Preface: Acts 22 is a continuation of the great drama which began in Acts 21. A riot has broken out in Jerusalem, the chiliarch has calmed things down, and Paul requests to speak to the Jewish people. It is at this point that Acts 22 begins. Most of Acts 22 is Paul giving his testimony to the Jewish people. However, at a crucial point, the Jewish audience gets out of control and they demand for Paul to be executed. The chiliarch breaks things up and decides to beat Paul with whips until he confesses to a crime. At this point, Paul says, “I am a Roman; is this lawful for you to do?” The chiliarch’s plan suddenly comes to a standstill. He cannot beat a confession out of a Roman citizen.

Bible Summary: Paul said, "Jesus appeared to me and sent me to the Gentiles." The crowd threw dust. Paul told the tribune, "I am a Roman citizen."

The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 22 (a chart); from Slide Player; accessed June 30, 2022.

This should be the most extensive examination of Acts 22 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview: (taken from Light of the Word; accessed April 22, 2022).

Time and Place as per Modern Literal Version 2020:

{May 23, 59 AD. Paul’s fifth visit to Jerusalem.}

Outline of Chapter 22:

Preface

Introduction

         vv.     1–21         Paul Gives His Personal Conversion Testimony to the Jerusalem Jews

         vv.         1–5          Paul was a well-known persecutor of Christian Jews

         vv.         6–10        Jesus appears to Paul outside of Damascus

         vv.        11–16        Paul is baptized in Damascus

         vv.        17–21        Jesus appears to Paul in Jerusalem

         vv.    22–30         After Another Near Riot, the Chiliarch Decides to Beat a Confession out of Paul

         vv.        22–23        The Jewish crowd becomes unruly

         vv.        24–29        Paul is taken to the military compound and he reveals that he is a Roman citizen

         vv.         30           The chiliarch decides to have another open court

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 22 (a chart)

         Preface               Quotations

Doctrines Alluded to

Chapters of the Bible Alluded To or Appropriately Exegeted with this Chapter

Dictionary of Terms

         Introduction         Introduction to Acts 22

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Acts 22 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Acts 22 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Acts 22

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Acts 22

         Introduction         The Principals of Acts 22

         Introduction         The Places of Acts 22

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 22

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Acts 22 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 22 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Acts 18–23)

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

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         v.      17              Order of Events: Paul in Damascus, in Arabia and then in Jerusalem

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Acts 22 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Acts 22

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Acts 22

         Summary 

         Summary 

         Addendum          The Importance of the Military (by R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 21:40–22:5

         Addendum          The Abbreviated Doctrine of The Way of God

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 22:6–11

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 22:12–16

         Addendum          Saul Meets Jesus Outside of Damascus (Acts 9:1–19)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 22:17–21

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 22:22–28

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 22:29–30

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Acts 22

         Addendum 

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Acts 22

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Acts 22

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Acts 22

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An Introduction to Acts 22

I ntroduction: In the previous chapter, Acts 21 (HTML) (PDF) (WPD), I speculated a great deal about what happened to Paul. That is, he was told by quite a number of people—empowered by God the Holy Spirit—not to go to Jerusalem, and yet he went. In the latter half of that chapter, Paul gives a lot of ground when it comes to legalism. He agreed to sponsor and take part in some vows, for goodness sake! I had a number of suggestions, such as emotional revolt of the soul; nostalgia arrogance, and an over-estimation of his own ability to debate (Paul believes that he can out-debate negative volition).

In Acts 22, we are going to hear with our own ears the arguments which Paul made to the Jews in Jerusalem, and let me add to those other reasons, that he had thought about this meeting again for a very long time and now he knew what he was going to say. He had it all mapped out in his head, and he appeared to be willing to give in at any point just to be able to say these things to the Jews in Jerusalem.

I have no doubts that Paul was both fearless and sincere about his concern for the Jews in Jerusalem. The problem was—and Paul did not seem to grasp this—is that there was no positive volition in Jerusalem and there was an abundance of positive volition throughout the Roman empire.

The final quarter of Acts (Acts 21–28) is a fascinating drama which plays out. Previous to this, we have most of Acts being about Paul and his missionary journeys (there are three recorded in the book of Acts and, apparently, a fourth tour to which Paul alludes in his epistles).

Now, Luke is simply recording what is taking place. However, God the Holy Spirit provides the overall guidance, and He has determined that a large chunk of Acts be given over to Paul, resisting the Holy Spirit, and going to Jerusalem. What is the result of this plays out in the final 8 chapters of Acts. What is fascinating about this is, Paul, by making a series of bad decisions which land him in Jerusalem, is, nevertheless, restored to the plan of God (despite a number of false steps on his part).

God wants Paul in Rome and evangelizing throughout the Roman empire. Paul has this great emotional desire to return to Jerusalem and to give them the benefit of his personal experience as a Jew saved by Jesus Christ. There are about three ways that this can play out: (1) Paul’s negative volition toward the plan of God could end up with him dying the sin unto death. (2) Paul could acquiesce to the plan of God, and do what God has been telling him to do. Or (3) God could overrule Paul’s obsession with Jerusalem, and put him in the right place (and Paul would take the ball from there).

