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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Acts 21:31 - 21:31
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
As they were seeking to kill him (zētountōn autōn). Genitive absolute of zēteō, to seek, without autōn (they). This was their real purpose.
Tidings (phasis). From phainō, to show. Old word for the work of informers and then the exposure of secret crime. In lxx. Here only in the N.T.
Came up (anebē). Naturally in the wild uproar. The Roman guard during festivals was kept stationed in the Tower of Antonia at the northwest corner of the temple overlooking the temple and connected by stairs (Act 21:35).
To the chief captain (tōi chiliarchōi). Commander of a thousand men or cohort (Mar 15:16). His name was Claudius Lysias.
Of the band (tēs speirēs). Each legion had six tribunes and so each tribune (chiliarch) had a thousand if the cohort had its full quota. See note on Act 10:1; and note on Act 27:1. The word is the Latin spira (anything rolled up). Note the genitive speirēs instead of speiras (Attic).
Was in confusion (sunchunnetai). Present passive indicative of sunchunnō (see Act 21:27, sunecheon). This is what the conspirators had desired.