Acts 21:30

30 And all the city was moved, and a running together of the people was made. And they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple; and at once [and anon] the gates were closed.

Acts 21:30 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 21:30

And all the city was moved, and the people ran together,
&c.] The outcry in the temple reached the ears of some that were without, and these alarmed others; so that the report of a disturbance in the temple soon went through the whole city; and brought people out of their houses, who ran together in great numbers, to see what was the matter:

and they took Paul and drew him out of the temple;
as unworthy to be in that holy place; and that it might not be defiled with his blood; for their intention was nothing less than to take away his life:

and forthwith the doors were shut;
not of themselves, as if there was something miraculous in it, as some have thought, but by the door keepers, the Levites; and which might be done, partly to prevent Paul's returning into it for refuge at the horns of the altar, and partly to keep out the Gentiles from coming in, they were alarmed with.

Acts 21:30 In-Context

28 and cried [crying], Men of Israel, help ye us. This is the man, that against the people and the law and this place teacheth every where all men, moreover and hath led heathen men into the temple, and hath defouled this holy place.

29 For they saw Trophimus of Ephesus in the city with him, whom they guessed that Paul had brought into the temple.

30 And all the city was moved, and a running together of the people was made. And they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple; and at once [and anon] the gates were closed.

31 And when they sought to slay him, it was told to the tribune of the company of knights, that all Jerusalem is confounded.

32 Which at once [Which anon] took knights, and centurions, and ran to them. And when they had seen the tribune, and the knights, they ceased to smite Paul.