Acts 21 39

Acts 21:39 kjv

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.

Acts 21:39 nkjv

But Paul said, "I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people."

Acts 21:39 niv

Paul answered, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people."

Acts 21:39 esv

Paul replied, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people."

Acts 21:39 nlt

"No," Paul replied, "I am a Jew and a citizen of Tarsus in Cilicia, which is an important city. Please, let me talk to these people."

Acts 21 verses

Acts 21 39 Meaning

In Acts 21:39, as he is being restrained by Roman soldiers after being rescued from a murderous Jewish mob in the Temple courts, the Apostle Paul identifies himself to the Roman tribune. He states emphatically, "I am a Jew," specifically from "Tarsus in Cilicia," underscoring that this city is "no obscure" or insignificant place. He then respectfully pleads with the tribune, requesting permission to address the agitated crowd of people. This declaration is a strategic move to correct the tribune's misconception that he is a known Egyptian insurrectionist and to establish his credibility, thereby gaining the opportunity to speak.

Acts 21 39 Context

Acts 21:39 takes place amidst intense hostility in Jerusalem. Paul has just arrived in the city, concluding his third missionary journey. After following counsel from James and the elders to participate in a Jewish purification rite to demonstrate his respect for the Law (and dispel rumors that he taught Jews to abandon Moses), he is recognized in the Temple courts. Jews from Asia, misidentifying a Gentile believer with Paul and falsely accusing Paul of desecrating the Temple by bringing him inside, incite a riot. The mob attempts to kill Paul. Roman soldiers, alerted to the disturbance, intervene, rescuing Paul by taking him into custody. The tribune in charge, Lysias, assumes Paul is a notorious Egyptian rebel leader (Acts 21:38). It is at this critical juncture, as Paul is being led into the barracks, that he addresses Lysias in Greek, much to the tribune's surprise, and clarifies his identity. His claim of being a Jew from Tarsus—a notable city—is crucial for correcting the Roman officer's impression and securing the chance to explain himself to the angry populace.

Acts 21 39 Word analysis

• But Paul said: Ὁ δὲ Παῦλος ἔφη (Ho de Paulos ephē). The conjunction δὲ (de), "but" or "and," indicates a shift or continuation in narrative. Ἔφη (ephē) means "he said" or "he declared," often used for a weighty or important utterance. This highlights Paul taking the initiative to speak.

• I am a Jew: Ἐγώ εἰμι ἄνθρωπος Ἰουδαῖος (Egō eimi anthrōpos Ioudaios).

  • Ἐγώ (Egō): "I," is emphatic, foregrounding Paul's personal assertion.
  • ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos): "a man" or "a human being," adding to the specificity of "Jew."
  • Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaios): "Jew." This self-identification is paramount. Despite his apostleship to Gentiles, Paul never renounced his Jewish identity. It’s a direct rebuttal to the accusations that he was an enemy of the Jewish people and tradition.

• from Tarsus: Ταρσεὺς (Tarseus). "Tarsian," indicating origin. Tarsus was the capital of Cilicia, renowned as a center of learning, philosophy (Stoicism), and a free city within the Roman Empire. Its status would have been recognized by Roman officials.

• in Cilicia: Κιλικίας (Kilikias). The Roman province where Tarsus was located. This regional identifier further grounds Paul's background geographically.

• a citizen: πολίτης (politēs). Denotes one with legal rights in a city, a member of a political body. This subtly hints at the prestige and freedom associated with his birthplace, though Paul saves his explicit claim of Roman citizenship for later when his rights are directly threatened (Acts 22:25).

• of no obscure city: οὐκ ἀσήμου πόλεως (ouk asēmou poleōs).

  • οὐκ (ouk): "not," a strong negation.
  • ἀσήμου (asēmou): "insignificant," "inglorious," "unknown," literally "without a mark." This is a figure of speech known as litotes (an understatement employing a negative to express an affirmative), meaning Tarsus was a very famous and important city. Paul's carefully chosen words subtly correct the tribune's impression that he was from some backward or bandit-ridden area.
  • πόλεως (poleōs): "city."

• I beg you: δέομαι (deomai). A strong term for "I implore," "I plead," or "I earnestly request." It indicates deference to authority while making an urgent request.

• permit me to speak: ἐπίτρεψόν μοι λαλῆσαι (epitrevson moi lalēsai).

  • ἐπίτρεψόν (epitrevson): "permit" or "allow," an imperative. Paul is seeking official authorization.
  • μοι (moi): "to me," or "for me."
  • λαλῆσαι (lalēsai): "to speak" or "to talk." Paul's primary and constant desire, even in mortal danger, is to share the Gospel.

• to the people: πρὸς τὸν λαόν (pros ton laon).

  • πρὸς (pros): "to" or "towards."
  • τὸν λαόν (ton laon): "the people," referring specifically to the Jewish crowd currently in an uproar against him. His desire to address this hostile mob underscores his evangelistic zeal and belief in the power of the Gospel.

Acts 21 39 Bonus section

Paul's ability to switch between languages and identities—from Hebrew to the Jewish crowd, Greek to the Tribune, and later invoking Roman citizenship—demonstrates his profound understanding of cultural contexts and his resourcefulness in communicating the Gospel effectively to diverse audiences. This strategic adaptability is a recurring theme in his ministry, reflecting his approach of "being all things to all people, that I might by all means save some" (1 Cor 9:22). His immediate desire to speak to the furious crowd is a stark illustration of courage rooted in faith, seeing persecution not as an end but as a pulpit.

Acts 21 39 Commentary

Acts 21:39 showcases Paul's intellectual acumen, strategic communication, and unwavering commitment to his calling. Faced with imminent danger and gross misidentification, Paul swiftly corrects the Roman tribune. His declaration, "I am a Jew," asserts his cultural and religious heritage, dismantling the assumption he was a common criminal or the Egyptian revolutionary. By proudly identifying his origin as "Tarsus in Cilicia," and deliberately using the litotes "no obscure city," Paul elevates his status and garners respect from a Roman officer who would be familiar with Tarsus's renown. This intelligent self-disclosure isn't about pride but about establishing credibility to secure an audience. The immediate subsequent request to "permit me to speak to the people" reveals his persistent burden for his Jewish kinsmen, even those who violently oppose him. In a situation demanding self-preservation, Paul's first impulse is to seize the opportunity to preach, highlighting his relentless dedication to Christ and the spread of His message.