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Acts 21:40

King James Version (KJV)

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— D.L. Moody

Acts 21:40

Verse 40 of 40

Scripture focus

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,

Acts 21:40 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Acts 21:40

Theological / Devotional

Had given ... licence. Gr. epitrepo, “to permit,” “to allow,” “to give leave.” The word is used in the papyri in this sense.

On the stairs. A position above the crowd and comparatively safe, in case they should again react unfavorably — which they did (ch. 22:22-25).

Beckoned with the hand. A gesture designed to silence the mob, implying that Paul wished to speak.

In the Hebrew tongue. That is, in the Aramaic tongue, literally, “dialect.” Now Paul will make a brief defense, upon which his freedom to preach the gospel, if not his very life, may depend. How calm he is, in contrast with the turbulent mob below See Vol. I, p. 30.

By SdaBc