Acts 21:39

KJV

But Paul said, I am a man [which am] a Jew of Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Paul {G3972} said {G2036}, I {G1473} am {G1510}{G3303} a man {G444} which am a Jew {G2453} of Tarsus {G5018}, a city in Cilicia {G2791}, a citizen {G4177} of no {G3756} mean {G767} city {G4172}: and {G1161}, I beseech {G1189} thee {G4675}, suffer {G2010} me {G3427} to speak {G2980} unto {G4314} the people {G2992}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha’ul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of an important city; and I ask your permission to let me speak to the people.”

Berean Standard Bible

But Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people.”

American Standard Version

But Paul said, I am a Jew, of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and I beseech thee, give me leave to speak unto the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Acts 21:39, the Apostle Paul, having been rescued by Roman soldiers from a violent mob in Jerusalem, asserts his identity to the Roman commander, Claudius Lysias. He clarifies that he is not a common criminal or an Egyptian insurrectionist, but a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a city of considerable repute. This strategic disclosure of his background serves to establish his credibility and, crucially, to obtain permission to address the very crowd that had just attempted to kill him, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his evangelistic mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Paul's third missionary journey, specifically during his final visit to Jerusalem as recorded in [Acts 21](/acts/21 "Acts 21 - Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem"). Paul has arrived in Jerusalem, fulfilling a prophetic warning of impending suffering ([Acts 21:10-14](/acts/21-10-14 "Acts 21:10-14 - Agabus's Prophecy")). His attempt to show solidarity with Jewish customs by undergoing a purification rite in the Temple backfires when Jews from Asia, recognizing him, stir up a riot, falsely accusing him of defiling the Temple by bringing Gentiles into its sacred precincts ([Acts 21:27-29](/acts/21-27-29 "Acts 21:27-29 - The Riot in the Temple")). The Roman commander intervenes to save Paul from being lynched, and initially, he mistakes Paul for a notorious Egyptian revolutionary ([Acts 21:38](/acts/21-38 "Acts 21:38 - Commander's Mistake")). Paul's statement in [Acts 21:39](/acts/21-39 "Acts 21:39 - Paul's Identity") is his immediate response to this misconception, a pivotal moment that opens the door for his defense before both the Jewish crowd and later, Roman authorities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tarsus, located in the Roman province of Cilicia (modern-day Turkey), was a highly significant city in the 1st century AD. It was a major commercial hub, strategically positioned on the Cydnus River, and a renowned center of Hellenistic learning, rivaling Athens and Alexandria in its philosophical schools and intellectual life. Emperor Augustus had granted Tarsus the status of a "free city," meaning it enjoyed a degree of self-governance and its citizens were exempt from certain Roman taxes, though it was not a Roman colony like Philippi. Paul's declaration of being a "citizen of no mean city" was a powerful statement of his social standing and intellectual background, directly addressing the Roman commander's assumption that he was a common agitator. Furthermore, his identity as a "Jew of Tarsus" underscored his dual heritage—deeply rooted in Jewish tradition (as a Pharisee, [Philippians 3:5](/philippians/3-5 "Philippians 3:5 - Paul's Jewish Heritage")) yet also shaped by the broader Hellenistic world, making him uniquely equipped for his mission to both Jews and Gentiles.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it highlights Paul's **strategic use of his identity and background** for the sake of the Gospel. He leverages his Roman citizenship and his esteemed Tarsian origin to gain a hearing, demonstrating that all aspects of one's life can be consecrated for God's purposes. Secondly, it underscores Paul's **unwavering boldness and commitment to evangelism**, even in the face of extreme danger. Despite having just been rescued from a murderous mob, his immediate request is to preach the Gospel to them, echoing his earlier declaration that he considers his life worth nothing if he can "finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace" ([Acts 20:24](/acts/20-24 "Acts 20:24 - Paul's Commitment to His Mission")). Lastly, the entire episode, from the riot to the Roman intervention and Paul's opportunity to speak, illustrates **divine providence** at work. What appears to be a chaotic and life-threatening situation is divinely orchestrated to provide Paul with a platform to bear witness to Christ before various audiences, fulfilling the Lord's promise that he would testify in Jerusalem, Rome, and before kings ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Encourages Paul")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jew (Greek, _Ioudaîos'_):** Paul identifies himself as a "Jew of Tarsus." This term, derived from "Judah," signifies belonging to the Jewish people and their religious and cultural heritage. For Paul, this was not merely an ethnic designation but the foundation of his upbringing as a Pharisee, "trained according to the strict sect of our religion" ([Acts 26:5](/acts/26-5 "Acts 26:5 - Paul's Pharisaic Background")). His emphasis on being a Jew from Tarsus distinguished him from a Jerusalem-born Jew, highlighting his broader background, yet firmly asserting his identity within the Jewish nation.
