New International Version When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. Then Paul said: New Living Translation When they heard him speaking in their own language, the silence was even greater. English Standard Version And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said: Berean Standard Bible When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet. Then Paul declared, Berean Literal Bible And having heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he says, King James Bible (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,) New King James Version And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent. Then he said: New American Standard Bible And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew dialect, they became even more quiet; and he said, NASB 1995 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew dialect, they became even more quiet; and he said, NASB 1977 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew dialect, they became even more quiet; and he said, Legacy Standard Bible And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even quieter; and he said, Amplified Bible When they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew dialect, they became even more quiet. And he continued, Berean Annotated Bible When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew (in Aramaic), they became even more quiet. Then Paul declared, Christian Standard Bible When they heard that he was addressing them in Aramaic, they became even quieter. Holman Christian Standard Bible When they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even quieter. American Standard Version And when they heard that he spake unto them in the Hebrew language, they were the more quiet: and he saith, Contemporary English Version When the crowd heard Paul speak to them in Aramaic, they became even quieter. Then Paul said: English Revised Version And when they heard that he spake unto them in the Hebrew language, they were the more quiet: and he saith, GOD'S WORD® Translation When the mob heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet. Then Paul continued, Good News Translation When they heard him speaking to them in Hebrew, they became even quieter; and Paul went on: International Standard Version When they heard him speaking to them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet, and he continued: NET Bible (When they heard that he was addressing them in Aramaic, they became even quieter.) Then Paul said, New Heart English Bible When they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they were even more quiet. He said, Webster's Bible Translation (And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept the more silence: and he saith,) Weymouth New Testament And on hearing him address them in Hebrew, they kept all the more quiet; and he said, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet. Then Paul declared, World English Bible When they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they were even more quiet. He said, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they having heard that he was speaking to them in the Hebrew dialect, they became even more silent, and he says, Berean Literal Bible And having heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he says, Young's Literal Translation and they having heard that in the Hebrew dialect he was speaking to them, gave the more silence, and he saith, -- Smith's Literal Translation (And having heard that he spake to them in Hebrew dialect, they held more silence: and he says,) Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims Bible(And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew tongue, they kept the more silence.) Catholic Public Domain Version And when they heard him speaking to them in the Hebrew language, they offered a greater silence. New American Bible When they heard him addressing them in Hebrew they became all the more quiet. And he continued, New Revised Standard Version When they heard him addressing them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet. Then he said: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when they heard him speak to them in the Hebrew tongue (Aramaic), they were the more quiet: And he said, Aramaic Bible in Plain English And when they heard that he was speaking Judean Aramaic with them, they were all the more quiet, and he said to them: NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWhen they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept the greater silence. And he said: Godbey New Testament And hearing that he was speaking to them in the Hebrew tongue, they kept silent the more. Haweis New Testament Then when they heard that he spoke unto them in the Hebrew tongue, they kept the more silence: and he said, Mace New Testament when they perceiv'd he talk'd Hebrew, they were the more silent. Weymouth New Testament And on hearing him address them in Hebrew, they kept all the more quiet; and he said, Worrell New Testament And, hearing that he was speaking to them in the Hebrew language, they kept more quiet; Worsley New Testament ---(and when they heard that he spake to them in the Hebrew dialect, they the more readily kept silence, and he said,) 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, 3“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.… Cross References When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, Acts 2:6 And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. Acts 2:8 How is it then that each of us hears them in his own native language? 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.’ they became even more quiet. Acts 15:12 The whole assembly fell silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul describing the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. Job 29:21 Men listened to me with expectation, waiting silently for my counsel. Habakkuk 2:20 But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him. Then Paul declared, 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 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 23:1 Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.” 