How does Acts 21:40 connect to Paul's mission in Romans 1:16? Setting the Scene: Acts 21:40 in One Verse • “Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When all was silent, he addressed them in Aramaic.” • Arrested, surrounded by hostile countrymen, Paul asks to speak. • He deliberately chooses Aramaic—their heart-language—to gain a hearing. Romans 1:16—Paul’s Life-Mission in a Sentence • “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.” • Two pulse-beats: – Power of God that saves. – Priority: Jew first, then Gentile. Acts 21:40—Living Proof of “Not Ashamed” • Danger is real (Acts 21:30–36), yet Paul refuses silence. • Public setting, hostile crowd, Roman soldiers nearby—still, he proclaims. • Echoes Jesus’ words: “Whoever is ashamed of Me… the Son of Man will be ashamed of him.” (Luke 9:26) “First to the Jew, Then to the Greek” on the Steps • Crowd is entirely Jewish; Paul honors the order he laid out in Romans. • He reaches them first, knowing he will soon testify before Gentiles (Acts 22:21; 23:11; 24:24). • Same pattern elsewhere: – Acts 13:5, 14–16, 46 Strategic Use of Language: Gospel for “Everyone Who Believes” • Speaking Aramaic removes cultural barriers (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:20). • Ensures every listener can weigh the gospel clearly. • Demonstrates the gospel’s adaptability without altering its truth (Acts 2:8–11; 1 Corinthians 9:22). Courage Rooted in Confidence in Scripture’s Power • Paul trusts Scripture’s efficacy (Isaiah 55:11). • Confidence frees him from fear of crowds, politics, or outcome (Acts 20:22–24; 2 Timothy 1:12). • Romans 1:16 is not theory; Acts 21:40 shows it practiced. Implications for Believers Today • Speak unashamedly, whatever the venue. • Honor God’s heart for both Jew and Gentile; keep evangelism wide. • Meet people in their language and setting—adapt form, not message. • Expect God’s power to work, even when circumstances look stacked against you. |
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