Acts 22 2

Acts 22:2 kjv

(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

Acts 22:2 nkjv

And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent. Then he said:

Acts 22:2 niv

When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. Then Paul said:

Acts 22:2 esv

And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:

Acts 22:2 nlt

When they heard him speaking in their own language, the silence was even greater.

Acts 22 verses

Acts 22 2 Meaning

This verse highlights Paul's unwavering defense of his faith and life before his fellow Jews, emphasizing his impeccable adherence to Jewish law and his righteous conduct as understood by his people. It signifies his sincerity and commitment to his heritage even as he testifies about his encounter with Jesus.

Acts 22 2 Context

This verse occurs as Paul, having been arrested by the Romans, is allowed to speak to the Jerusalem crowd in their own language. The preceding chapters detail his return to Jerusalem and the escalating hostility towards him, fueled by misunderstandings about his ministry to Gentiles. In this moment, he begins his defense by establishing his unimpeachable Jewish identity and upbringing, seeking to gain their attention and potentially their understanding before he introduces the pivotal experience of his conversion on the road to Damascus. This direct address is a strategic move to disarm their prejudice.

Acts 22 2 Word Analysis

• And (kai): A conjunction, linking this statement to the previous account or introducing a new element in his speech.
• when (hote): Temporal conjunction, indicating the circumstances under which Paul spoke.
• he (autos): Refers to Paul.
• heard (akousantes): To hear, listen to, perceive.
• men, brethren, and fathers: (andres, adelphoi, kai paters):
  • Andres: "Men," a direct address to the male audience.
  • Adelphoi: "Brothers," an appeal to their shared spiritual kinship, particularly as fellow Jews.
  • Paters: "Fathers," invoking respect for their age and authority within the Jewish community and religious tradition.
• addressing (prosfoneo): To call to, speak to, address by name.
• the Jews: (tois Ioudiois): Specifies the ethnic and religious group to whom Paul is speaking.
• with (epi): In this context, it suggests "on" or "over" or "to," signifying the subject of his address.
• one language (mia glosse): Literally "one tongue." This is significant as the crowd had just heard Paul speaking Greek, but here he switches to Aramaic, the common tongue of the Jews in Jerusalem. This move aims to increase rapport.
• in the Hebrew (te Hebriaidi): Refers to the Hebrew language, but in this period likely means Aramaic, the everyday language of Palestinian Jews.
• manner (dialektō): Dialect, language, manner of speaking.
• they (houtoi): Referring to the people present.
• kept (pareichon): To supply, furnish, offer, keep.
• the more (malista): Chiefly, especially, above all.
• quiet (hesychian): Quietness, stillness, silence.
• and (de): A connective particle, indicating a transition or contrast.
• said (legousin): They said, meaning they kept quiet and were ready to listen.

Group Analysis:The phrase "men, brethren, and fathers" represents a carefully constructed opening designed to disarm potential hostility by appealing to shared identity and respect for tradition. The shift to "Hebrew [Aramaic]" language is a strategic move to gain the crowd's favorable attention, showing reverence for their culture and creating a more intimate listening environment, thus ensuring they would "keep the more quiet" to hear his testimony.

Acts 22 2 Bonus Section

The use of Aramaic, often referred to as "Hebrew" in the New Testament (e.g., John 19:13, 20:16), highlights the linguistic and cultural milieu of first-century Jerusalem. While Paul was fluent in Greek and proficient in Hebrew scripture, speaking in Aramaic was a powerful gesture to connect with the local populace on a deeper level, demonstrating his own commitment to his roots and setting a different tone than his previous public interactions in Greek-speaking areas. This linguistic adaptation is a key part of Paul's ability to navigate diverse audiences throughout his ministry.

Acts 22 2 Commentary

Paul's speech is marked by a keen understanding of rhetoric and cultural sensitivity. By addressing the crowd as "men, brethren, and fathers," he appeals to their common identity and hierarchy, aiming to establish a respectful atmosphere. His immediate switch to the Aramaic dialect is crucial; it signals his Jewishness, his fluency in the everyday language of his people, and his intention to communicate in a way that fosters attentiveness. This deliberate act of using their own tongue commands a greater measure of quietness, allowing him to present his testimony of Jesus Christ, which will eventually provoke them, but for now, he secures their listening ear. This opening exemplifies how one can bridge divides through respectful communication and a shared sense of heritage.