Just as the final verse (or previous section of Acts 21) should have been placed with Acts 22; so the final verse of this chapter should have been placed with Acts 23. What we have is one extended adventure which had to be broken up into smaller pieces (chapters), but this division I think could have been done better.

Most of Acts 22 is Paul’s defense before the Jews, and this is what he had wanted to do in Jerusalem. He wanted to come to Jerusalem and give his testimony and win many souls for Christ. The problem being, there were not many souls in Jerusalem who were willing to believe in Jesus. Furthermore, many of those who believed in Jesus had apparently become very legalistic.

In Acts 21, Paul had come to Jerusalem. A riot or near-riot broke out, and the military man in charge, known here only as the chiliarch (his title, not his name), set about to restore the peace. He had no idea who Paul is, what the dispute is; but suddenly, his city has exploded.

As the chiliarch is attempting to wrap his arms around this problem, Paul suggests, “Let me speak to this people.” This is what Paul wanted. This is why he came to Jerusalem. To Paul, this probably seemed to the opportunity which he had so strongly desired. Vv. 1–21 records Paul’s defense to the Jews, which is essentially Paul’s testimony to them of how Jesus changed his life (his experience being quite dramatic, as it included seeing Jesus face to face, as it were).

As soon as Paul says that Jesus was going to send him to the gentiles, the place erupted, with Jews calling for his execution. Although we do not really know the chiliarch’s inner conversation, this must have surprised him. He has not heard Paul say anything self-incriminating, but the place erupts into chaos.

The chiliarch separates Paul from this angry mob and hauls him to the barracks. The intent of the chiliarch is to question Paul using scourging. Essentially, his plan was to beat a confession out of Paul and punish him for whatever he admitted to. However, before things can get that far, Paul says, “Is it lawful to beat a confession out of a Roman citizen?” At that point, everything stops. The soldiers, the centurion over the soldiers and the chiliarch could all find themselves up on charges for torturing a Roman citizen. That was never an option left open to them; that was a crime. Any or all of them could be punished, jailed, fined for doing such a thing. The chiliarch shuts this approach down.

The next morning, the Chiliarch arises and decides to follow the book here, and to gather in a calm meeting, the chief priests and the Sanhedrin and Paul, and to gather some clear testimony. At this point, the chiliarch does not even have a crime to charge Paul with. And, at this point in Acts 22, the chapter ends. What happens in this meeting (apparently an open air court) is the subject matter of Acts 23.

Also in view is, because this is narrative and because Paul is outside of God’s geographical will, we have to recognize that we may have to evaluate some of his statements and actions. That is, we cannot simply assume that everything that Paul does is right and good.

However, what about what Paul says? Most of the time, we should assume that Paul is speaking in the power of the Holy Spirit, meaning that he is accurate in what he says. Particularly when speaking before a group, I think that suggests that is even morel likely those words are accurate.

However, now and again when Paul speaks—not in a public setting, but in a private one—we need to be careful to evaluate what he says. If Paul is justifying a personal action, then we need to very carefully evaluate his words and make a judgment on the accuracy of what he is saying.

On the other hand, when we study his epistles, we may assume that they have been written accurately and for our benefit. Even though some epistles appear to be filled with doctrinal information (like Romans or Ephesians); and others feel threadbare (Thessalonians or Galatians), all of the information found is accurate.

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Paul Gives His Personal Conversion Testimony to the Jerusalem Jews

Paul was a well-known persecutor of Christian Jews

To read you into the picture, Paul has gone to Jerusalem, when God wanted him to be in Ephesus and Rome. Paul was speaking to people who were not interested in his teaching and rejected sound doctrine. Those who had believed in Jesus Christ were legalists and some of them even went out and tried to poison churches (with legalism) where Paul has been. In contrast to this, Ephesus wanted Paul to teach them and would have kept Paul there for another year or three if Paul would agree to it. That is positive volition. Paul needed to go where the positive volition was. Going to Jerusalem was a mistake, but he went ahead and did it.

A riot broke out, the military stepped in to calm things down, and Paul requested of the military leader to speak to the crowd (now that the military had them under control). The problem is, even though these believers (mostly) are under enforced humility, they are still filled with legalism and negative volition. Nothing is going to sink in; and they will get out of control again. Paul thinks that he can talk some sense into them; and he is wrong. Paul thinks, because of his excellent debating skills combined with his understanding of the Old Testament (which is greater than any other person there), that he can convince these unbelievers to believe in Jesus (and convince the believers to stop following the Law of Moses). However, he will fail in doing this.

It is the military, an aspect of divine establishment law. All believers should understand The Importance of the Military (by R. B. Thieme, Jr.) (which doctrine is in the Addendum). It is the military which preserves the freedom of the United States.

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    “Men, brothers and fathers—hear me! Face to face with you [all] now the defense.

Complete Apostles’ Bible      And permitting him, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying,

"Men, brothers and fathers, hear my defense to you now."

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) Men, brethren and fathers, hear ye the account which I now give unto you.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        “Akhe {Brothers} and, Abahatha {Fathers}, be hearing my defense which is before you!”

James Murdock’s Syriac NT Brethren, and fathers, hearken to my defence before you.

Original Aramaic NT              "Brothers and fathers, hear my defense unto you."

