Paul Speaks to the People

Acts 21

37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, "May I say something to you?" And he said, "Do you know Greek? 38 Are you not r the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out s into the wilderness?" 39 Paul replied, t "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people." 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, u motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in v the Hebrew language, 1 saying:

Acts 22

1 w "Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you."

2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in x the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:

3 y "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated z at the feet of a Gamaliel 2 b according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, c being zealous for God d as all of you are this day. 4 e I persecuted f this Way g to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as h the high priest and i the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to j the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.

6 k "As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' 8 And I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me, 'I am l Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.' 9 m Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand 3 the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, n 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.' 11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

12 "And o one Ananias, a devout man p according to the law, q well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 r came to me, and standing by me said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And s at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, t 'The God of our fathers u appointed you to know his will, v to see w the Righteous One and x to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for y you will be a witness for him to everyone of what z you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? a Rise and be baptized and b wash away your sins, c calling on his name.'

17 d "When I had returned to Jerusalem and e was praying in the temple, I fell into f a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, g 'Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.' 19 And I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another h I imprisoned and i beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen j your witness was being shed, k I myself was standing by and l approving and k watching over the garments of those who killed him.' 21 And he said to me, 'Go, for I will send you m far away to the Gentiles.'"

  1. Cross References
    Acts 5:36
    For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.
  2. Cross References
    Matthew 24:26
    So, if they say to you, 'Look, he is in the wilderness,' do not go out. If they say, 'Look, he is in the inner rooms,' do not believe it.
  3. Cross References
    Acts 9:11
    And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying.
    Acts 22:3
    I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day.
  4. Cross References
    Acts 12:17
    But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Tell these things to James and to the brothers." Then he departed and went to another place.
  5. Cross References
    Acts 22:2
    And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:
    Acts 26:14
    And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.
  6. Cross References
    Acts 7:2
    And Stephen said: "Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran.
  7. Cross References
    Acts 21:40
    And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:
  8. Cross References
    Acts 9:11
    And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying.
    Acts 21:39
    Paul replied, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.
    Romans 11:1
    I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.
    2 Corinthians 11:22
    Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I.
    Philippians 3:5
    Circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee.
  9. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 33:3
    Yes, he loved his people, all his holy ones were in his hand; so they followed in your steps, receiving direction from you.
    2 Kings 4:38
    And Elisha came again to Gilgal when there was a famine in the land. And as the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, "Set on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.
    Luke 10:39
    And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.
  10. Cross References
    Acts 5:34
    But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while.
  11. Cross References
    Acts 26:5
    They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.
  12. Cross References
    John 16:2
    They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.
    Philippians 3:6
    As to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
    Acts 21:20
    And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law.
  13. Cross References
    Romans 10:2
    For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
  14. Cross References
    Acts 22:19
    And I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you.
    Acts 8:3
    But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.
  15. Cross References
    Acts 5:20
    "Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life."
    Acts 9:2
    And asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
  16. Cross References
    Acts 26:10
    And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.
    Acts 22:20
    And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.
    Acts 8:1
    And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
  17. Cross References
    Acts 9:1
    But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
  18. Cross References
    Luke 22:66
    When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said.
    1 Timothy 4:14
    Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.
  19. Cross References
    Acts 28:21
    And they said to him, "We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.
  20. Cross References
    Acts 22:6 - 11
    As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me.
    Acts 9:3 - 8
    Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.
    Acts 26:12 - 18
    In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.
  21. Cross References
    Acts 26:9
    I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
  22. Cross References
    Daniel 10:7
    And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves.
    Acts 9:7
    The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.
  23. Cross References
    Acts 16:30
    Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
  24. Cross References
    Acts 9:10
    Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord.
  25. Cross References
    Acts 24:14
    But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets.
  26. Cross References
    Acts 10:22
    And they said, "Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.
  27. Cross References
    Acts 9:17
    So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
  28. Cross References
    Acts 9:18
    And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized.
  29. Cross References
    Acts 3:13
    The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.
  30. Cross References
    Acts 9:15
    But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
    Acts 26:16
    But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you.
  31. Cross References
    Acts 22:18
    And saw him saying to me, 'Make haste and get o...
    Acts 9:17
    So Ananias departed and entered the house. And ...
    Acts 26:16
    But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have a...
    1 Corinthians 9:1
    Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not ...
    1 Corinthians 15:8
    Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appear...
    Acts 22:15
    For you will be a witness for him to everyone o...
  32. Cross References
    Acts 3:14
    But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you.
  33. Cross References
    Galatians 1:12
    For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
  34. Cross References
    Acts 23:11
    The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.
  35. Cross References
    Acts 22:14
    And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth.
    Acts 4:20
    For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.
  36. Cross References
    Acts 9:18
    And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized.
  37. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 6:11
    And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
    Hebrews 10:22
    Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
    Psalms 51:2
    Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!
    Acts 2:38
    And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
  38. Cross References
    Acts 9:14
    And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.
  39. Cross References
    Acts 9:26
    And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.
    Acts 26:20
    But declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.
  40. Cross References
    Acts 3:1
    Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
    Luke 18:10
    Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
  41. Cross References
    Acts 10:10
    And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance
    Acts 11:5
    I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me.
    2 Corinthians 12:1 - 4
    I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
  42. Cross References
    Acts 9:29
    And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him.
  43. Cross References
    Acts 22:4
    I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women.
  44. Cross References
    Acts 26:11
    And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
    Matthew 10:17
    Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues.
  45. Cross References
    Revelation 2:13
    'I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
  46. Cross References
    Acts 7:58
    Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
  47. Cross References
    Acts 7:58
    Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
  48. Cross References
    Acts 8:1
    And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
    Acts 26:10
    And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.
    Romans 1:32
    Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
  49. Cross References
    Acts 2:39
    For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.
    Acts 9:15
    But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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