MPV Commentary

Paul's Defense from the Stairs of the Fortress--The Rage of the Audience

When they heard him speaking in Hebrew, they kept even more silence (Ac 21:40). They could have understood him in Greek, and it is likely that they expected him to address them in that language. However, the sound of their holy mother tongue had a profound effect on them, causing them to remain silent.

Paul explained his background to the crowd, stating that he was a Jew from Tarsus, brought up at the feet of Gamaliel (Ac 5:34). This education stood him in good stead for his future career as an apostle. Paul described himself as zealous toward God, just like they were on that day. However, this zeal had previously led him to persecute the disciples of Jesus.

Paul then mentioned his past actions against the church, stating that he had persecuted them and was responsible for their imprisonment (Ac 9:1-2). The high priest and all the members of the Sanhedrin bore witness to Paul's testimony. He also mentioned Ananias, a devout man who had a good reputation among the Jews, and how God had chosen him to see the Just One and hear his voice.

Paul told them that he was baptized and washed away his sins by calling on the name of the Lord (Ac 8:37). After his conversion, Paul returned to Jerusalem and prayed in the temple. However, he was warned by the Lord to get out of Jerusalem quickly because they would not receive his testimony. The Lord sent him far hence to the Gentiles.

The crowd gave Paul their attention until he mentioned a mission to the Gentiles. Their national prejudices were stirred up, and they would have done to him what they did to Stephen if it weren't for the presence and protection of the Roman officer. They examined Paul by scourging him to find out why the crowd was so upset.

The centurion in charge asked Paul if he had any objection to being scourged as a Roman citizen. Paul replied that it was not lawful to scourge a man who was a Roman citizen without a trial. The centurion then asked Paul if he was indeed a Roman citizen, and Paul explained that his father was a Roman citizen.

The chief captain was afraid of the consequences of mistreating a Roman citizen and ordered the Sanhedrin to appear before him. This marked a significant turning point in the proceedings, as the Roman officers assumed the power to order a Sanhedrim to try the case.