Acts 21:22

What is it therefore?] i.e. How stands the matter? An expression used as introductory to the consideration of what is best to be done.

the multitude must needs come together The oldest texts omit all but the word here rendered "needs," giving only, "they will certainly hear that thou art come," for the rest of the verse. Some keeping the Greek of the Textus Receptus, have translated "A multitude will certainly, &c." But the reading of the oldest MSS. seems to give the most natural sense. The gathering before whom Paul had been speaking was composed of only the conspicuous members of the Christian body, to hear a report on the day after St Paul's arrival. The rest of the speech addressed to the Apostle gives no hint of a crowd to be gathered, but recommends a policy by which the Judæo-Christians might learn gradually in their own visits to the temple that the Apostle against whom they had heard such reports was there himself taking part in the observance of the Mosaic customs.