« Return to Online Bible

Acts 22:1

King James Version (KJV)

Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.

Translations

Acts 22:1 - Amplified Bible

BRETHREN AND fathers, listen to the defense which I now make in your presence.

Acts 22:1 - American Standard Version

Brethren and fathers, hear ye the defence which I now make unto you.

Acts 22:1 - Bible in Basic English

My brothers and fathers, give ear to the story of my life which I now put before you.

Acts 22:1 - Darby Bible

Brethren and fathers, hear my defence which I now make to you.

Acts 22:1 - English Standard Version

"Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you."

Acts 22:1 - King James Version

Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.

Acts 22:1 - La Biblia de las Americas

Hermanos y padres, escuchad mi defensa que ahora presento ante vosotros.

Acts 22:1 - The Message

"My dear brothers and fathers, listen carefully to what I have to say before you jump to conclusions about me." When they heard him speaking Hebrew, they grew even quieter. No one wanted to miss a word of this.

Acts 22:1 - New American Standard Bible

"Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now {offer} to you."

Acts 22:1 - Nueva Biblia Latinoamericana de Hoy

"Hermanos y padres, escuchen mi defensa que ahora presento ante ustedes," decìa Pablo.

Acts 22:1 - World English Bible

"Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense which I now make to you."

Acts 22:1 - Young's Living Translation

`Men, brethren, and fathers, hear my defence now unto you;` --

Acts 22:1 - Additional Comments

When Paul returned from his 3rd missionary journey, he went to Jerusalem (21:17), despite being warned by the Holy Spirit he would be in danger (20:22-24, 21:11). While in the city, some Jews from Asia accused him of taking Gentiles into the temple court for Jewish men (21:28). They stirred up the people of the city and a riot broke out (21:30-31). The people seized Paul and tried to beat him to death (21:31). Rescued by Roman soldiers (21:32), Paul got permission from the Roman commander to speak to the crowd (21:39-40).
Paul had spoken to the commander in Greek (21:37), and to the Jews in Hebrew (21:40). The commander allowed Paul to speak to the Jews. Everyone silenced (21:40) to allow Paul to speak. Chapter 22 gives his speech. See note on Acts 28:17 regarding Paul's sermons.
In his speech he explained his faithfulness to Judaism (past life), then how he came to know Christ, and how Christ changed his life. His testimony is what he uses to witness to people. (See note in verse 15.)
This is Paul's last opportunity to share Christ with the Jews of Jerusalem. After this, he is taken away to Rome, where he remained for the rest of this life.
It is amazing how Paul seems to have had no fear of punishment and pain from preaching about Christ. Is this what happens when you are so intimate with God, when you know Him so well, that you have the confidence in God that overwhelms any thought of worldly consequences?
In verses 1-5 Paul tells of his life before Christ.

Comments are closed.