Page 104 - acts_study_book3

And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he (the officer) could
not know the certainty (get this straight facts) for the tumult (riot), he commanded him (Paul)
to be carried into the castle.

The Roman officer inquires of the mob about who Paul is and what he had done, but he cannot
get a straight answer. There are as many opinions as people in the mob. Paul is taken into the
Antonio Fort name for Mark Antony, a close friend of Herod. Herod had this castle built in
Jerusalem in honor of his friend.

THE REACTION OF THE MOB

Act 21:35 When he reached the stairs, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the
violence of the mob.

As the soldiers come to the steps of the court, they are forced to carry Paul in the air over their
heads to prevent him from being killed by the mob running after them. Paul is rushed by the
mob on the stairs. The Jews know the accuracy of Roman law, and that there is little chance of
seeing Paul sentenced since he has done nothing illegal. Paul has simply offended their
religious, traditional thinking. They now decide to kill Paul on the steps and forget whether it is
legal or illegal, or whether or not the Romans witnessed the killing. They feel it is worth losing
their own lives to see Paul dead. The Roman soldiers have risked their own lives to uphold the
law and protect a man who has yet to be tried.

Act 21:36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, "Away with him!"

The Jews go up the stairs right behind the Roman soldiers. They are shouting the same thing
the mob was crying before they crucified Jesus. However, this time the group is comprised
predominantly of believers.

Legalism causes believers to act just like or even worse than unbelievers.

PAUL AND THE CHIEF CAPTAIN

Act 21:37 Then as Paul was about to be led into the barracks, he said to the commander, "May
I speak to you?" He replied, "Can you speak Greek?

And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee?
Who (the tribune) said, Canst thou speak Greek?

This is the Fort where Herod lived for a while. It was more than 100 yards wide and long. It had
four towers, each seventy-five feet high. Inside was a small city with a parade route around
called Gabbatha. This is where the mob stood when Jesus was brought before Pilate.

The tribune does not know Paul is an aristocrat. He had been beaten and looks like a common
criminal. When Paul speaks aristocratic Greek, it surprises the soldier.