Gaining Permission to Speak (Acts 21:37-40)

Scripture: Acts 21:37-40

Today’s Word

37 As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?” “Do you speak Greek?” he replied. 38 “Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?” 39 Paul answered, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.” 40 After receiving the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic: (Acts 21:37-40, NIV)

Background

Key Terms Made Simple

• Commander: A high-ranking Roman military officer who commanded approximately 1,000 soldiers. Similar to today’s battalion commander.
• Tarsus: An important city in the region of Cilicia, located in what is now southern Turkey. It was a center of education and culture, home to many Roman citizens.
• Aramaic: The language commonly used by Jews in daily life at that time. It was deeply connected to Jewish identity and heritage.
• Terrorists: People who violently resisted the Roman Empire. An Egyptian agitator had recently led thousands in rebellion against Rome.

Key Expressions to Notice

1. “Do you speak Greek?”
2. “A citizen of no ordinary city”
3. “He said to them in Aramaic”

Main Points of the Text

1. Paul’s composure amid crisis: Even in a life-threatening situation, Paul remained calm and sought an opportunity to share the gospel. He politely requested permission to speak to the commander.
2. Paul cleared misunderstanding and gained trust: Though the commander mistook him for a terrorist, Paul dispelled this misconception through his educated speech and background. His ability to speak Greek and his citizenship in the renowned city of Tarsus played crucial roles.
3. Citizenship and education used as tools: Paul didn’t use his Roman citizenship, Tarsus background, or education for self-glorification. Instead, he employed them as instruments to advance the gospel. These were not his identity but means to fulfill God’s mission.

Applying to My Life

1. Examine the true value of what I possess: If I have a good education, decent job, comfortable home, or nice car, I should reflect on whether these things have become my identity. Like Paul, am I using all these as tools for God’s kingdom?
2. Wisdom to turn crisis into opportunity: Paul transformed even his arrest into an opportunity to share the gospel. Rather than becoming discouraged in difficult situations, let’s pray to discover new opportunities God provides within them.
3. Be careful not to reverse priorities: Permanent residency, a nice car, or a stable job should not become our purpose. These are merely tools God provides when needed to fulfill His mission. God and His mission come first; everything else is a tool.

Think About It

1. Am I currently deriving my self-worth from what I possess (education, career, wealth, appearance, abilities, etc.)? Would I crumble if these things were taken away?
2. Have I ever considered that things I think are “absolutely necessary” might actually become useless later? What am I clinging to right now that needs examination?
3. To discover opportunities to share the gospel even in difficult situations like Paul did, what kind of mindset should I cultivate?