Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Acts 21:39

"But Paul said, I am a Jew, of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and I beseech thee, give me leave to speak unto the people." — Acts 21:39 (ASV)

But Paul assured the commander that he was not the Egyptian revolutionary; rather, he was from Tarsus. The epithet “no ordinary city,” by which Paul referred to Tarsus, was used by various cities to publicize their greatness; Paul was proud of the city of his birth. The Roman commander, probably impressed by Paul’s courteous composure under such trying circumstances and also hoping to gain some insight into the cause of the riot, gave him permission.

Paul then began his speech to the crowd “in Aramaic” (or “in Hebrew”; see NIV note). Though probably frustrating for the commander, this was appreciated by the crowd and elicited for him a temporary measure of goodwill.