Acts 28 22

Acts 28:22 kjv

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

Acts 28:22 nkjv

But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere."

Acts 28:22 niv

But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect."

Acts 28:22 esv

But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against."

Acts 28:22 nlt

But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere."

Acts 28 verses

Acts 28 22 Meaning

The Jewish leaders in Rome, while not having received any direct accusation against Paul from Judea, expressed a strong desire to hear his perspective concerning "this sect" – meaning Christianity. They were acutely aware that this movement was widely opposed and slandered everywhere, implying a public perception that was largely negative. Their statement sets the stage for Paul to explain the nature of his faith directly to them.

Acts 28 22 Context

Acts chapter 28 recounts Paul's arrival in Rome as a prisoner, fulfilling his long-held desire and divine prophecy to bear witness there (Acts 23:11). Although under house arrest, he was permitted to live with a soldier to guard him, allowing him significant freedom to receive visitors. Three days after his arrival, Paul summoned the local Jewish leaders. He explained his appeal to Caesar, emphasizing that he had done nothing against the Jewish people or their ancestral customs (v. 17). The leaders responded that they had received no specific negative reports about him from Judea, nor had any Jew from there brought a charge against him (v. 21). However, Acts 28:22 immediately follows this, stating their desire to hear Paul's doctrine, acknowledging that Christianity, which they termed "this sect," was globally known for being "spoken against." This pivotal verse highlights their willingness, perhaps driven by curiosity or civic concern over a widely defamed movement, to give Paul a platform to explain his faith directly, setting the stage for his extended ministry in Rome.

Acts 28 22 Word analysis

• But: (δὲ - de) - Introduces a mild contrast or continuation. Here, it shifts the focus from their lack of specific accusations against Paul personally to their general knowledge about the Christian movement.
• we desire: (ἐπιθυμοῦμεν - epithymoumen) - From epithymeo, meaning "to long for, lust after," but also "to earnestly desire" or "wish for." It conveys a strong earnestness, not just casual curiosity, but a genuine wish to gain understanding.
• to hear from you: (παρὰ σοῦ ἀκοῦσαι - para sou akousai) - Emphasizes the direct source. They want to hear it directly from Paul, not through secondhand reports. This suggests a measure of impartiality or a genuine search for first-hand information.
• what you think: (ἃ φρονεῖς - ha phroneis) - From phroneo, meaning "to think, understand, intend, hold a certain opinion or mindset." It's not just "what you say," but "what you believe, your intellectual and spiritual position or outlook." They want to grasp his full perspective on this 'sect.'
• for concerning: (περὶ γὰρ - peri gar) - Introduces the reason for their desire to hear.
• this sect: (τῆς αἱρέσεως ταύτης - tēs haireseōs tautēs) - Hairesis (αἵρεσις) means "a chosen course of thought or action," often implying a philosophical school or a distinct religious party/faction. It could be neutral but was often used pejoratively, especially when describing a group perceived as deviating or schismatic. The Jewish leaders clearly viewed Christianity as a distinct and problematic faction within Judaism.
• we know: (οἴδαμεν - oidamen) - Perfect active indicative of oida, meaning "to know by observation," "to understand thoroughly." It indicates their established, certain knowledge about Christianity's reputation.
• that everywhere: (ὅτι πανταχοῦ - hoti pantachou) - "Universally," "in every place." This highlights the widespread knowledge of, and opposition to, Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, indicating its notoriety.
• it is spoken against: (ἀντιλαλεῖται - antilaleitai) - From antilaleo, meaning "to speak against," "contradict," "gainsay." It is in the passive voice, present tense, implying that the slandering and contradiction were continuous and ongoing. It signifies strong and constant opposition, rather than just occasional dissent.

Acts 28 22 Bonus section

• A "Sign to be Spoken Against": The widespread opposition to the early Church directly mirrors the prophecy concerning Jesus Himself in Lk 2:34. Just as Christ was a "sign that is spoken against," so too was His movement and His followers. This fulfills a divine pattern of truth encountering resistance.
• Opportunity in Adversity: The Roman Jewish leaders' acknowledgment of Christianity's controversial reputation, rather than shutting down discussion, paradoxically opened an opportunity for Paul. Their desire to hear firsthand provided him with an unfiltered audience to present the Gospel, not through rumor but through direct witness. This teaches that negative perceptions, if met with willingness to engage, can lead to powerful declarations of truth.
• Jewish-Christian Divergence: This verse reflects a growing chasm between traditional Judaism and the followers of Christ. What started as a Jewish movement (Acts 2-5) was by now clearly perceived as a distinct, problematic "sect" by mainstream Jewish communities, signaling a formal and increasingly bitter separation that would define later interactions.

Acts 28 22 Commentary

Acts 28:22 is a crucial statement reflecting the initial widespread public perception of Christianity outside of its immediate Judean context. The Roman Jewish leaders, while not having been personally involved in Paul's specific trials or accusations from Jerusalem, were well aware of the rapidly growing and increasingly distinct "sect" of Christians. Their use of "hairesis" ("sect") indicated their categorization of it as a distinct, perhaps aberrant, movement. The phrase "everywhere it is spoken against" underscores the deep-seated antagonism and misinformation that followed the early Church. Christians were often misunderstood, reviled, and accused of various transgressions (such as atheism for rejecting Roman gods, cannibalism due to distorted reports of the Eucharist, and sedition for their exclusive allegiance to Christ rather than Caesar). This verse beautifully sets the stage for Paul's evangelism, showing that despite universal opposition, a door for open discussion remained. It highlights that the gospel often thrives in the face of controversy, as curiosity, even born from prejudice, can open a pathway for truth to be declared.