Acts 21:37-40

Conversation on the Steps: Paul Addresses the Jews. Josephus (Wars, II. xiii. 5, Ant. XX. viii. 6) tells us of an Egyptian Jew who, under Felix, led 30, 000 men to the Mount of Olives with promises of the Messianic kingdom. He escaped when his followers were killed and dispersed; the tribune here supposes the Jews to be taking vengeance on him. He is surprised to hear Paul speak Greek: what language he expected the Egyptian to use, is not clear. The assassins are the Sicarii, dagger-men, who were the extreme Jewish party and spread terror in Judæ a in the days of Felix (p. 610). That Paul after his rough usage should be anxious to address the excited crowd at his feet, seems unlikely, as also is his being allowed by the tribune to do so. But this is the last opportunity for Paul to address the Jewish people; the stairs give the position, and he is exhibited once more as enjoying the favour of a Roman official (cf. Acts 13:7, Acts 18:12 ff.).