Paul Speaks to the People

Acts 21

37 Then as Paul was about to be led into the barracks, he said to the commander, "May I speak to you?" He replied, "Can you speak Greek? 38 e "Are you not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a rebellion and led the four thousand assassins out into the wilderness?" 39 But Paul said, f "I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no 1 mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people." 40 So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and g motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the h Hebrew language, saying,

Acts 22

1 "Brethren a and fathers, hear my defense before you now."

2 And when they heard that he spoke to them in the b Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent. Then he said:

3 c "I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city d at the feet of e Gamaliel, taught f according to the strictness of our fathers' law, and g was zealous toward God h as you all are today. 4 i "I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, 5 "as also the high priest bears me witness, and j all the council of the elders, k from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus l to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished.

6 "Now m it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. 7 "And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?' 8 "So I answered, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.' 9 "And n those who were with me indeed saw the light 2 and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me. 10 "So I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.' 11 "And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.

12 "Then o a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, p having a good testimony with all the q Jews who dwelt there, 13 "came to me; and he stood and said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And at that same hour I looked up at him. 14 "Then he said, r 'The God of our fathers s has chosen you that you should t know His will, and u see the Just One, v and hear the voice of His mouth. 15 w 'For you will be His witness to all men of x what you have seen and heard. 16 'And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, y and wash away your sins, z calling on the name of the Lord.'

17 "Now a it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance 18 "and b saw Him saying to me, c 'Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.' 19 "So I said, 'Lord, d they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and e beat those who believe on You. 20 f 'And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by g consenting 3 to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.' 21 "Then He said to me, 'Depart, h for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.' "

  1. Cross References
    Acts 5:36
    For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.
  2. Cross References
    Acts 9:11
    So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.
    Acts 22:3
    I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers' law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.
    2 Corinthians 11:22
    Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.
    Philippians 3:4 - 6
    Though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:
  3. Cross References
    Acts 12:17
    But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren." And he departed and went to another place.
  4. Cross References
    John 5:2
    Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches.
    Acts 22:2
    And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent. Then he said:
  5. Cross References
    Acts 7:2
    And he said, "Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran.
  6. Cross References
    Acts 21:40
    So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying.
  7. Cross References
    Acts 21:39
    But Paul said, "I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people.
    2 Corinthians 11:22
    Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.
  8. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 33:3
    Yes, He loves the people; All His saints are in Your hand; They sit down at Your feet; Everyone receives Your words.
  9. Cross References
    Acts 5:34
    Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while.
  10. Cross References
    Acts 23:6
    But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!
    Acts 26:5
    They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
    Philippians 3:6
    Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
  11. Cross References
    Acts 21:20
    And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, "You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law.
    Galatians 1:14
    And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
  12. Cross References
    Romans 10:2
    For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
  13. Cross References
    Acts 8:3
    As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.
    Acts 26:9 - 11
    Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
    Philippians 3:6
    Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
    1 Timothy 1:13
    Although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
  14. Cross References
    Acts 23:14
    They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, "We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul.
    Acts 24:1
    Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul.
    Acts 25:15
    About whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for a judgment against him.
  15. Cross References
    Luke 22:66
    As soon as it was day, the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, came together and led Him into their council, saying.
    Acts 4:5
    And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes.
    1 Timothy 4:14
    Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.
  16. Cross References
    Acts 9:2
    And asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
  17. Cross References
    Acts 9:3
    As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.
    Acts 26:12
    While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests.
    Acts 26:13
    At midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.
  18. Cross References
    Daniel 10:7
    And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.
    Acts 9:7
    And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.
  19. Cross References
    Acts 9:17
    And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
  20. Cross References
    Acts 10:22
    And they said, "Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.
  21. Cross References
    1 Timothy 3:7
    Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
  22. Cross References
    Acts 3:13
    The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.
    Acts 5:30
    The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.
  23. Cross References
    Acts 9:15
    But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
    Acts 26:16
    But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.
    Galatians 1:15
    But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace.
  24. Cross References
    Acts 3:14
    But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you.
    Acts 7:52
    Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers.
  25. Cross References
    Acts 9:17
    And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
    Acts 26:16
    But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.
    1 Corinthians 9:1
    Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?
    1 Corinthians 15:8
    Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
  26. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 11:23
    For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread.
    Galatians 1:12
    For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
  27. Cross References
    Acts 23:11
    But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.
  28. Cross References
    Acts 4:20
    "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
    Acts 26:16
    But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.
  29. Cross References
    Acts 2:38
    Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
    1 Corinthians 6:11
    And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
    Ephesians 5:26
    That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.
    Hebrews 10:22
    Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
  30. Cross References
    Acts 9:14
    "And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name."
    Romans 10:13
    For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.
  31. Cross References
    Acts 9:26
    And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple.
    Acts 26:20
    But declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
    2 Corinthians 12:2
    I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago - whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows - such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
  32. Cross References
    Acts 22:14
    Then he said, 'The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.
  33. Cross References
    Matthew 10:14
    And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.
  34. Cross References
    Acts 8:3
    As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.
    Acts 22:4
    I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
  35. Cross References
    Matthew 10:17
    But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.
    Acts 26:11
    And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
  36. Cross References
    Acts 7:54
    When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
    Acts 8:1
    Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
  37. Cross References
    Luke 11:48
    In fact, you bear witness that you approve the deeds of your fathers; for they indeed killed them, and you build their tombs.
  38. Cross References
    Acts 9:15
    But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chos...
    Romans 1:5
    Through Him we have received grace and apostles...
    Romans 11:13
    For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am a...
    Galatians 2:7
    But on the contrary, when they saw that the gos...
    Galatians 2:8
    (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the...
    Ephesians 3:7
    Of which I became a minister according to the g...
    Ephesians 3:8
    To me, who am less than the least of all the sa...
    1 Timothy 2:7
    For which I was appointed a preacher and an apo...
    2 Timothy 1:11
    To which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle...
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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