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Because Acts 21:40 leads directly into Acts 22:1, I will place those verses together at (or near) the top of every translation grouping.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             And when he let him do so, Paul, from the steps, made a sign with his hand to the people, and when they were all quiet, he said to them in the Hebrew language,

My brothers and fathers, give ear to the story of my life which I now put before you. Acts 21:40 is included for context.

Bible in Worldwide English     Paul said, Men, brothers, and fathers, listen while I tell you my side of this matter.

Easy English                          Paul speaks to the crowd in Jerusalem

Paul said to the crowd, ‘Please, listen to me, you Jewish leaders and all you other people who are Jews like me. I want to explain to you what has happened here.’

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  Paul said, "My brothers and fathers, listen to me! I will make my defense to you."

God’s Word™                         "Brothers and fathers, listen as I now present my case to you."

Good News Bible (TEV)         "My fellow Jews, listen to me as I make my defense before you!"

J. B. Phillips                           “My brothers and my fathers, listen to what I have to say in my own defence.”

The Message                         “My dear brothers and fathers, listen carefully to what I have to say before you jump to conclusions about me.” When they heard him speaking Hebrew, they grew even quieter. No one wanted to miss a word of this. A portion of v. 2 is included for context.

NIRV                                      “Brothers and fathers,” Paul began, “listen to me now. I want to give you reasons for my actions.”

New Life Version                    Paul Tells of His Past Life

Paul said, “Brothers and fathers, listen to what I have to say to you.”

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              ACTS 22

PAUL PREACHES TO A MOB OF JEWS

“I’M A JEW”

Paul said, “My brothers and my fathers. Please listen to my side of the story.”

Contemporary English V.       The commander told him he could speak, so Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the people. When they were quiet, he spoke to them in Aramaic:

"My friends and leaders of our nation, listen as I explain what happened!" Acts 21:40 is included for context.

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           “Brothers and esteemed fathers,” Paul said, “listen to me as I offer my defense.”

The Passion Translation        “Ladies and gentlemen, fellow believers and elders—please listen to me as I offer my defense.”

Plain English Version             Paul told the mob his story

Paul said, “You mob are Jewish, and I am Jewish. I respect you like you are my family. Please listen to me now while I tell you that I haven’t done anything wrong.”

Radiant New Testament        “Brothers and fathers,” Paul said, “listen to me now. I want to explain my actions.”

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  Paul said, "Jewish elders and my fellow Jews, listen to me now while I speak to those who are accusing me!"

Williams’ New Testament      "Brothers and fathers, listen now to what I have to say in my defense."

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          ‘Men, brothers, and fathers!‘

Allow me to say something in my own defense now.’

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            When he gave permission, Paul, having stood on the stairs, motioned with his hand to the group. When there became a great hush, he hollered out in the Hebrew dialect, saying, "Men, brothers and fathers, listen to my defense to you right now." Acts 21:40 is included for context.

Common English Bible           Paul’s defense before his accusers

“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.”

A. Campbell's Living Oracles Brethren and fathers, hear my apology, which I make to you now.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       Brethren and fathers, listen to the defence I am putting before you.

NT for Everyone                     “My brothers and fathers,” he began, “hear me as I explain myself to you.”

20^th Century New Testament "Brothers and Father, listen to the defense which I am about to make."

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Berean Study Bible                “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.”

Christian Standard Bible        When the tribune had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps, and motioned with his hand to the people. When a great silence fell, he said these words to them in Aramaic: "Men, brothers and father, hear my defense that I am now making to you!" Acts 21:40 is included for context.

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                Paul's Speech to the Crowd.

"Men, brothers, and fathers! listen to me while I now defend myself before you."

Free Bible Version                 The commander gave Paul permission to speak. So Paul stood on the stairs and motioned for silence. When it was quiet he spoke to them in Aramaic. “Brother and fathers,” he said, “Please listen as I give my defense before you.” Acts 21:40 is included for context.

Montgomery NT                     "Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense which I now make in your presence."

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      Men, brothers and fathers, hear my present defense before you.

The Spoken English NT         Paul Defends his Faith and Ministry

“Brothers, fathers! Listen to my defense, which I’m now going to present to you.”

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     Paul addresses the Jews

• “Brothers and fathers, listen to what I have to say to you in my defense.”

9; 26

• 22.1 Paul here gives personal witness. He will stress he is still faithful to the religion of his fathers: but he has not been able to prevent Christ, the Lord, from imposing himself on him. Paul will quote Gamaliel (Acts 5:34); and then a Christian Jew very faithful to the Law, Ananias (v. 12). The crowd listens. The reaction comes when Paul says that the pagans will share the privileges of the Jews. The pagans: our enemies, impure people and enemies of God! The same affirmation had been decisive in the condemnation of Jesus (Mt 21:42).

The Heritage Bible                          And he having allowed him, Paul standing upon the stairs, lowered his hand to the people. And there having become a great silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew dialect, saying,

Men, brothers, and fathers, hear my defense now to you. Acts 21:40 is included for context.

New American Bible (2011)   Paul’s Defense before the Jerusalem Jews.*

“My brothers and fathers, listen to what I am about to say to you in my defense.”

* [22:1–21] Paul’s first defense speech is presented to the Jerusalem crowds. Luke here presents Paul as a devout Jew (Acts 22:3) and zealous persecutor of the Christian community (Acts 22:4–5), and then recounts the conversion of Paul for the second time in Acts (see note on Acts 9:1–19).

