Greek? Are you not then the Egyptian who some time ago started a revolution and led four thousand men of the Dagger-bearers out into the desert?" Paul said, "I am a man who is a Jew, a native of Tarsus, a citizen of no mean city. I ask you, let me speak to the people." When he had given his permission to do so, Paul stood on the steps and made a gesture... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 21:37

And as Paul was to be led into the castle ,.... Just as he was got up to the top of the steps, or stairs, that led up to the castle, and was about to go into the door of it: he said unto the chief captain, may I speak unto thee ? the apostle was one that had had a good education, and was a man of address, and this his modest and respectful way of speaking to the chief captain shows; and the question he put to him, was in the Greek language: hence it follows, who said to him, canst... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 21:37

Canst thou speak Greek? - Claudius Lysias was not a Roman; he had, as himself informs us, purchased his citizenship of Rome with a great sum of money; (see Acts 22:28 ;); and it is very likely that he was but imperfectly acquainted with the Latin tongue; and the tumult that was now made, and the discordant noise, prevented him from clearly apprehending what was said; and, as he wished to know the merit of the cause, he accosted Paul with, ἙλληνιϚι γινωσκεις , Dost thou understand Greek?... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 21:37

Verse 37− 37.May I speak unto thee? Paul offered himself to defend his cause, which all the servants of God must do. For we must do our endeavor to make our integrity known to all men, lest through our infamy the name of God be blasphemed. But when the chief captain demandeth whether Paul be not that Egyptian which was a murderer, which a little before had led away a company of men, − (494) let us learn that how modestly and quietly soever the ministers of Christ behave themselves, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:15-40

The compromise. The introduction of Christianity into the world while the temple was still standing, and the Law of Moses with all its Levitical and ceremonial ordinances was still in force, might have issued in three ways. 1. All converts to the faith of Jesus Christ from among the Gentiles might have been forced to become Jews, as far as submission to the whole Law was concerned. 2. Or the Old Testament might then and there have been superseded by the New, and the Jewish... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 21:20-39

The pastor and elders of the Church not infallible. There may be considered to be some uncertainty as to the exact merits of the remarkable case which the history reproduces in this passage, but without rendering any verdict, pronouncing any opinion, or even offering any suggestion. In the room that is accordingly allowed for option, it is believed that the following positions, as they are certainly maintainable in themselves, are also to be impressed on us by the present history:— I. ... read more

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 21:37

About to be brought for to be led , A.V.; saith for said, A.V.; say something for speak, A.V,; and he for who, A.V.; dost thou know for canst thou speak, A.V. About to be brought into the castle . He had nearly reached the top of the stairs, and there was, perhaps, a brief halt while the gates of the castle-yard were being opened. Paul seized the opportunity to address Lysias in Greek. Dost thou know Greek ? ( ἑλληνιστὶ γινώσκεις ;). According to some, λαλεῖν is... read more

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