Acts 21 40

Acts 21:40 kjv

And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

Acts 21:40 nkjv

So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,

Acts 21:40 niv

After receiving the commander's permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic:

Acts 21:40 esv

And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:

Acts 21:40 nlt

The commander agreed, so Paul stood on the stairs and motioned to the people to be quiet. Soon a deep silence enveloped the crowd, and he addressed them in their own language, Aramaic.

Acts 21 verses

Acts 21 40 Meaning

Paul, having been rescued from the hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem by Roman soldiers, is now granted permission by the tribune to speak to the people. This verse marks a pivotal moment, shifting the narrative from Paul's imminent danger to his opportunity for defense and witness, albeit under Roman protection and scrutiny. It signifies a change in his immediate circumstances, moving from a violent confrontation to a more structured setting for addressing his accusers.

Acts 21 40 Context

Following his arrest in the temple by the Jewish authorities, Paul was mobbed and nearly killed. Roman soldiers intervened to save his life, bringing him into the Roman barracks (the castle) for safety. The tribune, unable to understand the uproar or the charges against Paul, decided to examine him personally. When the crowd continued to be tumultuous and implored Paul to be silenced and punished, the tribune granted Paul's request to address the people. This verse captures the moment the tribune allows Paul to speak, granting him an unexpected opportunity to declare his testimony, particularly to his fellow countrymen. This act stems from Roman administrative practices seeking order and information before punitive action.

Acts 21 40 Word analysis

• and: (Greek: καὶ - kai) A common conjunction used to connect clauses or ideas.
• when: (Greek: ὅτε - hote) Indicates a specific point in time when an event occurred.
• he: (Greek: αὐτός - autos) Refers to Paul, the subject of the clause.
• gave: (Greek: ἐπένευσεν - epenousen) Literally means "nodded assent" or "gave approval." It implies a gesture of permission.
• license: (Greek: ἐπιτρέπω - epitrepō) Means "to permit," "to allow," or "to suffer." It conveys official sanction.
• unto: (Greek: αὐτοῖς - autois) A preposition indicating the recipients of the action (the people/the crowd).
• him: (Greek: αὐτοῦ - autou) The object of the verb "gave license."
• that: (Greek: ὥστε - hōste) Used here as a consequential conjunction, introducing the result of the license granted.
• he: (Greek: αὐτὸν - auton) Refers again to Paul.
• should: (Greek: προσφωνῆσαι - prospōnesai) From the verb "prospōneō," meaning "to address," "to call to," or "to speak to." In this context, it denotes the purpose of the permission granted.
• speak: (Greek: αὐτοῖς - autois) Indicates speaking directly to "them," the assembled people.
• unto: (Greek: αὐτοῖς - autois) Referring back to the people.

Group Analysis: The phrase "gave him license that he should speak unto them" (Greek: ἐπένευσεν αὐτῷ ὥστε προσφωνῆσαι αὐτοῖς) highlights the authority of the tribune. He "nodded assent" (epeñeúsen) in granting "permission" (epitrépō) for Paul to "address" (prospoññesai) them. This permission is contingent and allows Paul a brief window to communicate.

Acts 21 40 Bonus Section

This moment is significant as it marks the beginning of Paul's defense which spans several chapters (Acts 22-26). His speech is not merely a legal defense but a powerful testimony of his conversion and calling, ultimately leading to his appeal to Caesar. The tribune’s action is characteristic of Roman policy which, while often harsh, sometimes allowed for due process or gathering information, especially concerning perceived internal disturbances within subject populations. Paul’s request itself is strategic, aiming to reach the hearts of his countrymen before further Roman intervention, possibly aimed at preventing greater disorder. The use of the Hebrew tongue in his subsequent speech (Acts 22:2) would further enhance his ability to connect with the crowd at a cultural and linguistic level.

Acts 21 40 Commentary

The tribune’s decision to allow Paul to speak is crucial. It transforms a potentially fatal situation into an opportunity for Gospel proclamation. This aligns with God's sovereign plan, using human actions (Roman authority, Jewish fervor) to advance His purposes. Paul, never missing a chance to witness, seizes this moment to address his accusers directly, demonstrating a reliance on God’s provision for his words, as promised in scripture. His courage in the face of adversity, bolstered by divine enablement, is evident. This incident illustrates how opposition can paradoxically create openings for ministry.