New Catholic Bible                 Paul’s Speech to the People of Jerusalem.^[a] “Brethren and fathers, listen to what I have to say to you in my defense.”

[a] Paul refers chiefly to his conversion and explains it. That event dominated his life: the story is told three times in Acts (9:1-19; 22:1-21; 26:9-18). In speaking to Jews, as he does here, Paul mentions a detail that is omitted in the other two accounts: he received his mission in the temple (vv. 17-21).

Revised English Bible–1989   “Brothers and fathers, give me a hearing while I put my case to you.”

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Hebraic Roots Bible               And he allowing him, standing on the stairs, Paul signaled with his hand to the people. And much silence taking place, he spoke in the Hebrew dialect, saying,

Brethren, and fathers, hear my defense now to you. Acts 21:40 is included for context.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    Paul said, "My brothers and fathers, listen to me! I will make my defense to you now."

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...Men Brothers and Fathers hear! [of] me the to you* now defense...

Alpha & Omega Bible            WHEN HE HAD GIVEN HIM PERMISSION, PAULOS (Paul), STANDING ON THE STAIRS, MOTIONED TO THE PEOPLE WITH HIS HAND; AND WHEN THERE WAS A GREAT HUSH, HE SPOKE TO THEM IN THE HEBREW DIALECT, SAYING, “BRETHREN AND FATHERS, HEAR MY DEFENSE WHICH I NOW PRESENT TO YOU.” Acts 21:40 is included for context.

Awful Scroll Bible                   "Men, brothers and fathers, be giving ear to my considering-away now, with regards to yous."

Concordant Literal Version    Men! Brethren and fathers! Hear my defense to you now!

exeGeses companion Bible   Men, brothers, and fathers,

hear now my pleading to you.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           Rav Sha'ul said, "Anashim, Achim, Avot, listen now to my hitstaddekut (defense)."

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. Brethren and fathers! Hear ye |the defence| which

I now make unto you:—...

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                Paul’s Defense before the Jews

“Brethren and fathers (kinsmen), hear my defense which I now offer to you.”

An Understandable Version   And when the commander gave him permission, Paul stood on the stairway and motioned to the people with his hand [for attention]. When they completely quieted down, he spoke to them in the Hebrew [i.e., Aramaic] language, saying, “Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense I want to make to you.”

The Expanded Bible              Paul Speaks to the People

Paul said, “[^L Men,] Brothers and fathers, listen to my defense to you.”

Jonathan Mitchell NT             "Men! Brothers (= Fellow Jews) and fathers! Listen, and hear my defense to you now!"

Syndein/Thieme                     "Men, brethren {Jews . . .members of the same race}, and fathers {term of respect . . . means Jewish religious leaders were present}, HEAR MY DEFENSE . . . NOW {command} which I make face to face unto you!"

Translation for Translators      Paul defended his believing in Jesus, but the Jews wanted to kill him.

Acts 22:1-16

Paul said, “Jewish elders and my other fellow Jews, listen to me now while I reply to those who are accusing me!”

The Voice                               Paul: Brothers and fathers, please let me defend myself against these charges.

Bible Translations with a Lot of Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         So when [*Here “when ” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“permitted”)] he permitted him , [*Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation] Paul, standing there on the steps, motioned with his [*Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun] hand to the people. And when there [*Here “when ” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“was”)] was a great silence, he addressed them [*Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation] in the Aramaic language, saying, “Men—brothers and fathers—listen to my defense to you now!” Acts 21:40 is included for context.

NET Bible®                             Paul’s Defense

“Brothers and fathers, listen to my defense¹ that I now² make to you.”

^1sn Listen to my defense. This is the first of several speeches Paul would make in his own defense: Acts 24:10ff.; 25:8, 16; and 26:1ff. For the use of such a speech (“apologia”) in Greek, see Josephus, Ag. Ap. 2.15 [2.147]; Wis 6:10.

^2tn The adverb νυνί (nuni, “now”) is connected with the phrase τς πρὸς ὑμς νυνὶ ἀπολογίας (ths pros Jumas nuni apologia") rather than the verb ἀκούσατε (akousate), and the entire construction (prepositional phrase plus adverb) is in first attributive position and thus translated into English by a relative clause.

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Paul addresses the mob

“Men, brothers and fathers, listen to my defense before you now.”

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  And after receiving permission from him, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people; and when there was great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying, "Men, brethren and fathers, hear now my defense to you." Acts 21:40 is included for context.

Analytical-Literal Translation  "Men, brothers and fathers, now pay attention to my defense to you_p."

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Men, brethren, and fathers, hear my defense which I will now present to you face-to-face.

Context Group Version          Men: brothers and fathers, hear (pl) the defense which I now make to you (pl).

Far Above All Translation       “Men and brothers, and fathers, hear my present defence to you.”

New American Standard B.    Paul’s Defense before the Jews

“Brothers and fathers [Lit Men, brothers], hear my defense which I now offer to you.”

New European Version          Paul’s defence to the Jerusalem Jews

Brothers and fathers, hear the defence which I now make to you.

New Matthew Bible                Men, brethren and fathers, hear my answer, which I make to you.

