Acts 28:22

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

But {G1161} we desire {G515} to hear {G191} of {G3844} thee {G4675} what {G3739} thou thinkest {G5426}: for {G1063} as concerning {G4012}{G3303} this {G5026} sect {G139}, we {G2254} know {G2076}{G1110} that {G3754} every where {G3837} it is spoken against {G483}.

But we do think it would be appropriate to hear your views from you, yourself; for all we know about this sect is that people everywhere speak against it.”

But we consider your views worth hearing, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.”

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.

Acts 28:22 captures a pivotal moment in Paul's ministry in Rome, highlighting the widespread perception of early Christianity among the Jewish community.

Context

Having arrived in Rome as a prisoner under house arrest, Paul, ever the evangelist, took the initiative to call together the chief of the Jews (Acts 28:17). He explained his situation, clarifying that he had not acted against the Jewish people or their customs, but was imprisoned because of the hope of Israel, leading to his appeal to Caesar (Acts 28:20). The Jewish leaders' response in verse 22 reveals their curiosity and their awareness of the negative reputation of the Christian movement.

Key Themes

  • Widespread Opposition: The phrase "every where it is spoken against" underscores the significant and pervasive hostility that early Christians faced throughout the Roman Empire. This opposition often stemmed from misunderstanding, fear, and perceived threats to traditional religious or social structures.
  • Desire for Direct Information: Despite the prevailing negative sentiment, the Jewish leaders expressed a desire to hear Paul's personal perspective ("what thou thinkest"). This indicates a willingness, at least initially, to move beyond hearsay and engage directly with a prominent representative of "this Way", as Christianity was sometimes called.
  • Christianity as a "Sect": The term "this sect" (Greek: hairesis) reflects how early Christianity was viewed by those outside, particularly by mainstream Judaism. It was not seen as a continuation or legitimate branch of Judaism, but as a distinct, often subversive, and controversial group.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "sect" is hairesis (αἵρεσις), from which we get our English word "heresy." In this context, it doesn't necessarily carry the full negative theological weight of "heresy" as we understand it today, but rather denotes a distinct school of thought, party, or philosophical persuasion. However, its usage here, combined with "spoken against," certainly implies a dissenting and often maligned group. The phrase "spoken against" comes from the Greek antilegō (ἀντιλέγω), meaning "to speak against," "contradict," or "oppose," emphasizing the active and widespread nature of the criticism leveled against believers.

Related Scriptures

The widespread negative perception mentioned here is consistent with other New Testament accounts. For example, in Acts 24:5, Tertullus, a lawyer for the Jews, accuses Paul of being a "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes," further confirming the external view of Christianity as a distinct and troublesome sect. The apostles often faced persecution and opposition for their message.

Practical Application

Acts 28:22 reminds us that throughout history, following Christ has often been met with misunderstanding, criticism, and even active opposition. It highlights the importance of not forming opinions based solely on hearsay or popular sentiment, but seeking to understand from primary sources. For believers today, this verse serves as an encouragement to be prepared to articulate their faith clearly and charitably, just as Paul did, and to remember that being "spoken against" for Christ's sake is a shared experience of the faithful, as Jesus himself warned in John 15:18-19.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Peter 2:12

    Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

  • Acts 24:14

    But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

  • 1 Peter 3:16

    ¶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

  • Acts 16:20

    And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

  • Acts 16:21

    And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

  • Acts 17:6

    And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

  • Acts 17:7

    Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, [one] Jesus.

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