Acts 21:40

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when he had given {G2010} him {G846} licence {G2010}, Paul {G3972} stood {G2476} on {G1909} the stairs {G304}, and beckoned {G2678} with the hand {G5495} unto the people {G2992}. And {G1161} when there was made {G1096} a great {G4183} silence {G4602}, he spake {G4377} unto them in the Hebrew {G1446} tongue {G1258}, saying {G3004},

Complete Jewish Bible

Having received permission, Sha’ul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people. When they finally became still, he addressed them in Hebrew:

Berean Standard Bible

Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew:

American Standard Version

And when he had given him leave, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with the hand unto the people; and when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew language, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:40 vividly portrays the Apostle Paul's remarkable composure and strategic acumen amidst a violent mob in Jerusalem. Having just been rescued from a lynching by Roman soldiers, Paul, with the tribune's permission, stands on the Temple stairs. He silences the agitated crowd with a simple hand gesture, then begins to address them in their native Aramaic, transforming a moment of extreme peril into an unexpected platform for his defense and the proclamation of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a pivotal transition in the narrative of [Acts 21](/acts/21 "Acts 21 - Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem"). Paul's arrival in Jerusalem, his efforts to demonstrate his adherence to Jewish customs (as seen in [Acts 21:20-26](/acts/21-20-26 "Paul's Purification Vow")), and the subsequent false accusations by Jews from Asia ([Acts 21:27-29](/acts/21-27-29 "False Accusations Against Paul")) culminate in a violent riot. The Roman tribune, Claudius Lysias, intervenes to save Paul from the mob ([Acts 21:30-36](/acts/21-30-36 "The Roman Tribune Rescues Paul")). As Paul is being led into the barracks, he requests permission to speak, setting the stage for his powerful defense and testimony that spans [Acts 22](/acts/22 "Acts 22 - Paul's Defense Before the Crowd") and [Acts 23](/acts/23 "Acts 23 - Paul Before the Sanhedrin"). This moment underscores Paul's unwavering commitment to evangelism, even in the face of imminent death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem in the first century was a city simmering with religious and political tension, especially during festivals like Pentecost, which Paul was observing. The Temple was the heart of Jewish identity and worship, and any perceived defilement was met with extreme outrage. Roman military presence, particularly the Antonia Fortress overlooking the Temple, was a constant reminder of Roman occupation, designed to maintain order. The "stairs" mentioned refer to the staircase leading from the Temple courtyard up to the Antonia Fortress. The "Hebrew tongue" refers to Aramaic, the common Semitic language spoken by Jews in Judea, distinct from the Greek often used for broader communication in the Roman Empire. Paul's choice to speak Aramaic was a deliberate cultural bridge, signaling respect and shared heritage to a hostile Jewish audience.
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 21:40](/acts/21-40 "Acts 21:40 - Paul Addresses the Mob") powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights **Paul's unwavering courage and composure** under extreme duress, echoing the steadfastness of other apostles in the face of persecution, as seen in [Acts 4:19-20](/acts/4-19-20 "Peter and John's Boldness"). Secondly, it demonstrates the **strategic and contextualized nature of Paul's evangelism**, where he adapts his communication method (speaking Aramaic) to connect with his audience, a principle he articulates in [1 Corinthians 9:22](/1_corinthians/9-22 "Paul's Adaptability in Ministry"). Lastly, the passage underscores **divine providence and God's sovereign control** over seemingly chaotic events. What began as an attempt to silence and kill Paul is miraculously transformed into a unique platform for him to proclaim the Gospel and share his personal testimony, a recurring theme throughout Paul's missionary journeys, where opposition often leads to greater opportunities for the spread of the Word, as in [Philippians 1:12](/philippians/1-12 "Paul's Imprisonment Furthers the Gospel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **silence (Greek, _sigḗ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to hiss" or "hush," this word denotes a state of profound quietness or stillness. In this context, it emphasizes the dramatic effect of Paul's gesture, transforming a tumultuous, murderous uproar into an attentive hush, signifying the crowd's astonishment and readiness (however temporary) to listen.
* **beckoned (Greek, _kataseíō'_):** This verb means "to sway downward" or "to make a signal." It describes Paul's physical gesture, a deliberate motion of the hand, used to command attention and quiet the agitated multitude. This simple, authoritative action demonstrates Paul's presence of mind and his ability to seize control of the chaotic situation.
* **Hebrew tongue (Greek, _Hebraḯs diálektos'_):** This phrase refers to the Aramaic language, the common vernacular spoken by Jews in Judea during the first century. Paul's choice to speak in Aramaic, rather than Greek (which he also spoke fluently), was a profound strategic move. It immediately signaled his solidarity with the Jewish people, bypassed the cultural barrier, and disarmed some of the initial hostility, making the crowd more receptive to his upcoming defense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had given him licence":** This clause highlights the Roman tribune's authority and Paul's respectful request. Despite being a prisoner, Paul maintains his dignity and seeks proper permission, demonstrating his adherence to legal processes and his strategic intent to address the crowd. The tribune's granting of "licence" (or permission) is a critical turning point, transforming Paul's precarious situation into an unexpected opportunity.
* **"Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people.":** This depicts Paul's bold and decisive action. Standing on the elevated "stairs" (leading to the Antonia Fortress) gave him a vantage point, symbolizing his authority and command of the situation. His "beckoning with the hand" is a powerful, non-verbal gesture that effectively cuts through the chaos, demanding and receiving the attention of the agitated crowd. This act showcases his remarkable composure and courage.
* **"And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto [them] in the Hebrew tongue, saying,":** This describes the immediate and profound impact of Paul's gesture. The "great silence" signifies the crowd's astonishment and the effectiveness of Paul's command. His subsequent decision to speak "in the Hebrew tongue" (Aramaic) was a masterstroke. It was a culturally sensitive and strategic choice that immediately resonated with his Jewish audience, signaling respect and shared identity, thus preparing them to hear his defense and testimony in the following chapter.

