Acts 21:31
New International Version
While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar.

New Living Translation
As they were trying to kill him, word reached the commander of the Roman regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

English Standard Version
And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion.

Berean Standard Bible
While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil.

Berean Literal Bible
And of them seeking to kill him, a report came to the commander of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in an uproar,

King James Bible
And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

New King James Version
Now as they were seeking to kill him, news came to the commander of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

New American Standard Bible
While they were intent on killing him, a report came up to the commander of the Roman cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion.

NASB 1995
While they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the commander of the Roman cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion.

NASB 1977
And while they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the commander of the Roman cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion.

Legacy Standard Bible
While they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the commander of the Roman cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion.

Amplified Bible
Now while they were trying to kill him, word came to the commander of the [Roman] garrison that all Jerusalem was in a state of upheaval.

Christian Standard Bible
As they were trying to kill him, word went up to the commander of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in chaos.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As they were trying to kill him, word went up to the commander of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in chaos.

American Standard Version
And as they were seeking to kill him, tidings came up to the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in confusion.

Contemporary English Version
The people were about to kill Paul when the Roman army commander heard that all Jerusalem was starting to riot.

English Revised Version
And as they were seeking to kill him, tidings came up to the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in confusion.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As the people were trying to kill Paul, the officer in charge of the Roman soldiers received a report that all Jerusalem was rioting.

Good News Translation
The mob was trying to kill Paul, when a report was sent up to the commander of the Roman troops that all of Jerusalem was rioting.

International Standard Version
The crowd was trying to kill Paul when a report reached the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

Majority Standard Bible
While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil.

NET Bible
While they were trying to kill him, a report was sent up to the commanding officer of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion.

New Heart English Bible
As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

Webster's Bible Translation
And as they went about to kill him, tidings came to the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

Weymouth New Testament
But while they were trying to kill Paul, word was taken up to the Tribune in command of the battalion, that all Jerusalem was in a ferment.

World English Bible
As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they seeking to kill him, a rumor came to the chief captain of the band that all Jerusalem has been thrown into confusion,

Berean Literal Bible
And of them seeking to kill him, a report came to the commander of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in an uproar,

Young's Literal Translation
and they seeking to kill him, a rumour came to the chief captain of the band that all Jerusalem hath been thrown into confusion,

Smith's Literal Translation
And seeking to kill him, a rumor went up to the captain of a thousand of the band, that the whole of Jerusalem had been embroiled.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And as they went about to kill him, it was told the tribune of the band, That all Jerusalem was in confusion.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then, as they were seeking to kill him, it was reported to the tribune of the cohort: “All Jerusalem is in confusion.”

New American Bible
While they were trying to kill him, a report reached the cohort commander that all Jerusalem was rioting.

New Revised Standard Version
While they were trying to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And as the mob sought to kill him, the news reached the captain of the company, that all the city was in an uproar.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And while the crowd was seeking to kill him, it was heard by the Chiliarch of the regiment that the whole city had been stirred up.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And while they were seeking to kill him, report was brought to the officer of the band, that the whole of Jerusalem was in an uproar.

Godbey New Testament
And seeking to kill him, the report went up to the chiliarch of the band, that all Jerusalem is in commotion;

Haweis New Testament
And as they were attempting to murder him, the report reached the military tribune of the band, that all Jerusalem was in confusion.

Mace New Testament
as they were busy upon his execution, news came to the commander of the cohort, that the whole city was in an uproar.

Weymouth New Testament
But while they were trying to kill Paul, word was taken up to the Tribune in command of the battalion, that all Jerusalem was in a ferment.

Worrell New Testament
And, as they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in confusion;

Worsley New Testament
And as they were going to kill him, a report came to the tribune of the cohort, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul Seized in the Temple
30The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. 32Immediately he took some soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the people saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.…

Cross References
Acts 22:22-24
The crowd listened to Paul until he made this statement. Then they lifted up their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He is not fit to live!” / As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and tossing dust into the air, / the commander ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks. He directed that Paul be flogged and interrogated to determine the reason for this outcry against him.

Acts 19:29-31
Soon the whole city was in disarray. They rushed together into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. / Paul wanted to go before the assembly, but the disciples would not allow him. / Even some of Paul’s friends who were officials of the province of Asia sent word to him, begging him not to venture into the theatre.

Acts 23:10
The dispute grew so violent that the commander was afraid they would tear Paul to pieces. He ordered the soldiers to go down and remove him by force and bring him into the barracks.

Acts 24:7
but Lysias the commander came with great force and took him out of our hands,

Acts 16:19-22
When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace. / They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil / by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.” ...

Acts 14:19
Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead.

Acts 17:5-8
The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people. / But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, / and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!” ...

Acts 6:12
So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin,

Acts 7:57-58
At this they covered their ears, cried out in a loud voice, and rushed together at him. / They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Acts 9:23-24
After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, / but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him.

Acts 13:50
The Jews, however, incited the religious women of prominence and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their district.

Acts 18:12
While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat.

Acts 25:3
to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.

Acts 26:21
For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me.

Luke 23:18-19
But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” / (Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)


Treasury of Scripture

And as they went about to kill him, tidings came to the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

as.

Acts 22:22
And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.

Acts 26:9,10
I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth…

John 16:2
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

chief.

Acts 23:17
Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

Acts 24:7,22
But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, …

Acts 25:23
And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.

that all.

