New International Version “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.” New Living Translation “Brothers and esteemed fathers,” Paul said, “listen to me as I offer my defense.” English Standard Version “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.” Berean Standard Bible “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.” Berean Literal Bible “Men, brothers and fathers, hear now my defense to you⁺.” King James Bible Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you. New King James Version “Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now.” New American Standard Bible “Brothers and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.” NASB 1995 “Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.” NASB 1977 “Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.” Legacy Standard Bible “Men, brothers, and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.” Amplified Bible “Brethren and fathers (kinsmen), hear my defense which I now offer to you.” Berean Annotated Bible “Brothers and fathers {pateres}, listen now to my defense before you⁺. Christian Standard Bible “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.” American Standard Version Brethren and fathers, hear ye the defence which I now make unto you. Contemporary English Version "My friends and leaders of our nation, listen as I explain what happened!" English Revised Version Brethren and fathers, hear ye the defence which I now make unto you. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Brothers and fathers, listen as I now present my case to you." Good News Translation "My fellow Jews, listen to me as I make my defense before you!" International Standard Version "Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense that I am now making before you." NET Bible "Brothers and fathers, listen to my defense that I now make to you." New Heart English Bible "Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense which I now make to you." Webster's Bible Translation Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defense which I make now to you. Weymouth New Testament "Brethren and fathers," he said, "listen to my defence which I now make before you." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.” World English Bible “Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense which I now make to you.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Men, brothers, and fathers, hear my defense now to you.” Berean Literal Bible “Men, brothers and fathers, hear now my defense to you⁺.” Young's Literal Translation 'Men, brethren, and fathers, hear my defence now unto you;' -- Smith's Literal Translation Men, brethren, and fathers, hear my defence to you. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleMEN, brethren, and fathers, hear ye the account which I now give unto you. Catholic Public Domain Version “Noble brothers and fathers, listen to the explanation that I now give to you.” New American Bible “My brothers and fathers, listen to what I am about to say to you in my defense.” New Revised Standard Version “Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense that I now make before you.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBRETHREN and fathers, hear my defense which I now make to you. Aramaic Bible in Plain English “Brothers and fathers, hear my defense unto you.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBrethren and fathers, hear my defense, which I now make before you. Godbey New Testament Men, brethren, and fathers, hear now my apology unto you. Haweis New Testament MEN, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my apology which I now offer unto you. Mace New Testament My brethren, and fathers, pray hear what I have to say for my self. Weymouth New Testament "Brethren and fathers," he said, "listen to my defence which I now make before you." Worrell New Testament "Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now make to you." Worsley New Testament Brethren, and Fathers, hear now my apology to you, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Paul's Defense to the Crowd1“ Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.” 2When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more silent. Then Paul declared,… Cross References Brothers and fathers, Acts 7:2 And Stephen declared: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, Acts 23:1 Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.” listen now Acts 15:13 When they had finished speaking, James declared, “Brothers, listen to me! Deuteronomy 5:1 Then Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: Hear, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances that I declare in your hearing this day. Learn them and observe them carefully. to my defense Acts 24:10 When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: “Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense. Acts 25:8 Then Paul made his defense: “I have committed no offense against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.” before you. Acts 26:2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews, Luke 12:11 When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. Acts 21:40 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: Acts 26:1-2 Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: / “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews, Acts 9:29 He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. Acts 13:16 Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me! Acts 26:14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ Acts 28:17 After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. Romans 9:3-4 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood, / the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises. 2 Corinthians 11:22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Treasury of Scripture Men, brothers, and fathers, hear you my defense which I make now to you. brethren. Acts 7:2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, Acts 13:26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. Acts 23:1,6 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day… my. 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. Acts 24:10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: Acts 25:8,16 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all… Jump to Previous Defence Defense Ear Fathers Hear Life Offer StoryJump to Next Defence Defense Ear Fathers Hear Life Offer StoryActs 22 1. Paul declares how he was converted to the faith,17. and called to his apostleship. 