Acts 21:40 - When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. When there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Acts 21:40" mean?
This verse, Acts 21:40, is a pivotal moment in the book of Acts and reveals several important things:
Permission Granted: Paul had just been arrested in the temple for allegedly defiling it by bringing Gentiles into the inner court (Acts 21:27-30). The crowd was enraged and trying to kill him. He was rescued by Roman soldiers, who were about to take him into their barracks. Paul asked the Roman commander if he could address the crowd. The verse states that the commander "gave him permission," demonstrating that Paul was now under the authority and protection of the Roman army. This shows the Roman system of justice, even if they were initially confused about the situation.
A Gesture for Silence: Paul "standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people" is a visual image. He positions himself above the crowd, using a gesture to command their attention. The "stairs" likely refer to the steps leading up to the Antonia Fortress, which overlooked the temple grounds. This physical positioning is meant to get the crowds attention and implies that he is in a position of relative authority.
Great Silence: The fact that "there was a great silence" after his gesture is significant. The crowd had been a riotous mob just moments before. Paul's presence and gesture created a space for him to speak and implies that some were at least interested to hear what he had to say. This also indicates the Paul's command presence.
Speaking in Hebrew: Paul's decision to speak "to them in the Hebrew language" (actually Aramaic, the common language of the Jews at the time, though often called "Hebrew" in the New Testament) is crucial. By addressing them in their native tongue, he is making a direct connection with them on a cultural and religious level. He's signaling that he is one of them and that he wants to communicate with them in a way that is accessible and respectful. It's an attempt to bridge the gap created by the accusations against him. This would have also allowed him to appeal to their shared heritage and scripture. Speaking in their own language would have helped to diffuse some of the hostility and get their attention.
In summary, this verse sets the stage for Paul's defense. It highlights his strategic approach to a volatile situation: using his Roman protection, commanding their attention, and connecting with his audience through their common language and heritage. This verse is a turning point in the narrative, leading into Paul's recounting of his conversion experience and his explanation for his actions.
Acts 21:40 - When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. When there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,
What does "Acts 21:40" mean?
This verse, Acts 21:40, is a pivotal moment in the book of Acts and reveals several important things:
Permission Granted: Paul had just been arrested in the temple for allegedly defiling it by bringing Gentiles into the inner court (Acts 21:27-30). The crowd was enraged and trying to kill him. He was rescued by Roman soldiers, who were about to take him into their barracks. Paul asked the Roman commander if he could address the crowd. The verse states that the commander "gave him permission," demonstrating that Paul was now under the authority and protection of the Roman army. This shows the Roman system of justice, even if they were initially confused about the situation.
A Gesture for Silence: Paul "standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people" is a visual image. He positions himself above the crowd, using a gesture to command their attention. The "stairs" likely refer to the steps leading up to the Antonia Fortress, which overlooked the temple grounds. This physical positioning is meant to get the crowds attention and implies that he is in a position of relative authority.
Great Silence: The fact that "there was a great silence" after his gesture is significant. The crowd had been a riotous mob just moments before. Paul's presence and gesture created a space for him to speak and implies that some were at least interested to hear what he had to say. This also indicates the Paul's command presence.
Speaking in Hebrew: Paul's decision to speak "to them in the Hebrew language" (actually Aramaic, the common language of the Jews at the time, though often called "Hebrew" in the New Testament) is crucial. By addressing them in their native tongue, he is making a direct connection with them on a cultural and religious level. He's signaling that he is one of them and that he wants to communicate with them in a way that is accessible and respectful. It's an attempt to bridge the gap created by the accusations against him. This would have also allowed him to appeal to their shared heritage and scripture. Speaking in their own language would have helped to diffuse some of the hostility and get their attention.
In summary, this verse sets the stage for Paul's defense. It highlights his strategic approach to a volatile situation: using his Roman protection, commanding their attention, and connecting with his audience through their common language and heritage. This verse is a turning point in the narrative, leading into Paul's recounting of his conversion experience and his explanation for his actions.