Who was the Egyptian? – Acts 21:31-36

After a riot breaks out on the Temple Mount, a Roman commander (the Tribune) sees the trouble and takes Paul to the barracks (Acts 21:31-36), thinking that Paul is a terrorist known as “the Egyptian.”

The crowd followed the Romans, maybe thinking that they were going to have him killed. There was a Roman fortress at the NW end of the Temple Mount that overlooked the Temple (the Antonia). Feast times were often of nationalistic pride and unrest (recall this around the time of Pentecost). The Roman authorities would likely be keeping a close eye on events around the Temple.

Once in the barracks, Paul speaks Greek to the Roman soldier, surprising the Commander. He thought that Paul was “The Egyptian.” This is a historical link between the Book of Acts and Josephus. Josephus mentions a Messianic pretender who appeared while Felix was governor and led about 30,000 into the desert (JW 2.261-263; Antiq. 20.169f). Luke says that it was more like 4,000, an estimate that is probably closer to the truth.

The NIV translates the followers as “terrorists.” The Greek is “Sicarii”. The Sicarii were a loosely organized band of Terrorists who would circulate among large crowds with hidden knives and assassinate noblemen. (Latin, sica is a knife.) They were responsible for killing the high priest Jonathan, son of Annas. Josephus reports that the activity of the Sicarii to the time of Felix (JW 2.254-57; Anitq. 20.162-65, 185-87), so the commander wonders if Paul is one of these urban assassins.

This Egyptian led his followers into the wilderness. Josephus mentions many who led their followers out into the desert to await the Messiah or the end times. The Qumran community, the authors of the DSS, are among the groups that separated away from the Jewish religious establishment by going into the desert. Jesus also spends time in the desert (the temptation, Mark 1, etc.) The Romans attacked the Egyptians, killing 400 of their followers, although the Egyptians themselves escaped.

The Roman centurion may have arrested Paul, thinking he was this terrorist, and was surprised to find out that he was not Egyptian. Perhaps the soldier thought he was arresting a wanted criminal; he might not have stopped the crowds had he known that Paul was not opposed to the Romans. Greek was commonly spoken in Egypt due to the influence of Hellenism.

Paul then says that he is a citizen of Tarsus and a Jew. Paul may be insulted to be considered an Egyptian. Jews who lived in Alexandria resented being called Egyptians (Witherington, Acts, 662). Instead, Paul identifies himself as a Jew and a citizen of Tarsus.

Paul asks for permission to speak to the crowd, and is granted it. Why would the Commander allow Paul to address the crowd? Paul has demonstrated that he is an educated man, fluent in Greek, and a citizen of a major city of the Empire. This level of social status affords Paul some privilege. The commander recognizes this and allows Paul to address the crowd.

Witherington points out that people in the ancient world were judged by the place of their birth; much of their honor derived from their citizenship in an important town (Witherington, Acts, 663). In addition, we know that Paul has dual citizenship, both of Tarsus and of Rome. This was not common, but there are some references to dual citizenship in the ancient world, even among Jews.