Revised Geneva Translation  “You men, brothers and fathers, hear now my defense towards you!”

The gist of this passage:     Paul stands before the mob of Jews expecting to be able to explain himself.

Translation: “Men, brothers and fathers:...

Paul addressed the crowd. Apparently most or all of the people there are men. Paul refers to them as brothers, which could mean fellow believers; but here, I think it refers to fellow Jews. He also addressed some of the men as fathers, not meaning literal fathers, but men who have positions of leadership there.

I believe that Paul is trying to establish some compatibility with the Jews there (by calling them brothers and fathers and speaking in Aramaic); and that he is showing respect to the older men there. This is not going to work.

Translation: ...hear me!

Paul commands them to hear him, which is not an unreasonable request.

The people are under enforced humility. The military is right there, in full strength; and these Jews know that if they act up, they will weaken their case against Paul. So they show some restraint. Don’t think for a moment that these men are quietly thinking, “You know, I wonder what Paul has to say. He is rumored to be a brilliant theologian.”

Translation: [Hear] now [my] defense [being made] face to face with you [all].”

You see that I have added a great many additional words. One would speak elliptically when addressing a crowd; in part, to get their attention.

You will notice that the sentence begins with a definite article; and that has as its noun the last word in this phrase. The Greek allowed for words to be placed in a variety of order. The Hebrew, whereas not as precise as the Greek, also allows for such things to be separated. We would only separate a definite article and its noun if we throw an adjective in between (like the red barn).

Acts 22:1 “Men, brothers and fathers: hear me! [Hear] now [my] defense [being made] face to face with you [all].” (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Acts 22:1 “Men, brothers and fathers, listen to me. Hear my reasonings which I make directly to you.” (Kukis paraphrase)

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Here is how others have translated this passage:

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Now hearing that, in the Hebrew dialect, he was addressing them, more they afforded quiet. And he kept on declaring, “I, [even] I am a man, a Jew, having been born in Tarsus of Cilicia, then having been brought up in the city—this (one), at the feet of Gamaliel, having been educated according to the norm or standard of exactness of the fathers of the Law; zealous [I] kept on being of the God, just as all of you are today.

Complete Apostles Bible        And hearing that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they granted him more silence. And he said:

"I am indeed a Jew, having been born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but having been brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, having been educated according to the exactness of the law of our forefathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) (And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew tongue, they kept the more silence.)

And he saith: I am a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the truth of the law of the fathers, zealous for the law, as also all you are this day:...

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        And when they heard that he was speaking Ebraith {the Hebrew's language, i.e. Aramaic} with them, they were especially quiet. And he said unto them,

“I am a Yehudaya {a Judean/Jew}, and I was born in Tarsus of Qiliqia {Cilicia}. But, I grew up in this city, at the side of the feet of GamalIyl {Gamaliel}. And I was instructed perfectly in The Namusa d'Abahathan {The Law of our fathers}, and was zealous of Alaha {God}, like to what also all of you are.

James Murdock’s Syriac NT And when they perceived that he addressed them in Hebrew, they were the more quiet: and he said to them:

I am a man who am a Jew; and I was born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but was brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, and instructed perfectly in the law of our fathers; and I was zealous for God, as ye also all are.

Original Aramaic NT              And when they heard that he was speaking Judean Aramaic* with them, they were all the more quiet, and he said to them:

"I am a Judean, and I was born in Tarsus of Qiliqia, but I was raised in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and I was instructed perfectly in the tradition of our fathers, and I am zealous for God, as also are all of you."

Significant differences: 

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             And, hearing him talking in the Hebrew language, they became the more quiet, and he said, 

I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia by birth, but I had my education in this town at the feet of Gamaliel, being trained in the keeping of every detail of the law of our fathers; given up to the cause of God with all my heart, as you are today.

Bible in Worldwide English     When the people heard him speak in the Jews language, they were even more quiet. Then Paul said, I am a Jew. I was born in the city of Tarsus in Cilicia. But I was raised here in this city. Gamaliel was my teacher. He taught me very well in the law of our fathers. I was trying hard to obey God, just as you all are today.

Easy English                          The crowd heard Paul speaking to them in their own Hebrew language. So they became really quiet.

Paul continued to speak. He said, 3 ‘I am a Jew. I was born in Tarsus in the region of Cilicia. I lived here in Jerusalem when I was a boy. I studied God's Law for many years and Gamaliel was my teacher. I learned very well how to obey the laws of our ancestors. I tried to obey God as carefully as all of you do today.

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  When the Jews heard Paul speaking Aramaic, they became very quiet. Then Paul said, "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in the country of Cilicia. I grew up in this city. I was a student of Gamaliel, who carefully taught me everything about the law of our fathers. I was very serious about serving God, the same as all of you here today.

God’s Word™                         When the mob heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet. Then Paul continued,

"I'm a Jew. I was born and raised in the city of Tarsus in Cilicia and received my education from Gamaliel here in Jerusalem. My education was in the strict rules handed down by our ancestors. I was as devoted to God as all of you are today.

Good News Bible (TEV)         When they heard him speaking to them in Hebrew, they became even quieter; and Paul went on: "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up here in Jerusalem as a student of Gamaliel. I received strict instruction in the Law of our ancestors and was just as dedicated to God as are all of you who are here today.

