But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

ACTS 21:39KJV
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Acts 21:39 (KJV)

What does Acts 21:39 mean?

Acts 21:39 shows Paul identifying himself to a Roman official as a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, emphasizing that he is a citizen of a significant city, and respectfully asking for permission to speak to the gathered crowd. Paul wants the official to know he is not an ordinary troublemaker, but someone with a reputable background who deserves to be heard.

Paul is speaking to the Roman commander who has just arrested him after a riot in Jerusalem. By mentioning Tarsus—a well-known, respected city—Paul highlights his credibility and status. His polite request to address the people shows both his respect for authority and his desire to explain himself to the crowd.

The Greek behind Acts 21:39

  • πόλεως (polis, transliterated as "city"): Paul calls Tarsus "no mean city," using a word that often means an important or notable city. This underlines that Paul’s background is respectable and not insignificant.
  • πολίτης (polites, transliterated as "citizen"): Paul uses this word to stress his official standing and rights as someone belonging to a prominent city, which could influence how the Roman commander treats him.
  • δέομαι (deomai, transliterated as "I beseech"): This word carries a sense of earnest pleading or respectful request, showing Paul’s humility and careful approach in a tense situation.

Why Acts 21:39 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Paul was a random agitator; he presents himself as someone with a reputable background, which would matter to Roman authorities.
  • It highlights Paul’s wisdom in using his identity and citizenship to gain a hearing, showing his practical approach in difficult circumstances.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by setting up Paul’s speech to the crowd, which becomes a turning point in his ministry and legal journey.

Where else these words appear

“Tarsus” Greek G5018 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 9:11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

“citizen” Greek G4177 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
  • Luke 19:14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

“Cilicia” Greek G2791 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 6:9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
  • Acts 15:41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
  • Acts 23:34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;

“suffer” Greek G2010 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 8:21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
  • Luke 8:32 And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.
  • Acts 27:3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.