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)
The Jewish leaders aren't just saying they've heard of Christians; they're admitting they know this "sect" is a target of widespread negative gossip. This reveals that, even in Rome, the early followers of Jesus were already known primarily through what others said against them, rather than through direct understanding.
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)
Paul has just finished explaining his case to the Jewish leaders in Rome, emphasizing his innocence and his commitment to the Law of Moses. Though they acknowledge that no accusations have been brought against him from Judea, these leaders express that they are largely uninformed about Christianity itself, only knowing that it's widely criticized. They then invite Paul to share his personal views on this controversial movement.
Have you ever wondered why people immediately felt a strong reaction to Jesus' followers? This verse reveals that by Paul's time, this wasn't a new thing.
The Jewish leaders in Rome, though showing respect to Paul personally, were aware that his movement – what they called 'this sect' – was widely disliked. They'd heard reports, and those reports weren't good.
What's in a Name?
Despite the negative reputation, these Jewish leaders weren't completely closed off. They wanted to hear Paul's perspective directly.
While the prevailing rumors were negative, the leaders in Rome expressed a genuine curiosity. They said, 'But we desire to hear from you what your views are.' This wasn't just politeness; it was an openness to understanding.
The Power of Personal Testimony
Ask a follow-up
What if being 'spoken against' isn't always a sign of being wrong? This verse hints at a surprising truth about controversial movements.
Interestingly, one commentator (Bengel) suggests that being 'everywhere spoken against' can actually be an 'indication of a good cause, rather than of a bad one.' This might seem counterintuitive, but let's explore why:
When Truth Challenges the Status Quo
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.
The Roman Jews' question highlights the widespread negative reputation Christianity held by AD 62, seen by many as a controversial 'sect' rather than a continuation of Judaism.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified in Jerusalem under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, an event that becomes a central point of both Jewish and Roman discourse.
c. AD 40s-50s
Early Christian Expansion and Opposition
The message of Jesus spreads rapidly, leading to the formation of Christian communities within Jewish synagogues and increasing friction with Jewish authorities and Roman powers, often labeled as a disruptive 'sect'.
c. AD 60-61
Paul's Imprisonment and Appeal to Rome
Paul, accused by Jewish leaders, is imprisoned and eventually appeals his case to Caesar, leading to his voyage to Rome under guard.
c. AD 62— this verse
Paul's Hearing with Roman Jews
Paul, under house arrest in Rome, meets with the prominent Jewish leaders in the city to explain his beliefs and the movement he represents.
This passage shows Paul being accused of being the leader of a 'sect,' using the same term the Roman Jews use here, highlighting the early Christians' identity as a distinct and often maligned group.
Romans 10:21Isaiah's words, quoted by Paul here, speak of God stretching out his hands to a rebellious people who are 'spoken against,' reflecting the persistent opposition faced by God's message and messengers throughout Scripture.
1 Peter 4:14Peter reminds believers that if they are reproached for the name of Christ, they are blessed, directly echoing the sentiment that being 'spoken against' is a common experience for followers of Jesus.
Luke 6:22Jesus himself warns his disciples that they will be called blessed when people hate them and exclude them and revile them and spurn their name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man, which directly correlates to the 'sect' being spoken against.
2 Timothy 3:12Paul tells Timothy that indeed all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, confirming that opposition and slander are an expected part of the Christian life, just as this Roman Jewish group observes about the early Christians.
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…
The Jewish leaders aren't just saying they've heard of Christians; they're admitting they know this "sect" is a target of widespread negative gossip. This reveals that, even in Rome, the early followers of Jesus were already known primarily through what others said against them, rather than through direct understanding.
Paul has just finished explaining his case to the Jewish leaders in Rome, emphasizing his innocence and his commitment to the Law of Moses. Though they acknowledge that no accusations have been brought against him from Judea, these leaders express that they are largely uninformed about Christianity itself, only knowing that it's widely criticized. They then invite Paul to share his personal views on this controversial movement.
Paul has just finished explaining his case to the Jewish leaders in Rome, emphasizing his innocence and his commitment to the Law of Moses. Though they acknowledge that no accusations have been brought against him from Judea, these leaders express that they are largely uninformed about Christianity itself, only knowing that it's widely criticized. They then invite Paul to share his personal views on this controversial movement.
"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.”" — The Jewish leaders aren't just saying they've heard of Christians; they're admitting they know this "sect" is a target of widespread negative gossip. This reveals that, even in Rome, the early foll…
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Last reviewed October 2026