J. B. Phillips                           As soon as they heard him addressing them in Hebrew the silence became intense.

“I myself am a Jew,” Paul went on. “I was born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but I was brought up here in the city, I received my training at the feet of Gamaliel and I was schooled in the strictest observance of our father’s Law. I was as much on fire with zeal for God as you all are today.

The Message                         He continued, “I am a good Jew, born in Tarsus in the province of Cilicia, but educated here in Jerusalem under the exacting eye of Rabbi Gamaliel, thoroughly instructed in our religious traditions. And I’ve always been passionately on God’s side, just as you are right now. A portion of v. 2 was placed with the previous passage for context.

NIRV                                      When they heard that he was speaking to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet.

Then Paul said, “I am a Jew. I was born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but I grew up here in Jerusalem. I studied with Gamaliel. I was well trained by him in the law given to our people long ago. I wanted to serve God as much as any of you do today.

New Life Version                    When they heard him speak to them in their own language, they stopped making noise. Then he said,

“I am a Jew. I was born in the city of Tarsus in the country of Cilicia. When I was a young man, I lived here in Jerusalem. I went to Gamaliel’s school and learned all about the Law of our early fathers. I worked hard for God as you all do today.

New Simplified Bible              They heard him speak in the Hebrew tongue and became quiet. »I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up here in Jerusalem as a student of Gamaliel. I received instruction in the Law of our ancestors and was just as zealous for God as are all of you.

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              When the crowd heard him talking in Hebrew, they stood all the more silent.

“I’m a Jewish man. I was born in Tarsus of Cilicia. But Jerusalem’s home to me. It’s here I grew up. Here is where I studied in classes personally taught by Gamaliel. [1] And here is where I learned how to respect the strictest interpretation of our ancient laws. I’ve been a passionate servant of God—as passionate as you’re showing yourself to be today.

¹22:3Gamaliel was one of the top Jewish scholars of his day. The apostle Paul said he studied under the guidance of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). Jewish writings also say Gamaliel was an advocate for non-Jews in need as well as for women’s rights.

Contemporary English V.       When the crowd heard Paul speak to them in Aramaic, they became even quieter. Then Paul said:

I am a Jew, born and raised in the city of Tarsus in Cilicia. I was a student of Gamaliel and was taught to follow every single law of our ancestors. In fact, I was just as eager to obey God as any of you are today.

Goodspeed New Testament  When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet, and he said,

"I am a Jew, and I was born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but was brought up here in this city, and thoroughly educated under the teaching of Gamaliel in the Law of our forefathers. I was zealous for God, just as all of you are today.

The Living Bible                      (When they heard him speaking in Hebrew, the silence was even greater.) “I am a Jew,” he said, “born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, but educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel, at whose feet I learned to follow our Jewish laws and customs very carefully. I became very anxious to honor God in everything I did, just as you have tried to do today.

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           When they heard him speaking in their own language, [Greek in Aramaic, or in Hebrew.] the silence was even greater.

Then Paul said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today.

The Passion Translation        (Now, when everyone realized he was speaking to them in their Judean Aramaic language, the crowd became all the more attentive.) 

Then Paul said, “I am a Jewish man who was born in Tarsus, a city of Turkey. However, I grew up in this city and was properly trained in the Mosaic law and tutored by Rabbi Gamaliel according to our ancestral customs. I’ve been extremely passionate in my desire to please God, just as all of you are today.

Plain English Version             All those people heard Paul talking to them in their own Hebrew language, so they settled down and became quiet, and they listened to him.

Then Paul said to them, “I am a Jew, just like you. I was born in Tarsus, in Cilicia country, but I grew up here in Jerusalem. I was a young man here, and I learned all our laws. You know Gamaliyel. You know he is a really good teacher, right? Well, he taught me all the laws that Moses gave to our grand-fathers. And I wanted to always do everything God says, so I never broke any of those laws. I’m sure that all you mob properly follow those laws too.

Radiant New Testament        When they heard him speaking to them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet.

Paul continued, “I’m a Jew. I was born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but I grew up here in Jerusalem. I studied with Gamaliel, who trained me well in the law that was given to our people long ago. I wanted to honor God as much as any of you do.

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  When the crowd of people heard Paul speaking to them in their own Hebrew language, they became quiet and listened. Then Paul said to them, "I am a Jew, as are all of you. I was born in the city of Tarsus, in the province of Cilicia, but I grew up here in Jerusalem. When I was young, I learned the laws that Moses gave to our ancestors. Gamaliel was my teacher. I obeyed those laws because I have wanted to obey God, and I am sure that all of you also obey those laws.

William's New Testament       When they heard him speaking to them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet, and he continued: "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up here in this city, and carefully educated under the teaching of Gamaliel in the law of our forefathers. I was zealous for God, as all of you are today.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          Well when they heard him addressing them in Hebrew [possibly meaning the common the language of the Hebrews, which was Aramaic], things did get quieter.

And he said:

‘I’m a Jew who was born in Tarsus of Kilikia. I went to school right here in this city, and I received my instruction at the feet of GamaliEl, who taught me to obey the Law of our fathers strictly and to show the same zeal for God that you’re showing today.

