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Acts 21:39

PaulCiliciaTarsus

37 As they were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?” “Do you speak Greek?” he replied.

38 “Aren’t you the Egyptian who incited a rebellion some time ago and led four thousand members of the ‘Assassins’ into the wilderness?”

But Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people.”

40 Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew:

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Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
But Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people.”
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.
WEB
But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.”
ASV
But Paul said, I am a Jew, of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and I beseech thee, give me leave to speak unto the people.
DARBY
But Paul said, *I* am a Jew of Tarsus, citizen of no insignificant city of Cilicia, and I beseech of thee, allow me to speak to the people.
BLB
But Paul said, “I am indeed a Jew, a man of Tarsus of Cilicia, a citizen [of] no insignificant city. Now I implore you, allow me to speak to the people.”
ÅB
Da sa Paulus: Jeg er en jøde, fra Tarsus, borger av en ikke ukjent by i Kilikia; men jeg ber deg: Gi meg lov å tale til folket!
OTB
Paulus sa: "Jeg er en jøde fra Tarsus i Kilikia, en borger av ingen ubetydelig by. Jeg ber deg, la meg tale til folket."
B1930
Da sa Paulus: Jeg er en jøde, fra Tarsus, borger av en ikke ukjent by i Kilikia; men jeg ber dig: Gi mig lov å tale til folket!

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Acts 22:3

    “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I am just as zealous for God as any of you here today.

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  • Acts 9:11

    “Get up!” the Lord told him. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.

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  • Acts 6:9

    But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. They began to argue with Stephen,

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  • Acts 23:27

    This man was seized by the Jews, and they were about to kill him when I came with my troops to rescue him. For I had learned that he is a Roman citizen,

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  • Acts 15:41

    And he traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

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  • 1 Peter 3:15

    But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

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  • 1 Peter 4:15–16

    Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.

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  • Acts 21:37

    As they were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?” “Do you speak Greek?” he replied.

    Read in context