Acts 28:21
What does Acts 28:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 28:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 28:21 means
The Jewish leaders in Rome reply that they have received no letters from Judæa about Paul, nor any brethren reporting or speaking harm of him. This absence of formal accusation suggests that events in Jerusalem and Caesarea have not produced a coordinated effort in Rome. It also removes any immediate prejudice, allowing Paul to be heard on his own terms. The leaders are cautious but not hostile. The statement reinforces Luke’s theme that the gospel often advances within legal and social spaces where no grounds for condemnation exist, leaving hearts to be persuaded by Scripture rather than by rumor.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they said unto him, We neither received letters from Judæa concerning thee, nor did any of the brethren come hither and report or speak any harm of thee.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they said unto him, We neither received letters from Judæa concerning thee, nor did any of the brethren come hither and report or speak any harm of thee.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they said to him, We have not had letters from Judaea about you, and no one of the brothers has come to us here to give an account or say any evil about you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And they said unto him, `We did neither receive letters concerning thee from Judea, nor did any one who came of the brethren declare or speak any evil concerning thee,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But they said to him: We neither received letters concerning thee from Judea: neither did any of the brethren that came hither relate or speak any evil of thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they said to him, For our part, we have neither received letters from Judaea concerning thee, nor has any one of the brethren who has arrived reported or said anything evil concerning thee.
Context
After Paul’s claim to be bound for Israel’s hope (v. 20), the leaders answer in verse 21 that no adverse reports have reached them. Verse 22 will go further, expressing a desire to hear his views about the sect spoken against. This clears the path for an arranged hearing at Paul’s lodging (v. 23), where he will teach extensively, leading to a divided response (v. 24) and a solemn citation of Isaiah (vv. 25–27).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 22:5
As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and journeyed to Damascus to bring them also that were there unto Jerusalem in bonds to be punished.
- Isaiah 50:8
He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand up together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me.
- Isaiah 41:11
Behold, all they that are incensed against thee shall be put to shame and confounded: they that strive with thee shall be as nothing, and shall perish.
- Exodus 11:7
But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that Jehovah doth make a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel.
- Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of Jehovah, and their righteousness which is of me, saith Jehovah.
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