Definition: And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto [them] in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Acts 21:40 together. It’s a really important moment in Paul’s journey and what it reveals about his leadership. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes Paul standing on a staircase – likely a place of worship or a public space – and speaking to a crowd. He's essentially inviting them to listen to him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And when he had given him licence…” : This means Paul had already been granted permission (a license) to do something, likely to speak or lead. Think of it like getting a permit to perform a task. “…Paul stood on the stairs…” : He’s positioned on a staircase – possibly a prominent one – indicating he's in a position of authority or importance. “And beckoned with the hand unto the people.” : He raised his hand, inviting everyone to look at him and listen. It’s a gesture of invitation and attention. “And when there was made a great silence…” : This is key. It signifies a moment of quiet – perhaps before he begins speaking. The word "great" suggests a significant pause. “…he spake unto [them] in the Hebrew tongue…” : This is where it gets even more important. He started speaking in Hebrew . This wasn't just random talking; he was using the language of the Jewish people, his original audience and community. “saying,” : He continued to speak – likely with a message or explanation. Overall Meaning: Paul is essentially initiating a sermon or address. He’s inviting the crowd to listen to him, possibly about a new faith, a specific truth, or a call to action. The pause before speaking suggests he's preparing something important and wants to create an atmosphere of listening. Context – Why is this significant? This verse is crucial because it shows Paul’s willingness to connect with his original audience in their language. It demonstrates his humility, his desire for connection, and his understanding that communication is vital for spreading the gospel (the good news). It's a turning point in how he began to build his ministry. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Provide more context about the time and place this verse occurred? Relate it to a specific story or event from the Bible?