Acts 28:22
But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While these Jewish leaders claim to be open to hearing Paul, their request is actually driven by the widespread negative reputation of Christianity. They've heard only slander and accusations against this "sect," and want Paul, as one of their own, to explain himself, revealing a deep-seated prejudice they already hold.
Paul has been under house arrest in Rome for two years, and now he's finally meeting with the leading Jewish men of the city. After Paul has explained his situation and that he's not accused of any wrongdoing by the Jewish authorities, they express their desire to hear more about his beliefs. They acknowledge that the movement he belongs to is widely criticized and misunderstood.
Imagine being the center of a scandal, yet people are genuinely curious. That’s Paul’s situation here. The Roman Jews want to hear him, but they also admit this 'sect' is 'everywhere spoken against.'
The followers of Jesus, even in these early days, were already a lightning rod for criticism. The Roman Jews acknowledge they've heard negative things about Christians, labeling them a 'sect.'
The Whispers and Warnings
Despite the bad press, these Roman Jews didn't just dismiss Paul. They explicitly state, 'But we desire to hear from you what your views are.' There’s a hunger for firsthand understanding.
This interaction highlights a crucial aspect of engaging with challenging ideas: the difference between relying on hearsay and seeking direct knowledge. The Roman Jews, while aware of the negative reputation of Christians, are willing to listen to Paul himself.
Seeking Clarity
Understand the original words
hairesis · Greek Noun
A group or school of thought, often used in the New Testament to describe Christians as a distinct movement or branch within Judaism, though frequently with a negative connotation of heresy or divisiveness.
This verse highlights how Christianity, even in its early decades, was already a misunderstood and controversial movement, facing widespread negative rumors and slander, particularly from within the Jewish community.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth, the central figure of Christianity, is crucified in Jerusalem under Roman authority.
c. AD 33-40s
Early Spread of Christianity
The movement begins in Jerusalem and spreads throughout Judea and the Roman Empire, primarily among Jewish communities. Christians are often seen as a sect within Judaism.
c. AD 40s-60s
Jewish Rejection and Persecution
As Christianity increasingly distinguishes itself from Judaism, many Jewish leaders and communities actively oppose it, spreading negative reports and sometimes persecuting believers.
c. AD 60
Paul's Arrest and Imprisonment
Paul is arrested in Jerusalem, spends years imprisoned in Caesarea, and eventually appeals to Caesar, leading to his voyage to Rome.
c. AD 60-62
This passage shows the same term, 'sect,' being used by the accusers against Paul, highlighting that this negative labeling was a recurring theme.
1 Peter 4:16This verse directly addresses the suffering of Christians who are 'spoken against' and reviled, echoing the sentiment of the Roman Jews about the 'sect'.
Romans 10:21This passage from Isaiah, quoted by Paul, describes God stretching out His hands to a disobedient people who are 'spoken against,' showing a pattern of rejection.
John 9:24Here, the formerly blind man is pressured to deny Jesus, and the accusers use social pressure and reputation ('He is a sinner') to discredit him, mirroring how the 'sect' was judged by reputation.
Philippians 1:27Paul encourages believers to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, striving together, implying that their conduct would be scrutinized and perhaps spoken against by outsiders.
ellicottActs 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."
(22) We desire . . . as concerning this sect . . . —Better, we request of thee. The term is that which had been used by Tertullus when he spoke of the “ sect of the Nazarenes” ( Acts 24:5 ). The speakers had clearly heard enough of the prisoner to identify him with that sect, but they treat him personally with respect, probably due in part to the favour whi…
henryActs 28:17-22: "And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans."
28:17-22 It was for the honour of Paul that those who examined his case, acquitted him. In his appeal he sought not to accuse his nation, but only to clear himself. True C…
While these Jewish leaders claim to be open to hearing Paul, their request is actually driven by the widespread negative reputation of Christianity. They've heard only slander and accusations against this "sect," and want Paul, as one of their own, to explain himself, revealing a deep-seated prejudice they already hold.
Paul has been under house arrest in Rome for two years, and now he's finally meeting with the leading Jewish men of the city. After Paul has explained his situation and that he's not accused of any wrongdoing by the Jewish authorities, they express their desire to hear more about his beliefs. They acknowledge that the movement he belongs to is widely criticized and misunderstood.
Paul has been under house arrest in Rome for two years, and now he's finally meeting with the leading Jewish men of the city. After Paul has explained his situation and that he's not accused of any wrongdoing by the Jewish authorities, they express their desire to hear more about his beliefs. They acknowledge that the movement he belongs to is widely criticized and misunderstood.
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The verse reveals a consistent pattern: 'everywhere it is spoken against.' This isn't just about Christianity; it's about anyone who stands apart and challenges the status quo.
The opposition faced by early Christians wasn't random; it stemmed from the radical nature of their message and lifestyle. Being 'spoken against' became an almost unavoidable mark of authentic faith.
Why the Backlash?
This persistent criticism underscores that faithfulness often comes with a cost. The willingness of the Roman Jews to listen, despite the negative reputation, offers a glimmer of hope that even in the face of widespread opposition, the truth can find a hearing.
Paul's Arrival and House Arrest in Rome
Paul arrives in Rome and is permitted to live in his own hired house under guard, awaiting his trial before the Roman emperor.
c. AD 62
Meeting with Roman Jews
Paul convenes a meeting with the leading Jews in Rome. While they have heard nothing negative about him personally, they are aware of the widespread negative reputation of the 'sect' of Christians.
"But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”" — While these Jewish leaders claim to be open to hearing Paul, their request is actually driven by the widespread negative reputation of Christianity. They've heard only slander and accusations against…
