What does Acts 21:36 mean?
"For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him." - Acts 21:36
The passage Acts 21:36 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him." This verse comes from the book of Acts, which is the fifth book of the New Testament and serves as a historical account of the early Christian church.
In this particular verse, the apostle Paul has returned to Jerusalem and has been falsely accused of bringing Gentiles into the temple, which was strictly forbidden according to Jewish law. The city is in an uproar, and a mob of people is pursuing Paul, shouting for him to be taken away. This ultimately leads to his arrest and imprisonment.
This passage can be interpreted on several levels, delving into themes of persecution, faith, and the sovereignty of God. From a historical context, this verse reflects the intense opposition and persecution that early Christians faced. Paul himself was no stranger to persecution, having previously been imprisoned and even stoned for preaching the gospel.
The verse also illustrates the power of a mob mentality. The multitude of people who are crying out for Paul to be taken away are caught up in the fervor of the moment, not considering the truth or righteousness of their actions. This can serve as a reminder of the dangers of groupthink and the importance of maintaining individual discernment and moral conviction, even in the midst of societal pressure.
On a deeper level, this verse can be seen as a reflection of the suffering and persecution that Christ himself endured. Like Paul, Jesus was also unjustly accused and faced the hostility of the crowds. The phrase "Away with him" echoes the rejection and condemnation that Jesus experienced during his crucifixion, highlighting the parallel between the suffering of Christ and that of his followers.
In terms of symbolism, this passage can be seen as a representation of the ongoing struggle between the world and the Kingdom of God. The forces of the world, represented by the angry mob, seek to silence and eradicate the message of Christ, while the faithful, represented by Paul, stand firm in their commitment to sharing the gospel. This dichotomy between the values of the world and the values of the Kingdom of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible.
Ultimately, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges and opposition that Christians may face as they proclaim and live out their faith. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in the face of persecution, trusting in the sovereignty of God and finding strength in the example of Christ and the early apostles who endured similar trials. This verse also calls for discernment and moral courage in the midst of societal pressure, reminding believers to stand firm in their convictions, even when the world cries out "Away with him."
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Acts 21:36 - "For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him."
"For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him." - Acts 21:36
Acts 27:36 - "Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat."
Acts 20:36 - "¶ And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all."
Acts 19:36 - "Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly."
Genesis 36:21 - "And Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan: these are the dukes of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom."
Joshua 21:36 - "And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs,"
Exodus 36:21 - "The length of a board was ten cubits, and the breadth of a board one cubit and a half."
Acts 4:36 - "And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,"
2 Kings 15:36 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
Isaiah 36:21 - "But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not."
Job 36:21 - "Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction."
Acts 10:36 - "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)"
Acts 1:21-23
Acts 1:21-22
Matthew 21:36 - "Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise."
Acts 21:5-6
Acts 1:21-22
Acts 16:36 - "And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace."
Acts 8:36 - "And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?"
Acts 7:36 - "He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years."
Acts 13:36 - "For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:"
Acts 9:36 - "¶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did."
"Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat." - Acts 27:36
Ezekiel 36:21 - "¶ But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went."
Acts 2:36 - "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."
Acts 21:21 - "And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs."
Acts 26:21 - "For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me."
Acts 21:17 - "And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly."
Acts 11:21 - "And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord."