Acts 21:33

The commander came up and arrested Paul, ordering that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The Roman commander arrives on the scene, physically arrests Paul, and immediately demands to know his identity and alleged crimes amid a chaotic crowd.

The words — ἐγγίσας (engisas) means “having drawn near,” marking the commander’s approach, while ἐπελάβετο (epelabeto) means “laid hold of,” describing the physical seizure.

The thread — The specific detail of binding with two chains matches the restraint in Acts 12:6 and points forward to Paul’s later identification as an ambassador in chains (Ephesians 6:20).

Why it lands — The commander’s direct questions force a clear, unambiguous account of Paul’s actions when the surrounding noise obscures the truth.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

Cross-references

Ephesians 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.
Acts 21:11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.’”
Acts 12:6 On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison.
Acts 20:23 I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.
Acts 22:29 At once those who were about to interrogate Paul stepped back, and the commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put a Roman citizen in chains.
Acts 28:20 So for this reason I have called to see you and speak with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
2 Timothy 2:9 for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!
Judges 15:13 “No,” they answered, “we will not kill you, but we will tie you up securely and hand you over to them.” So they bound him with two new ropes and led him up from the rock.
Judges 16:8 So the lords of the Philistines brought her seven fresh bowstrings that had not been dried, and she tied him up with them.
Judges 16:12 So Delilah took new ropes, tied him up with them, and called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” But while the men were hidden in her room, he snapped the ropes off his arms like they were threads.