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Book of Acts - Chapter 21 - Verse 40

21:40
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,

Meaning

The verse '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,' from Acts 21:40 provides insight into Paul's approach to sharing the gospel with different audiences. As Paul stood on the stairs, he was granted permission to speak to the crowd and chose to address them in their native language, Hebrew. By doing so, Paul demonstrated his willingness to meet the people where they were at and effectively communicate the message of Jesus Christ to them in a way that they could understand. This approach highlights the importance of cultural relevance and effective communication in sharing the gospel, showing that Paul was intentional in his efforts to connect with his audience and make the message accessible to them. By speaking in the Hebrew tongue, Paul was able to capture the attention of the crowd and engage them in a meaningful way, setting the stage for a powerful message to be delivered.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Acts 21:40, we see Paul addressing a crowd in Jerusalem after being given permission by a Roman centurion. The fact that Paul spoke to the people in the Hebrew tongue is significant as it shows his willingness to connect with the Jewish audience in a language they understood and respected. By speaking in Hebrew, Paul was able to establish a more personal and intimate connection with his listeners, emphasizing the importance of the message he was about to deliver. This choice of language also indicates Paul's deep knowledge and respect for Jewish traditions and culture. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights Paul's commitment to spreading the message of Christ to both Jews and Gentiles, using different approaches to effectively communicate the gospel. By understanding the historical and cultural context of Paul's actions, we can gain a deeper appreciation for his missionary efforts and the impact of his teachings on early Christianity.

American Standard Version

And when he had given him leave, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with the hand unto the people; and when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew language, saying,
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