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 9:29 He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. Acts 6:1 In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Acts 9:27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus. Acts 21:37 As they were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?” “Do you speak Greek?” he replied. Acts 9:1-2 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest / and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 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! Treasury of Scripture (And when they heard that he spoke in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he said,) in. Acts 21:40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying, Jump to Previous Address Addressed Addressing Aramaic Dialect Heard Hearing Hebrew Kept Language Paul Quiet Silence Speak Speaking Talking TongueJump to Next Address Addressed Addressing Aramaic Dialect Heard Hearing Hebrew Kept Language Paul Quiet Silence Speak Speaking Talking TongueActs 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. When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, When the crowd heard Paul speak to them in Hebrew—likely Aramaic, the language commonly spoken by Jerusalem’s Jewish population—they gave him their attention. By addressing them in their own language, Paul identified himself as a fellow Jew and prepared them to hear his defense. Act 2:6 And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together… they became even more quiet. The hostile crowd fell silent as Paul began to recount his background, persecution of the church, and encounter with the risen Jesus. Act 15:12 The whole assembly fell silent as they listened… Then Paul declared, Paul began a personal testimony that explained both his former zeal for Judaism and the divine call that changed the course of his life. Act 24:10 Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul (Saul of Tarsus)A former persecutor of Christians who became a devoted apostle of Jesus Christ. In this passage, he is addressing a Jewish audience in Jerusalem. 2. Jerusalem The city where Paul is speaking. It is a central location for Jewish worship and the early Christian church. 3. Hebrew Language The language Paul uses to address the crowd, which captures their attention and respect, as it is the sacred language of the Jewish people. 4. The Jewish Crowd The audience to whom Paul is speaking. They are initially hostile but become more attentive when Paul speaks in Hebrew. 5. Roman Authority Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context involves Roman oversight, as Paul is addressing the crowd after being arrested by Roman soldiers. Teaching Points The Power of LanguagePaul’s use of Hebrew demonstrates the importance of speaking to people in a way that resonates with them. In ministry, understanding and respecting cultural and linguistic contexts can open doors for effective communication. Respect for Heritage Paul’s choice to speak in Hebrew shows his respect for his Jewish heritage. Christians can learn to honor their backgrounds while sharing the gospel. Strategic Evangelism Paul’s approach is a model for strategic evangelism. He uses his knowledge and background to connect with his audience, showing that understanding your audience is crucial in sharing the gospel. Courage in Witnessing Despite being in a hostile environment, Paul boldly shares his testimony. Christians are encouraged to be courageous in sharing their faith, even when facing opposition. The Role of Testimony Paul’s testimony is a powerful tool in his witness. Believers are reminded of the importance of sharing personal accounts of faith as a means of evangelism. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 22:2?2. Why did Paul speak in Hebrew to the crowd in Acts 22:2? 3. How does Paul's use of Hebrew demonstrate cultural sensitivity in evangelism? 4. What Old Testament examples show the importance of language in God's communication? 5. How can we apply Paul's approach to sharing the Gospel today? 6. How does understanding audience context enhance effective ministry and witness? 7. Why did the crowd become silent when Paul spoke in Hebrew in Acts 22:2? 8. How does Acts 22:2 demonstrate the importance of language in communication and understanding? 9. What does Acts 22:2 reveal about Paul's identity and cultural background? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 22? (2) They kept the more silence.--The opening words had done the work they were meant to do. One who spoke in Hebrew was not likely to blaspheme the sacred Hebrew books. What follows was conceived in the same spirit of conciliation.Verse 2. - Unto them in the Hebrew language for in the Hebrew tongue to them, A.V.; were the more quiet for kept the more silence, A.V. When they heard, etc. This trait is wonderfully true to nature, and exhibits also St. Paul's admirable tact and self-possession. It was strikingly in harmony with his addressing them as "brethren" that he should speak to them in their own mother tongue. There is a living reality in such touches which seems at once to refute Renan's suspicion that St. Luke invented this and other of St. Paul's speeches in the later chapters of the Acts. The full report of these later speeches is abundantly accounted for by the fact that through this time St. Luke was with St. Paul, and heard the speeches. Paul’s simple choice to address the crowd in Hebrew quieted hostility and opened ears, illustrating how God uses language, respect, and timely silence to advance the gospel. The hush prepared the way for Paul’s Spirit-empowered testimony, reminding us that clear, compassionate communication of God’s truth can turn chaos into opportunity and point listeners to the risen Christ. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek [When]δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. they heard ἀκούσαντες (akousantes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. him speak to προσεφώνει (prosephōnei) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 4377: From pros and phoneo; to sound towards, i.e. Address, exclaim, summon. them αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. in Aramaic, Ἑβραΐδι (Hebraidi) Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 1446: The Hebrew language, or rather: Aramaic. From Eber; the Hebraistic or Jewish language. they became παρέσχον (pareschon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 3930: From para and echo; to hold near, i.e. Present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion. even more μᾶλλον (mallon) Adverb Strong's 3123: More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather. silent. ἡσυχίαν (hēsychian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 2271: Quietness, stillness, silence. Feminine of hesuchios; stillness, i.e. Desistance from bustle or language. Then Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. [Paul] declared, φησίν (phēsin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 5346: To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say. Additonal Resources Acts 22:2 Blue Letter BibleActs 22:2 Bible Gateway Acts 22:2 Bible.com Acts 22:2 NIV |
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