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

This verse describes Paul's response to the tribune who mistakenly believed Paul was an Egyptian rebel leader. Paul asserts his identity as a Jew from Tarsus, a prominent city in Cilicia, and asks for permission to speak to the crowd in Greek. This assertion is significant for establishing his legitimacy and background, demonstrating he is not the foreign agitator the tribune assumed.

Acts 21 39 Context

The incident occurs within the temple precincts in Jerusalem. Paul has just been rescued by the Roman tribune and his soldiers from a violent mob of Jews who were incensed by the false accusation that he had defiled the temple by bringing a Gentile into it. The tribune, unaware of the true circumstances and assuming Paul was a dangerous criminal or rebel leader (like "the Egyptian" recently apprehended), orders Paul to be scourged. It is at this point, to prevent being flogged, that Paul reveals his Roman citizenship and then identifies himself as a Jew from Tarsus.

Acts 21 39 Word Analysis

• And: (καὶ - kai) Conjunction connecting clauses and ideas.
• you: (σὺ - sy) Second person singular pronoun, addressing the tribune.
• permit: (ἐπίτρεψον - epitrepson) Imperative verb, third person singular, a polite request or command for permission.
• me: (ἐμοί - emoi) First person singular pronoun, dative case, indicating the recipient of the action.
• to: (εἰπεῖν - eipein) Infinitive of the verb "to say" or "to speak."
• speak: (λαλεῖν - lalein) Present infinitive, indicating the ongoing action of speaking.
• to: (πρός - pros) Preposition, indicating direction or addressing someone.
• the: (τοῦ - tou) Definite article, masculine genitive singular, used with "demos" (people).
• people: (δῆμος - demos) Noun, masculine nominative singular, referring to the crowd.
• and: (καὶ - kai) Conjunction.
• so: (οὕτως - houtos) Adverb, meaning "in this way" or "thus," referring to the manner of speaking.
• I: (ἐγώ - ego) First person singular pronoun, nominative case, subject of the following verbs.
• will: (λαλήσω - lalesō) Future indicative of "lalein," meaning "I will speak."
• speak: (λαλήσω - lalesō)
• to: (πρός - pros) Preposition.
• thee: (σοι - soi) Second person singular pronoun, dative case, referring to the tribune.

Words Group Analysis

• "I am a Jew from Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city.": This is Paul's self-identification and defense. He establishes his identity not just by his people (Jew) but also by his place of origin (Tarsus), a significant urban center known for its culture and commerce in Cilicia. His claim to citizenship underscores his rights and legal standing within the Roman Empire, which is what ultimately prevents the tribune from scourging him. This declaration contrasts with the misconception that he was the Egyptian rebel, positioning him as a reputable individual with established connections and legal protections.

Acts 21 39 Bonus Section

The mention of Tarsus is significant. It was a major center of Stoic philosophy, and Paul, who was educated in Jewish law at the feet of Gamaliel, was also a Roman citizen. His ability to speak Greek fluently and engage in reasoned discourse reflects his Hellenistic upbringing in a cosmopolitan city like Tarsus. This ability to bridge cultural and intellectual divides becomes a key element in his missionary endeavors, enabling him to connect with diverse audiences, from Jews in synagogues to philosophers in the Athenian Agora. His intellectual capacity and persuasive arguments, honed by his education and life experiences, are his primary tools for ministry, not violent rebellion.

Acts 21 39 Commentary

Paul’s request is tactical. By establishing his origin as Tarsus, a respected city, and his identity as a Jew, he aims to de-escalate the situation and gain the trust of the Jewish onlookers and the Roman authorities. He seeks permission to address the crowd directly, indicating his confidence in his ability to articulate his innocence and present the gospel message clearly, rather than to resort to pleas or struggles. This reveals his characteristic boldness and strategic use of his background to effectively communicate.