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Verse Takeaways
1
Paul's Strategic Identity
When mistaken for a terrorist, Paul immediately clarifies his identity. Commentators note that by stating he is "a Jew, of Tarsus... a citizen of no mean city," Paul strategically establishes his credibility with the Roman commander. He presents himself as an educated man from a respected city, not a lawless rebel, which earns him the right to be heard.
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Acts
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Commentaries
6
Albert Barnes
On Acts 21:39
18th Century
Theologian
A Jew of Tarsus. A Jew by birth. (See Barnes on Acts 9:11).
Of no mean city. Not obscure or undistinguished. He could clai…
AT Robertson
On Acts 21:39
I am (Εγω μεν ειμ). In contrast with the wild guess of Lysias Paul uses μεν and δε. He tells briefly who he is:
a J…
Charles Ellicott
On Acts 21:39
19th Century
Bishop
A citizen of no mean city.—The boast was quite a legitimate one. In addition to all its fame for culture, the town of Tarsus bore on its c…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Acts 21:39
But Paul assured the commander that he was not the Egyptian revolutionary; rather, he was from Tarsus. The epithet “no ordinary city,” by which Pau…
John Gill
On Acts 21:39
17th Century
Pastor
But Paul said, I am a man who is a Jew of Tarsus
And not that Egyptian; he was not of that country, much less that m…
Matthew Henry
On Acts 21:27–40
17th Century
Minister
In the temple, where Paul should have been protected as in a place of safety, he was violently attacked. They falsely charged him with false doctri…