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            When they heard that he was hollering to them in the Hebrew dialect, they provided more calmness. And he declares, "I am a Jewish man who has been born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but who has been raised in this city alongside the feet of Gamaliel, who has been disciplined in line with the strictness of the fathers' law, being a person with a strong desire for God, just as you all are today, who persecuted this Way up to death, locking up and turning in for jails both men and women. V. 4 is included for context.

Common English Bible           When they heard him address them in Aramaic, they became even more quiet. Paul continued, “I’m a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia but raised in this city. Under Gamaliel’s instruction, I was trained in the strict interpretation of our ancestral Law. I am passionately loyal to God, just like you who are gathered here today.

Len Gane Paraphrase           When they heard him speaking to them in the Hebrew language, they grew even more quiet, then he said, "I am truly a Jewish man born in Tarsus in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the exact teachings of the Law of our ancestors, and was zealous for God as all of you are today.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       (And now they gave him even better audience, finding that he spoke to them in Hebrew.) I am a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cilicia and brought up in this city; I was trained, under Gamaliel, in exact knowledge of our ancestral law, as jealous for the honour of the law as you are, all of you, to-day.

NT for Everyone                     When they heard him speaking in Aramaic they became even quieter.

“I am a Jew,” he continued, “and I was born in Tarsus in Cilicia. I received my education here, in this city, and I studied at the feet of Gamaliel. I was trained in the strictest interpretations of our ancestral laws, and became zealous for God, just as all of you are today.

20^th Century New Testament When they heard that he was speaking to them in Hebrew, they were still more quiet; and Paul went on: "I am a Jew, a native of Tarsus in Cilicia, but I was brought up in this city under the teaching of Gamaliel, and educated in accordance with the strict system of our ancestral Law. I was as zealous in God's service as any of you who are here to-day.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Berean Study Bible                When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became even more silent. Then Paul declared, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I am just as zealous for God as any of you here today.

Conservapedia Translation    (When they heard him speaking to them in Aramaic [Paul likely spoke Aramaic, not Hebrew. ], they quieted down still more. So he said:) "I am a Jewish man, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to a strict interpretation of the Law of the father, and was zealous toward God, as are all of you today."

Revised Ferrar-Fenton Bible  When they heard that he addressed them in the Hebrew dialect, they became still more attentive. So he proceeded:

"I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but educated at the feet of Gamaliel in this city, disciplined very strictly in the law of our forefathers. I was an enthusiast for God, as you yourselves all are to-day.

Free Bible Version                 When they heard him speaking to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet.

“I am a Jew born in Tarsus in Cilicia,” he began. “However I was brought up here in this city, and sat at the feet of Gamaliel. I was taught to strictly observe the law of our fathers. I was zealous for God, just like all of you here today,and I persecuted the people of this Way—having them put to death, and imprisoning both men and women. V. 4 is included for context.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           When they heard that he spoke in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence. And he said: I am verily a man which am a Jewe born in Tharsus, a city in Cicill: nevertheless yet brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, and informed diligently in the law of the fathers, and was fervent minded to God ward, as you all are this same day,...

NIV, ©2011                             When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet.

Then Paul said: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      And hearing that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept the greater silence.

And he said, I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, instructed at the feet of Gamaliel in the accurate interpretation of the law of our fathers, and am a zealous worshipper of God as you all are to-day; and I persecuted this way to death, binding and committing to prison both men and women, as the chief priest also bears me witness, and all the eldership, from whom also receiving letters to the brothers I went to Damascus, to bring those who were there bound to Jerusalem to be punished. Vv. 4–5 are included for context.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)  When they heard him speaking to them in Hebrew, they became more quiet. So he went on.

“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up here in this city where I was educated in the school of Gamaliel, according to the strict observance of our Law. And I was dedicated to God’s service, as are all of you today.

7:2

The Heritage Bible                          (And hearing that he addressed them in the Hebrew dialect, they afforded greater silence) and he says,

I am a man, a Jew, born in Tarsus, of Cilicia, and having been brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, having been trained up from childhood according to the most exact manner of the law of the fathers, being a zealot toward God as are all of you this day.

New American Bible (2011)   When they heard him addressing them in Hebrew they became all the more quiet. And he continued, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city. At the feet of Gamaliel I was educated strictly in our ancestral law and was zealous for God, just as all of you are today.^a

a. [22:3] 5:34; 26:4–5; 2 Cor 11:22; Gal 1:13–14; Phil 3:5–6.

NRSV (Anglicized Cath. Ed.) When they realised he was speaking in Hebrew, the silence was even greater than before.

'I am a Jew', Paul said, 'and was born at Tarsus in Cilicia. I was brought up here in this city. It was under Gamaliel that I studied and was taught the exact observance of the Law of our ancestors. In fact, I was as full of duty towards God as you all are today.

Revised English Bible–1989   When they heard him speaking to them in their own language, they listened more quietly.

“I am a true-born Jew,” he began, “a native of Tarsus in Cilicia. I was brought up in this city, and as a pupil of Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in every point of our ancestral law. I have always been ardent in God's service, as you all are today.

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           When they heard him speaking to them in Hebrew, they settled down more; so he continued: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city and trained at the feet of Gamli’el in every detail of the Torah of our forefathers. I was a zealot for God, as all of you are today.

