Acts 21:37-39
37As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, ▼ he said ▼▼ Grk “says” (a historical present).
to the commanding officer, ▼ “May I say ▼▼ Grk “Is it permitted for me to say” (an idiom).
something to you?” The officer ▼▼ Grk “He”; the referent (the officer) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
replied, ▼▼ Grk “said.”
“Do you know Greek? ▼▼ “Do you know Greek?” Paul as an educated rabbi was bilingual. Paul’s request in Greek allowed the officer to recognize that Paul was not the violent insurrectionist he thought he had arrested (see following verse). The confusion of identities reveals the degree of confusion dominating these events.
38Then you’re not that Egyptian who started a rebellion ▼ and led the four thousand men of the ‘Assassins’ ▼▼ Grk “of the Sicarii.”
▼▼ The term ‘Assassins’ is found several times in the writings of Josephus (J. W. 2.13.3 [2.254–257]; Ant. 20.8.10 [20.186]). It was the name of the most fanatical group among the Jewish nationalists, very hostile to Rome, who did not hesitate to assassinate their political opponents. They were named Sicarii in Latin after their weapon of choice, the short dagger or sicarius which could be easily hidden under one’s clothing. In effect, the officer who arrested Paul had thought he was dealing with a terrorist.
into the wilderness ▼▼ Or “desert.”
some time ago?” ▼▼ Grk “before these days.”
39Paul answered, ▼▼ Grk “said.”
“I am a Jew ▼▼ Grk “a Jewish man.”
from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of an important city. ▼▼ Grk “of a not insignificant city.” The double negative, common in Greek, is awkward in English and has been replaced by a corresponding positive expression (BDAG 142 s.v. ἄσημος 1).
Please ▼▼ Grk “I beg you.”
allow me to speak to the people.”
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