Acts 28:22

What does Acts 28:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 28:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 28:22 means

They express a desire to hear Paul’s views, noting that the sect (the Christian movement) is widely spoken against. Curiosity and controversy intersect: the message has spread far enough to provoke opposition, yet also interest. The leaders neither condemn nor endorse; they ask to listen. This neutral posture is an open door. Paul will seize it to set forth the kingdom of God and to show from the Law and the Prophets that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Their comment acknowledges that the gospel’s growth brings both slander and opportunity, and it sets the stage for a careful, Scripture-rooted explanation aimed at persuading minds and hearts.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But we have a desire to give hearing to your opinion: for as to this form of religion, we have knowledge that in all places it is attacked.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and we think it good from thee to hear what thou dost think, for, indeed, concerning this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that it is every where contradicted.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But we beg to hear of thee what thou thinkest, for as concerning this sect it is known to us that it is everywhere spoken against.

Context

The leaders’ lack of prior charges (v. 21) turns into a formal willingness to hear Paul (v. 22). Consequently, a day is appointed and many gather at his lodging (v. 23). The extended teaching session from morning to evening will produce a mixed response (v. 24). Their disagreement will prompt Paul to quote the Holy Spirit through Isaiah about hardened hearing and seeing (vv. 25–27), concluding with the announcement that salvation is sent to the Gentiles (v. 28).

v.21And 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.

v.22This passage

v.23And when they had appointed him a day, they came to him into his lodging in great number; to whom he expounded the matter, testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning till evening.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 16:20

    and when they had brought them unto the magistrates, they said, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

  • Acts 5:17

    But the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy,

  • Acts 15:5

    But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, It is needful to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:19

    For there must be also factions among you, that they that are approved may be made manifest among you.

  • Acts 26:5

    having knowledge of me from the first, if they be willing to testify, that after the straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

  • Acts 24:14

    But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;

Related questions readers ask