Acts 21:40 Meaning and Explanation
“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,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Granted permission, Paul stands on the stairs, motions to the crowd, and when a great silence falls, addresses them in Hebrew.
What Does Acts 21:40 Mean?
The tribune grants permission, and Paul stands on the stairs and gestures with his hand to quiet the crowd. When a great silence settles over them, he begins to speak in the Hebrew tongue, the language of his hearers. The chapter closes on the threshold of his defense.
From the very stairs where he was nearly torn apart, Paul turns to preach. He addresses the crowd in their own language, reaching for their hearts. The hush that falls is a gift, a moment of opportunity wrested from chaos. The Lord who preserved his life now grants him a hearing, and the bound apostle becomes, even here, a herald of Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 21:40
What does Acts 21:40 mean?
Granted permission, Paul stands on the stairs, motions to the crowd, and when a great silence falls, addresses them in Hebrew.