(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

ACTS 21:29KJV
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Acts 21:29 (KJV)

What does Acts 21:29 mean?

Acts 21:29 explains that some people in Jerusalem accused Paul of bringing a Gentile, Trophimus the Ephesian, into the temple because they had previously seen Trophimus with Paul in the city and assumed he had entered the sacred area. This verse shows the reason behind the false accusation against Paul.

In the story, Paul is in Jerusalem, and some Jews from Asia see him in the temple. They remember seeing Paul with Trophimus, who was not Jewish, and jump to the conclusion that Paul brought Trophimus into the temple, which was forbidden by Jewish law. This misunderstanding leads to the uproar and trouble that follows in the chapter.

The Greek behind Acts 21:29

  • προεωράκεισαν (proeōrákeisan, "had seen before"): This word means to have seen previously or beforehand. It emphasizes that their accusation was based on something they saw earlier, not on direct evidence from the temple itself.
  • ἐνόμιζον (enomizon, "supposed"): This word means to suppose, assume, or think. It highlights that their charge against Paul was not based on fact but on an assumption.
  • εἰσήγαγεν (eisēgagen, "had brought"): This verb means to bring in or lead in. The accusation is that Paul had led Trophimus into the temple, which would have been a serious violation in Jewish eyes.

Why Acts 21:29 matters

  • Acts 21:29 clarifies that Paul was falsely accused based on assumption, not on actual wrongdoing, which is important for understanding the fairness of the charges against him.
  • The verse shows how misunderstandings and assumptions can quickly escalate into serious accusations, especially in a tense religious setting.
  • This detail helps explain the events that follow in Acts, where Paul is seized and nearly killed by the crowd, setting the stage for his later trials and defenses.

Where else these words appear

“before” Greek G4308 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

“Trophimus” Greek G5161 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 20:4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
  • 2 Timothy 4:20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

“Ephesian” Greek G2180 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 19:28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
  • Acts 19:34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
  • Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. To the Ephesians written from Rome, by Tychicus.

“brought” Greek G1521 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
  • John 18:16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
  • Acts 21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.