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Book of Acts - Chapter 28 - Verse 21

28:21
And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Acts, the speaker is referencing a conversation in which others have spoken about a person, presumably the apostle Paul. The speaker is telling Paul that neither they nor anyone else received any negative reports or letters from Judea about him. This is significant because it shows that there was no official communication about Paul that could have caused concern or trouble. The lack of knowledge or information about any harm done by Paul suggests that he was not being accused of any wrongdoing that would warrant punishment or reprimand. This verse highlights the innocence of Paul and the lack of evidence or witnesses against him, emphasizing his integrity and good reputation among his peers. Overall, this passage serves to exonerate Paul and establish his credibility in the eyes of those he is speaking to.

Theological Overview

Upon examining the theological interpretation of Acts 28:21, we can see that the individuals speaking to the apostle Paul were expressing their ignorance of any negative reports or letters from Judea regarding him. This signifies a lack of prior knowledge about Paul and his situation. It also reveals the importance of verifying information before forming judgments or conclusions. The word "received" in this verse can also be studied in the original Greek to gain a deeper understanding of the context and implications. By exploring the etymology and usage of this word in other biblical texts, we can uncover layers of meaning and significance that enhance our comprehension of the passage. Furthermore, the mention of "letters" highlights the significance of written communication in biblical times and emphasizes the power of words to shape perceptions and influence interactions. Overall, this verse underscores the value of discernment and unbiased inquiry when evaluating new information or encountering unfamiliar situations.

American Standard Version

And they said unto him, We neither received letters from Judaea concerning thee, nor did any of the brethren come hither and report or speak any harm of thee.
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