Discovery BoxActs 4:4 
Context4:4 But many of those who had listened to 1 the message 2 believed, and the number of the men 3 came to about five thousand.
Acts 21:38
Context21:38 Then you’re not that Egyptian who started a rebellion 4 and led the four thousand men of the ‘Assassins’ 5 into the wilderness 6 some time ago?” 7
1 tn Or “had heard.”
2 tn Or “word.”
3 tn In the historical setting it is likely that only men are referred to here. The Greek term ἀνήρ (anhr) usually refers to males or husbands rather than people in general. Thus to translate “of the people” would give a false impression of the number, since any women and children were apparently not included in the count.
4 tn L&N 39.41 has “οὐκ ἄρα σὺ εἶ ὁ Αἰγύπτιος ὁ πρὸ τούτων τῶν ἡμερῶν ἀναστατώσας ‘then you are not that Egyptian who some time ago started a rebellion’ Ac 21:38.”
5 tn Grk “of the Sicarii.”
sn The term ‘Assassins’ is found several times in the writings of Josephus (J. W. 2.13.3 [2.254-257]; Ant. 20.8.10 [20.186]). It was the name of the most fanatical group among the Jewish nationalists, very hostile to Rome, who did not hesitate to assassinate their political opponents. They were named Sicarii in Latin after their weapon of choice, the short dagger or sicarius which could be easily hidden under one’s clothing. In effect, the officer who arrested Paul had thought he was dealing with a terrorist.
6 tn Or “desert.”
7 tn Grk “before these days.”