* **Citizen (Greek, _polítēs'_):** Paul declares himself a "citizen" of Tarsus. This word, _polítēs_, refers to a townsman or inhabitant of a _polis_ (city). In the Roman context, being a citizen of a "free city" like Tarsus carried significant prestige and rights, though distinct from Roman citizenship itself (which Paul also possessed, as revealed in [Acts 22:25-29](/acts/22-25-29 "Acts 22:25-29 - Paul's Roman Citizenship")). This assertion of his status as a legitimate, respected inhabitant of a notable city was crucial in disabusing the Roman commander of the notion that Paul was a mere vagrant or criminal.
* **Mean (Greek, _ásēmos'_):** The phrase "no mean city" translates the Greek _ou ásēmos pólis_. The word _ásēmos_ means "unmarked," "insignificant," or "ignoble." By using the emphatic double negative ("not insignificant"), Paul underscores the considerable reputation, influence, and importance of Tarsus. This was a direct and effective rhetorical strategy to elevate his own standing in the eyes of the Roman official, contrasting sharply with the commander's initial assumption that Paul was from an obscure or disreputable background, such as the Egyptian terrorist who had led a band of assassins.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Paul said, I am a man [which am] a Jew of Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia":** Paul immediately corrects the commander's misidentification. He asserts his true identity as a human being ("a man") who is ethnically a "Jew," specifically from "Tarsus," a city located in the Roman province of "Cilicia." This statement is precise, providing geographical and ethnic markers that immediately distinguish him from the Egyptian insurgent. It highlights his legitimate origin and background.
* **"a citizen of no mean city":** This is a powerful rhetorical flourish. Paul emphasizes the high standing and reputation of Tarsus. By stating it is "of no mean (insignificant) city," he uses a litotes (a double negative) to affirm its considerable importance and prestige. This implies that he himself, as a citizen of such a city, is also a person of substance and not a common criminal or a leader of a disreputable band.
* **"and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people":** Having established his credibility and respectable background, Paul makes a direct and urgent plea to the commander. The phrase "I beseech thee" (Greek _déomai_) conveys a strong request, almost a binding petition. He asks for "permission" (_epitrépō_, to allow or give leave) to address the very crowd that had just violently attacked him. This reveals Paul's unwavering focus on his mission to preach the Gospel, seeing even this perilous situation as an opportunity for witness.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's statement in [Acts 21:39](/acts/21-39 "Acts 21:39 - Paul's Identity") employs several effective literary devices. Most prominently, he uses **Litotes** in the phrase "no mean city." This figure of speech, where an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite, serves to emphasize the considerable importance and reputation of Tarsus. It's a subtle yet powerful way to convey that Tarsus was a city of significant standing, thereby elevating Paul's own status in the eyes of the Roman commander. Furthermore, Paul's entire address is an exercise in **Ethos**, establishing his credibility and character. By clearly stating his background as a Jew from a respected city, he builds trust with the commander, distinguishing himself from the assumed identity of a revolutionary. This strategic use of his personal identity and background allows him to gain a crucial opportunity to speak. The scene also demonstrates dramatic **Irony**, as Paul, having just been saved from a mob, immediately requests to speak to them, highlighting his audacious commitment to his mission, even in the face of extreme danger.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's assertion of his identity in [Acts 21:39](/acts/21-39 "Acts 21:39 - Paul's Identity") is more than a mere biographical detail; it is a theological statement about God's sovereign use of diverse backgrounds for His purposes. Paul, a Jew from a prominent Hellenistic city, a Pharisee by training, and a Roman citizen, embodies the very bridge between the Jewish and Gentile worlds that was central to his apostolic calling. His willingness to leverage his social standing and intellectual heritage for the sake of the Gospel demonstrates a profound understanding that all aspects of one's life, identity, and experiences can be consecrated to God's service. This episode underscores the theme of divine providence, where even moments of intense persecution are transformed into platforms for witness, fulfilling God's overarching plan for the spread of the Gospel.

