Acts 21:39

Translations

Modern

But Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people.”

Traditional

But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

Literal

But Paul said, “I am indeed a Jew, a man of Tarsus of Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. Now I implore you, allow me to speak to the people.”

Latin

Et dixit ad eum Paulus: Ego homo sum quidem Judæus a Tarso Ciliciæ, non ignotæ civitatis municeps. Rogo autem te, permitte mihi loqui ad populum.

Interlinear

Greek

English

But Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people.”

Notes

Acts 21:37–40

The commander had mistaken Paul for an Egyptian false messiah who had planned to seize power from the Romans around AD 54 (roughly three years earlier; see Josephus, War 2.13.5). Paul corrected the mistake, gained permission to speak to the people, and addressed the crowd in Aramaic, the common language of Judea. He gave a strong statement of his faith in Jesus as the Messiah (Acts 22:1–21).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Events

Paul gives his testimonyc. AD 54

Related verses

Acts 22:3
“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.
Acts 9:11
“Get up!” the Lord told him. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.
Acts 6:9
But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. They disputed with Stephen,
Acts 23:27
This man was seized by the Jews, and they were about to kill him when I came with my troops to rescue him. For I had learned that he is a Roman citizen,
Acts 9:30
When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
Acts 23:34
The governor read the letter and asked what province Paul was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia,
Acts 22:25–29
But as they stretched him out to strap him down, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman citizen without a trial?”
Acts 15:23
…and sent them with this letter: The apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.
Acts 21:37
As they were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?” “Do you speak Greek?” he replied.
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 4:15–16
Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.
Acts 16:37
But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!”

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles, author of many NT epistles

Places

Cilicia: Province in Asia Minor; Paul's birthplace and ministry area Tarsus: City in Cilicia, birthplace of the apostle Paul

Glossary

Book of the Acts of the Apostles Cilicia Citizenship Paul the Apostle Tarsus Temple

Topics

Christian Minister: Persecution: Paul Cities: Inhabitants of, Called Citizens Claudius Lysius: A Roman Military officer Paul: Born in the City of Tarsus Paul: His Defense Prisoners: Paul Tarsus: Paul's Birthplace

Acts 21:39

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