Acts 21:38
Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

Acts 17:5
But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

Acts 19:40
For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

Jump to Previous
Attempting Band Battalion Captain Chief Chiliarch City Cohort Command Commander Commanding Control Death Ferment Jerusalem Kill News Officer Paul Reached Regiment Report Representation Roman Rumour Seeking Tidings Tribune Troops Trying Tumult Uproar Whole Word
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Attempting Band Battalion Captain Chief Chiliarch City Cohort Command Commander Commanding Control Death Ferment Jerusalem Kill News Officer Paul Reached Regiment Report Representation Roman Rumour Seeking Tidings Tribune Troops Trying Tumult Uproar Whole Word
Acts 21
1. Paul calls at the house of Philip, whose daughters prophesy.
10. Agabus, foretelling what should befall him at Jerusalem,
13. he will not be dissuaded from going thither.
17. He comes to Jerusalem;
27. where he is apprehended, and in great danger, but by the chief captain is rescued;
37. and requests, and is permitted to speak to the people.














While they were trying to kill him
This phrase highlights the intense hostility faced by Paul. The Greek word for "trying" (ζητοῦντες, zētountes) implies a determined effort, indicating the crowd's fervent intent to end Paul's life. Historically, this reflects the volatile atmosphere in Jerusalem, where tensions between Jewish traditions and the emerging Christian faith often erupted into violence. Paul's mission to spread the Gospel was met with fierce opposition, reminiscent of the persecution faced by early Christians, as seen in the martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 7).

the commander of the Roman regiment
The "commander" (χιλίαρχος, chiliarchos) was a high-ranking officer in charge of a thousand soldiers, part of the Roman cohort stationed in Jerusalem to maintain order. This reflects the Roman Empire's pervasive influence and control over Judea, a region fraught with unrest. The presence of Roman authority underscores the political tension of the time, as the Jewish population chafed under foreign rule, and the early Church navigated its mission amidst these dynamics.

received a report
The act of receiving a report (ἀναγγέλλω, anangellō) indicates the efficient communication network within the Roman military. This swift relay of information was crucial for maintaining order in a city as tumultuous as Jerusalem. The report's reception signifies the seriousness of the situation, prompting immediate military intervention. It also highlights the providential protection over Paul, as God uses even secular authorities to fulfill His purposes.

that all Jerusalem was in turmoil
The phrase "all Jerusalem was in turmoil" (συγχύσεως, synchyseōs) paints a vivid picture of chaos and confusion. This turmoil was not just physical but spiritual, as the city grappled with the implications of the Gospel message. Jerusalem, the heart of Jewish religious life, was a battleground for the nascent Christian faith. The turmoil reflects the broader conflict between the old covenant and the new, as the message of Christ challenged established religious norms and called for a transformative faith. This upheaval is a testament to the disruptive power of the Gospel, which continues to challenge and change lives today.

(31) The chief captain of the band.--On the word "band," and its relation to the Latin "cohort," see Notes on Acts 10:1; Matthew 27:27. On the word for "chief captain" (literally, chiliarch, or "captain of a thousand men," the cohort being the sixth part of the legion, which consisted of 6, 000), see Note on Matthew 8:29. They were stationed in the tower known as Antonia, built by Herod the Great, and named in honour of the Triumvir, which stood on the north-west side of the Temple area, on a rock, with a turret at each corner, and two flights of stairs leading to the arcades on the northern and western sides of the Temple. The Roman garrison was obviously stationed there to command the crowds of pilgrims, and was likely to be on the alert at a time like the Pentecost Feast. The Procurator Felix, however, was for the time at Caesarea. The next verse shows that their appearance was sufficient at once to strike some kind of awe into the turbulent mob. Once again the Apostle owed his safety from violence to the interposition of the civil power, (See Notes on Acts 18:14-17.) The "beating" would seem to have been rough treatment with the fists rather than any regular punishment.

Verse 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 (Lange; see Hist. of Susanna 55). Came up; viz. to the castle of Antonia, to which steps led up from the temple area on the north-west side (see vers. 32 and 35). The chief captain; the chiliarch, or tribune; literally, the commander of a thousand men (see John 18:12). The band (τῆς σπείρης); the cohort which formed the Roman garrison of Antonia (see Acts 10:1, note; also vers. 32, 33, etc.; Acts 22:24, 26, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[While]
τε (te)
Conjunction
Strong's 5037: And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.

they were trying
Ζητούντων (Zētountōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.

to kill
ἀποκτεῖναι (apokteinai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 615: To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy.

him,
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

commander
χιλιάρχῳ (chiliarchō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5506: A commander of a thousand men, a military tribune. From chilioi and archo; the commander of a thousand soldiers

of the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

[Roman] regiment
σπείρης (speirēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4686: A cohort, the tenth part of a legion; a military guard.

received
ἀνέβη (anebē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 305: To go up, mount, ascend; of things: I rise, spring up, come up. From ana and the base of basis; to go up.

a report
φάσις (phasis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5334: Report, tidings, information. From phemi; a saying, i.e. Report.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

all
ὅλη (holē)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3650: All, the whole, entire, complete. A primary word; 'whole' or 'all', i.e. Complete, especially as noun or adverb.

Jerusalem
Ἰερουσαλήμ (Ierousalēm)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2419: Of Hebrew origin; Hierusalem, the capitol of Palestine.

was in turmoil.
συνχύννεται (synchynnetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4797: Or sugchuno from sun and cheo or its alternate; to commingle promiscuously, i.e. to throw into disorder, to perplex.


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NT Apostles: Acts 21:31 As they were trying to kill him (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 21:30
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