Acts 21:30

‘And all the city was moved, and the people ran together, and they laid hold on Paul, and dragged him out of the temple, and straightway the doors were shut.'

The effect of the malicious cries of these people was to ‘move' others, so that many people ran together and ‘all the city' was involved (clearly not all in the city would be involved, it is hyperbole, but Luke intends us to see that it was so in effect. The whole of Jerusalem is rejecting Christ's messenger), and when they gathered what seemed to be the situation they seized Paul and dragged him from the Temple (the shedding of such blood could not take place in the holy place). And ‘as soon as he was out the doors were shut'. What an ominous sound that has. Luke is bringing out that the doors of the Temple clanged shut on the messenger of God and on his suffering, as they had also shut out Jesus when He suffered ‘outside the camp'. Yet another was being driven ‘outside the camp'.

‘Immediately the doors were shut.' Compare (of Peter), ‘and he departed and went to another place' (Acts 12:17). Both statements were significant for the future of both the Temple and the city. We remember also Jesus' words, ‘How often would I have gathered your children --- but you would not -- your house is left to you desolate' (Luke 13:34). Note also that the verb ‘were shut' is in the passive voice, often used to depict God's actions. Not only did the Jews shut the doors, but God shut them. He was with Paul on the outside leaving Jerusalem for good.

We note here that in the parallel section in Acts 26:28 King Agrippa II (son of Agrippa I of chapter 12) also closes his heart against him. Both king and people once again confirm their rejection of their Messiah.