22. At the very mentioning of the Gentiles the people exclaim on him. 24. He would have been scourged; 25. but claiming the privilege of a Roman, he escapes. “Brothers and fathers, Paul addressed the hostile Jewish crowd with respect, identifying himself with them as a fellow Jew while honoring the elders and leaders among them. Though accused of opposing Israel and the law, he began by affirming his connection to his people and their shared history. Act 7:2 And Stephen declared: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me!… listen now He called the crowd to give careful attention before judgment was passed. Having been rescued from the mob by Roman soldiers, Paul was granted an opportunity to explain why he had come to Jerusalem and why he proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah. Act 15:13 When they had finished speaking, James declared,… to my defense Paul answered the charges against him publicly, recounting his former zeal for Judaism, his persecution of Christians, and his encounter with the risen Christ. His defense showed that his ministry did not arise from contempt for the law or the temple, but from obedience to God’s revealed purpose. Act 24:10 Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation… before you.” Speaking in Jerusalem before a Jewish audience, Paul sought to demonstrate that faith in Jesus fulfilled rather than abandoned God’s promises to Israel. Act 26:2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus)The speaker in this passage, Paul is addressing a crowd in Jerusalem. He is a pivotal figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles. 2. Brothers and Fathers This phrase refers to the Jewish audience Paul is addressing. "Brothers" indicates fellow Jews, while "fathers" likely refers to the elders or leaders present. 3. Jerusalem The city where this event takes place. Jerusalem is a central location in Jewish history and the early Christian church. 4. Paul's Defense This event is part of Paul's defense of his faith and actions, particularly his conversion and mission to the Gentiles. 5. The Crowd The Jewish audience in Jerusalem, which includes both supporters and opponents of Paul's message. Teaching Points Respectful AddressPaul begins his defense with respect, addressing the crowd as "Brothers and fathers." This shows the importance of respectful communication, even in disagreement. Preparedness to Defend Faith Like Paul, Christians should be ready to explain and defend their faith when questioned, as encouraged in 1 Peter 3:15. Cultural Sensitivity Paul speaks in a way that acknowledges and respects the cultural and religious background of his audience, which is crucial for effective evangelism. Courage in Witnessing Despite the potential danger, Paul boldly shares his testimony. Christians are called to be courageous in sharing their faith. Personal Testimony Paul uses his personal account as a powerful tool for witnessing. Believers can similarly use their testimonies to share the gospel. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 22:1?2. How does Paul's defense in Acts 22:1 demonstrate his respect for authority? 3. What can we learn from Paul's approach to addressing his audience in Acts 22:1? 4. How does Acts 22:1 connect to Paul's earlier experiences in Acts 9? 5. How can we apply Paul's respectful tone in Acts 22:1 to our conversations? 6. In what ways does Acts 22:1 encourage us to defend our faith today? 7. How does Acts 22:1 reflect Paul's approach to defending his faith before hostile audiences? 8. What historical context is essential to understand Paul's speech in Acts 22:1? 9. How does Acts 22:1 demonstrate the importance of personal testimony in evangelism? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 22? XXII. (1) Men, brethren, and fathers.--The apparently triple division is really only two-fold--Brethren and fathers. (See Note on Acts 7:2.) It is noticeable that he begins his speech with the self-same formula as Stephen. It was, perhaps, the received formula in addressing an assembly which included the scribes and elders. Verse 1. - Brethren for men, brethren, A.V. (Acts 7:2, note); the for my, A.V.; now make for make now, A.V. The defense; ἀπολογία This is the technical word in classical Greek for a defense in answer to an accusation. Thus e.g. the oration of Gorgias entitled, Υπὲρ Παλαμήδους ἀπολογία, begins, Ἡ μὲν κατηγορία καὶ ἡ ἀπολογία κρίσις οὐ περὶ θανάτου γίγνεται. And Demosthenes opposes κατηγρσεῖν to accuse, to ἀπολογεῖσθαι, to make one's defense. And an ἀπολογία δικαία καὶ ἁπλῆ is to prove that τὰ κατηγορημένα, "the things of which the person is accused," were never done. But it is probably from St. Paul's use of the word here that it became common to call the defenses of the Christian religion by the term ἀπολογία. Thus we have the 'Apologies' of Justin Martyr, of Tertullian, of Minutius Felix, among the ancients; me 'Apologia Ecclesiae Anglicanae,' by Bishop Jewel, and many others. In a single sentence, Paul embraces his audience as family, honors their leaders, urges immediate attention, prepares to present a reasoned gospel defense, and does so openly before all. Acts 22:1 therefore models respectful, urgent, and transparent Christian witness grounded in the unchanging truth of God’s Word.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek “Brothersἀδελφοὶ (adelphoi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. fathers, πατέρες (pateres) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. listen ἀκούσατέ (akousate) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. now νυνὶ (nyni) Adverb Strong's 3570: A prolonged form of nun for emphasis; just now. to my μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. defense ἀπολογίας (apologias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 627: A verbal defense (particularly in a law court). From the same as apologeomai; a plea. before πρὸς (pros) Preposition Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. you.” ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. Additonal Resources Acts 22:1 Blue Letter BibleActs 22:1 Bible Gateway Acts 22:1 Bible.com Acts 22:1 NIV |
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