* [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Paul's Commission to Gentiles") - The Lord tells Ananias that Paul is His chosen instrument to carry His name before Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ") - Paul counts all his former advantages, including his Jewish heritage and status, as loss for the sake of knowing Christ.
* [1 Corinthians 9:19-23](/1_corinthians/9-19-23 "1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - Paul Becomes All Things to All People") - Paul explains his strategy of becoming "all things to all people" to win some for Christ, demonstrating the flexibility and strategic use of identity for the Gospel.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's actions in [Acts 21:39](/acts/21-39 "Acts 21:39 - Paul's Identity") offer profound lessons for believers today. Firstly, we are reminded that our personal identity, background, and experiences are not accidental but are sovereignly woven by God into the fabric of our lives for His purposes. Just as Paul leveraged his Tarsian and Jewish heritage, we too can consider how our unique stories, professions, cultural contexts, or educational backgrounds can serve as platforms for sharing the Gospel. This requires a discerning spirit, recognizing opportunities for witness even in unexpected or challenging circumstances. Secondly, Paul's audacious request to speak to the very crowd that sought his life is a powerful call to courage in evangelism. It challenges us to move beyond fear and discomfort, trusting that God can open doors and grant us words even in hostile environments. Our mission is not contingent on comfortable settings but on faithful obedience, believing that God's power is made perfect in weakness. Ultimately, this passage encourages us to view every situation, whether favorable or adverse, as a potential opportunity for God's redemptive work, reminding us that His providence can turn apparent setbacks into strategic advances for His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I strategically leverage aspects of my own background, skills, or experiences to create opportunities for sharing the Gospel in my sphere of influence?**
* **In what areas of my life am I hesitant to speak about my faith due to fear or discomfort, and what steps can I take to cultivate greater courage, trusting in God's provision?**
* **Can I identify a recent "setback" or "crisis" in my life that, in hindsight, God might be using or intending to use as an unexpected platform for His purposes?**

### FAQ

**Why was it important for Paul to state he was from Tarsus, a "no mean city"?**

Answer: It was crucial for Paul to state he was from Tarsus, a "no mean city," to immediately correct the Roman commander's mistaken identity. The commander initially thought Paul was an Egyptian insurrectionist, a leader of a notorious band of assassins ([Acts 21:38](/acts/21-38 "Acts 21:38 - Commander's Mistake")). By identifying himself as a Jew from Tarsus, a city renowned for its intellectual and commercial significance in the Roman Empire, Paul was asserting his legitimate, respectable background. This distinguished him from a common criminal or a foreign agitator, establishing his credibility and social standing. It was a strategic move to gain the commander's respect and, ultimately, permission to address the crowd, which he successfully achieved in [Acts 21:40](/acts/21-40 "Acts 21:40 - Paul Addresses the Crowd")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 21:39, while focusing on Paul's identity and mission, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Paul's willingness to suffer and strategically use his background for the Gospel mirrors Christ's own embodiment of diverse identities for redemptive purposes. Jesus, though fully divine, "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He was "a Jew of Nazareth," a town considered insignificant ([John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Can Anything Good Come from Nazareth?")), yet He was the Son of God, the King of kings. Paul's boldness in facing a hostile crowd, driven by his commitment to proclaim the truth, reflects Christ's own unwavering resolve to go to Jerusalem, knowing the suffering that awaited Him, in order to fulfill His mission of salvation ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")). Ultimately, Paul's entire life and ministry, including his strategic identity disclosure and his passion for evangelism, were a living out of his union with Christ, who called him to be a witness to both Jews and Gentiles ([Acts 26:16-18](/acts/26-16-18 "Acts 26:16-18 - Paul's Commission from Christ")). Paul's suffering and subsequent opportunity to speak before authorities foreshadow the suffering and exaltation of Christ, who, through His death and resurrection, secured the ultimate platform for the Gospel to be proclaimed to all nations ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 22:3

¶ I am verily a man [which am] a Jew, born in Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, [and] taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Acts 9:11

And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

Acts 6:9

Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called [the synagogue] of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

Acts 23:27

This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

Acts 16:37

But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast [us] into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Acts 23:34

And when the governor had read [the letter], he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that [he was] of Cilicia;