Acts 26:21 (KJV)

What does Acts 26:21 mean?

Acts 26:21 describes how Paul was seized by some of the Jews while he was in the temple, and they tried to kill him because of the things he had been saying and doing. Paul is explaining the reason for the hostility he faced from his fellow Jews during his ministry.

In this verse, Paul is speaking to King Agrippa, defending himself against accusations. Paul points out that his arrest and the attempt on his life happened because of his teachings about Jesus and the resurrection, which he had been sharing in the temple in Jerusalem. This statement helps clarify the cause of the conflict and sets the stage for Paul’s explanation of his faith and actions.

The Greek behind Acts 26:21

• "caught" (συλλαμβάνω, syllambanō): This word means to seize, arrest, or capture. It emphasizes that Paul was not just confronted but physically apprehended by the group in the temple.
• "went about" (ἐπειράζοντο, epeirazonto): This Greek word carries the sense of making an attempt or trying to do something. Here, it shows that the group actively tried or plotted to kill Paul, not just expressing anger or making threats.
• "kill" (διαχειρίζομαι, diacheirizomai): This word means to put to death or to kill with intent. It highlights the seriousness of the danger Paul faced, showing that their goal was not just punishment but his death.

Why Acts 26:21 matters

• Acts 26:21 clarifies that Paul’s arrest was not due to any crime or wrongdoing but because of his religious message, which some of his fellow Jews found threatening.
• This verse helps the reader see the tension between Paul’s message about Jesus and the traditional beliefs held by many in Jerusalem at the time.
• By explaining the real reason for the opposition, Paul sets up his defense and invites his audience to consider the truth of his message rather than the accusations against him.