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Verse Takeaways
1
A Masterstroke of Communication
Commentators unanimously praise Paul's decision to speak in Hebrew (Aramaic). While the crowd could have understood Greek, using their native tongue was a 'masterstroke' of conciliation. It immediately signaled respect for their heritage, countering their assumption that he was an apostate who had rejected his own people and language. This choice instantly gained him a more attentive and less hostile audience.
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Book Overview
Acts
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Commentaries
7
AT Robertson
On Acts 22:2
He spake (προσεφωνε). Imperfect active, was speaking. See aorist active προσεφωνησεν in 21:40.
They were the more q…
Charles Ellicott
On Acts 22:2
19th Century
Bishop
They kept all the more silent.—The opening words had done the work they were meant to do. One who spoke in Hebrew was not likely t…
Charles Spurgeon
On Acts 22:1–2
19th Century
Preacher
People like to be addressed in their own language; they give the more heed to the message if it is spoken to them in words that they can understand…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Acts 22:2
Paul opens his defense with the formal Jewish address “Men, brothers” (cf. 7:2). Many commentators have objected that this speech does not fit the …
John Calvin
On Acts 22:2
16th Century
Theologian
That he spake Hebrew. This is indeed a usual thing, that when people who speak different languages are together, we listen more willingly …
John Gill
On Acts 22:2
17th Century
Pastor
And when they heard that he spoke in the Hebrew tongue to
them (See Gill on Acts 21:40).
Matthew Henry
On Acts 22:1–11
17th Century
Minister
The apostle addressed the enraged multitude in the customary style of respect and goodwill. Paul relates the history of his early life very particu…