Acts 21:37
And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?
Original Language Analysis
Μέλλων
was to be
G3195
Μέλλων
was to be
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
1 of 23
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὁ
Who
G3588
ὁ
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρεμβολὴν
the castle
G3925
παρεμβολὴν
the castle
Strong's:
G3925
Word #:
6 of 23
a throwing in beside (juxtaposition), i.e., (specially), battle-array, encampment or barracks (tower antonia)
ὁ
Who
G3588
ὁ
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
as Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
as Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
8 of 23
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
λέγει
he said
G3004
λέγει
he said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὁ
Who
G3588
ὁ
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χιλιάρχῳ
unto the chief captain
G5506
χιλιάρχῳ
unto the chief captain
Strong's:
G5506
Word #:
11 of 23
the commander of a thousand soldiers ("chiliarch"; i.e., colonel
ἔξεστίν
G1832
ἔξεστίν
Strong's:
G1832
Word #:
13 of 23
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
17 of 23
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ὁ
Who
G3588
ὁ
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Educated Greeks were respected in the Roman world. Paul's ability to speak cultured Greek (and later Hebrew, Acts 21:40) revealed his sophisticated background and distinguished him from common revolutionaries.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you use your education and cultural competencies as opportunities for gospel witness?
- What does Paul's use of appropriate language teach about contextualizing communication for different audiences?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's question in Greek - 'May I speak unto thee?' - surprised the Roman commander who assumed he was dealing with an uneducated troublemaker. Paul's cultured Greek immediately changed the commander's perception, opening an opportunity for witness. This demonstrates how God-given education and cultural literacy can create opportunities for gospel advance.