Hebraic Roots Bible               And hearing that he spoke in Hebrew to them, they showed more quietness. And he said:

I am a man who am a Jew; and I was born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but was brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, and instructed perfectly in the Torah of our fathers; and I was zealous for Elohim, as you all are also.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    The Jews heard Paul speaking in Hebrew, so they became very quiet. Paul said, "I am a Jew. I was born in Tarsus in the country of Cilicia. I grew up in this city of Jerusalem. I was a student of Gamaliel. He carefully taught me everything about the law of our ancestors. I was very serious about serving God, the same as all of you here today.

The Scriptures 2009              And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language,^a they kept greater silence. And he said:

^aSee Acts 21:40, Acts 26:14. 

“I am indeed a Yehu?i, having been born in Tarsos of Kilikia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamli’ěl, having been instructed according to the exactness of the Torah of our fathers, being ardent for Elohim, as you all are today, who persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering up into prisons both men and women, as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the eldership, from whom I also received letters to the brothers, and went to Dammeseq to bring in chains even those who were there to Yerushalayim to be punished. Vv. 3–4 are included for context.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...Hearing but for [in] the hebrew dialect [He] called them more [Men] offer stillness and [He] says I am Man Jewish Having Been Birthed in tarsus [of] the cilicia Having Been Raised but in the city this against the feet {of} gamaliel Having Been Disciplined in strictness [of] the paternal law Enthusiast Becoming [of] the god as All You* are today...

Alpha & Omega Bible            AND WHEN THEY HEARD THAT HE WAS ADDRESSING THEM IN THE HEBREW DIALECT, THEY BECAME EVEN MORE QUIET; AND HE SAID,

“I AM A JEW, BORN IN TARSUS OF CILICIA, BUT BROUGHT UP IN THIS CITY, EDUCATED UNDER GAMALIEL, STRICTLY ACCORDING TO THE LAW OF OUR FOREFATHERS, BEING ZEALOUS FOR THEOS (The Alpha & Omega) JUST AS YOU ALL ARE TODAY.

Awful Scroll Bible                   (Moreover hearing, that he was calling-with-regards-to them in the Hebrew language, they hold-with more silence.) And he exposes-to-light,

"I am surely a man, a Jew having been born from-within Tarsus of Cilicia, but having been nourished up from-within this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, having been chastise according to the accurateness of the Law of the fathers, beginning-by being zealous for God, accordingly-as-to yous all are this-day,...

Concordant Literal Version    Now hearing that he shouted to them in the Hebrew vernacular, they tendered more quietness, and he is averring,

I am a man, a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, yet reared in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, trained according to the strictness of the hereditary law, being inherently zealous for God according as all of you are today,...

exeGeses companion Bible   And when they hear him address them

in the Hebrew dialect,

they present the more quiet.

And he says,

I indeed am a man

- a Yah Hudiy birthed in Tarsus, Cilicia,

yet nurtured in this city at the feet of Gamli El;

and disciplined

according to the exactness of the torah of the fathers,

and being a zealot toward Elohim

- exactly as all of you this day:...

Orthodox Jewish Bible           And when they heard that Rav Sha'ul was addressing them in the language of the Hebrews, they were even more quiet. And Rav Sha'ul said,

"I am an ish Yehudi, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but having been brought up in a yeshiva in this city of Yerushalayim at the feet of Rabban Gamliel, having learned with irreproachable frumkeit according to all machmir chumra strictness the Torah of Avoteinu, and I have a kinat Hashem just as all of you do today; [MELACHIM ALEF 19:10]

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. And <when they heard that |in the Hebrewʹ language| he had begun to address them> they kept the moreʹ quietʹ. And he saith—

||I|| am a Jewˎ born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but nurtured in this cityˎ at the feet of Gamaliel,— trained after the strictness of our ancestralʹ law; being |jealous for God| just as ||allʹ ye|| are this day;...

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                When they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew dialect, they became even more quiet. And he continued,

“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of ^[a]Gamaliel according to the strictness of the law of our fathers, being ardent and passionate for God just as all of you are today.

[a] According to the Talmud, Gamaliel, who was the leading scholar of the Torah from a.d. 20 to 40, taught a school of 1,000 advanced students.

An Understandable Version   And when they heard him speaking in the Hebrew language, they listened all the more quietly. So, he continued, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, in Cilicia, but raised [here] in this city [i.e., Jerusalem]. [I was] instructed by Gamaliel [i.e., a renowned Jewish rabbi of the time] according to the strictest methods of observing the law of our forefathers. [I was very] eager to serve God, just as all of you are here today.

The Expanded Bible              When they heard him ·speaking [addressing them in] the Hebrew [or Aramaic; 21:40] language, they became ·very [even more] quiet. Paul said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus [9:11] in the ·country [province] of Cilicia [6:9], but I ·grew up [was brought up; or was educated] in this city [^C Jerusalem]. I was ·a student of [^L instructed at the feet of; ^C idiom indicating the role of a disciple] Gamaliel [^C a famous teacher of the Pharisees; 5:34], who ·carefully [or strictly] taught me everything about the law of our ·ancestors [forefathers; fathers]. I was ·very serious about serving [^L zealous/passionate for] God, just as are all of you here today.