#### Literary Devices
The passage masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and emphasize Paul's character. **Narrative Tension** is palpable, as Paul, moments from death, is granted a platform to speak to his would-be murderers. This creates a powerful sense of anticipation for what he will say. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the contrast between the preceding "tumult" and the sudden "great silence" Paul commands, highlighting his remarkable presence and authority. **Symbolism** is present in Paul standing "on the stairs," an elevated position that not only provides a physical vantage point but also metaphorically elevates his status from a mere prisoner to a commanding speaker. The choice of the "Hebrew tongue" serves as a form of **Pathos**, appealing to the crowd's ethnic and religious identity, demonstrating Paul's shared heritage and attempting to disarm their hostility through cultural affinity. Finally, the scene is rich in **Characterization**, showcasing Paul's spiritual courage, strategic intellect, and unwavering commitment to his mission, even when facing extreme personal danger.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:40 powerfully illustrates the divine orchestration of events, transforming a moment of extreme danger into an opportunity for gospel proclamation. Paul's composure and strategic communication reflect a deep trust in God's providence, demonstrating that even in the most hostile environments, God can open doors for His message to be heard. This incident serves as a testament to the Holy Spirit's empowering presence, enabling believers to stand firm and speak truth in the face of intense opposition, mirroring the Lord's promise to provide words in times of persecution.
* [Matthew 10:19-20](/matthew/10-19-20 "Do Not Worry About What to Say")
* [Luke 21:12-15](/luke/21-12-15 "Persecution and Endurance")
* [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's actions in Acts 21:40 offer profound lessons for believers navigating challenging circumstances today. His ability to maintain composure and clarity of purpose amidst a murderous mob is a powerful example of faith under pressure. We are called to cultivate a similar inner peace, rooted in our trust in God's sovereignty, allowing us to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively when faced with adversity, false accusations, or hostility. Furthermore, Paul's strategic choice to speak in the "Hebrew tongue" highlights the importance of contextualized communication. For us, this means understanding our audience, adapting our approach, and finding common ground to effectively convey the Gospel or resolve conflict, always seeking to build bridges rather than walls. This passage challenges us to view even our most difficult trials as potential platforms for God's purposes, seizing opportunities to witness to His truth with courage and wisdom, just as Paul did on the Temple stairs.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate Paul's level of composure and trust in God when facing unexpected crises or opposition in my own life?**
* **In what ways can I be more intentional about adapting my communication style or message to better connect with diverse audiences, as Paul did with the "Hebrew tongue"?**
* **Can I identify a past or current difficult situation in my life that God might be using, or could use, as an unexpected platform for His glory or for my witness?**

### FAQ

**Why did Paul choose to speak in the "Hebrew tongue" instead of Greek?**

Answer: Paul's decision to speak in the "Hebrew tongue" (which was Aramaic, the common language of Judean Jews in the first century) was a highly strategic and culturally sensitive move. While Paul was fluent in Greek and had just conversed with the Roman tribune in Greek ([Acts 21:37](/acts/21-37 "Paul's Conversation with the Tribune")), speaking Aramaic immediately signaled to the Jewish crowd that he was one of them, a fellow Jew, rather than a foreign agitator. This choice disarmed some of their initial rage, surprised them into silence, and created a momentary bridge of understanding. It showed respect for their heritage and made them more receptive to his subsequent defense and personal testimony, which begins in [Acts 22:1](/acts/22-1 "Paul's Defense Begins").

**What does Paul's composure in this situation teach us about faith?**

Answer: Paul's remarkable composure in [Acts 21:40](/acts/21-40 "Acts 21:40 - Paul Addresses the Mob"), moments after being brutally beaten and nearly lynched, teaches us about a deep, abiding faith that transcends circumstances. His calm demeanor, his request to speak, and his commanding gesture demonstrate a profound trust in God's sovereignty and purpose, even amidst extreme danger. It illustrates that true faith enables believers to remain clear-headed and purposeful, not paralyzed by fear, even when facing death. This composure is a testament to the Holy Spirit's empowering presence, allowing Paul to see a divine opportunity where others would only see peril, echoing the steadfastness of early believers in [Acts 4:31](/acts/4-31 "Boldness of the Disciples").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 21:40, though a narrative of Paul's personal courage, profoundly points to Christ in its underlying themes of suffering, testimony, and divine purpose. Paul's willingness to face a hostile crowd, even unto death, mirrors the ultimate self-sacrifice of Jesus, who willingly submitted to the cross for the salvation of humanity ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Just as Paul uses his moment of peril to bear witness to his encounter with the Risen Christ, so too is the entire Christian life a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel, centered on Jesus' death and resurrection ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission")). The "great silence" Paul commands foreshadows the universal submission to the authority of Christ, before whom "every knee should bow" ([Philippians 2:10](/phil/2-10 "Every Knee Shall Bow")). Ultimately, Paul's mission, empowered by the Spirit, is to proclaim Christ, the true King, whose kingdom advances even through the trials and tribulations of His faithful servants, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan unfolds through the faithful witness of those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes ([Revelation 14:4](/revelation/14-4 "Follow the Lamb Wherever He Goes")).

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 12:17

But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

Acts 26:14

And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Acts 22:2

(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

John 5:2

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep [market] a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

Acts 21:35

And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

Acts 19:33

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

John 19:17

And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called [the place] of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: