# When there arose a great argument

"When they began to argue violently" 

# chief captain

This is a Roman military leader of about 1,000 soldiers. See how you translated this in Acts 21:31.

# Paul would be torn to pieces by them

"they might tear Paul to pieces" or "they would cause Paul great physical harm"

# take him by force

"use physical force to take him away"

# into the fortress

This fortress was connected to the outer temple court.