Acts 28:22
But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
Original Language Analysis
παρὰ
of
G3844
παρὰ
of
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ἃ
what
G3739
ἃ
what
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
φρονεῖς
thou thinkest
G5426
φρονεῖς
thou thinkest
Strong's:
G5426
Word #:
7 of 19
to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d
περὶ
as concerning
G4012
περὶ
as concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἱρέσεως
sect
G139
αἱρέσεως
sect
Strong's:
G139
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, a choice, i.e., (specially) a party or (abstractly) disunion
ταύτης
G3778
ταύτης
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
13 of 19
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
Cross References
1 Peter 2:12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.Acts 24:14But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:1 Peter 3:16Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.Luke 2:34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
Historical Context
By AD 60-61, Christianity had spread throughout the Roman Empire, generating controversy in every region. Roman Jews, expelled previously under Claudius (possibly due to Christian-Jewish conflicts), were wary but curious about this movement.
Questions for Reflection
- How should the gospel's controversial nature encourage rather than discourage your witness?
- What does widespread opposition to Christianity reveal about the message's supernatural origin and power?
Analysis & Commentary
We desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest shows genuine curiosity despite awareness of Christianity's controversial status. Their acknowledgment—concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against (πανταχοῦ ἀντιλέγεται)—recognized Christianity's universal opposition. The Greek 'hairesis' (sect) wasn't necessarily pejorative but distinguished Christianity from mainstream Judaism. Universal opposition ('everywhere') fulfilled Christ's warning that His followers would be hated (Matthew 10:22). Yet this very opposition created curiosity—people wanted to understand what provoked such hostility.