But we consider your views worth hearingThis phrase indicates an openness to dialogue and a willingness to listen, which is significant in the context of Acts. Paul is in Rome, under house arrest, and speaking to Jewish leaders. The Jewish leaders' willingness to hear Paul reflects a broader theme in Acts of the gospel being presented to both Jews and Gentiles. This openness can be seen as a fulfillment of Jesus' command in
Acts 1:8 to be witnesses "to the ends of the earth."
because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.
The term "sect" refers to the early Christian movement, which was often viewed with suspicion and hostility by both Jewish and Roman authorities. The phrase "people everywhere are speaking against" highlights the widespread controversy and opposition faced by early Christians. This opposition is documented throughout Acts, such as inActs 17:6-7, where Christians are accused of defying Caesar's decrees. The term "sect" (Greek: hairesis) was used to describe a group with distinct beliefs, often seen as heretical by mainstream Judaism. This reflects the tension between the nascent Christian faith and established religious traditions. The opposition also fulfills Jesus' prophecy inJohn 15:18-21 about the world hating His followers.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulThe apostle who is under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. He is a central figure in the spread of Christianity and is known for his missionary journeys and epistles.
2.
Jewish Leaders in RomeThese are the local Jewish leaders who have come to hear Paul’s views. They are curious about the "sect" of Christianity, which is being spoken against widely.
3.
RomeThe capital of the Roman Empire, where Paul is currently residing under house arrest. It is a significant location for the spread of Christianity.
4.
The SectRefers to the early Christian movement, which is being referred to as a "sect" by the Jewish leaders. This term indicates the controversial and often misunderstood nature of early Christianity.
5.
Paul's House ArrestAn event where Paul is confined to a house in Rome, yet he continues to preach and teach about Jesus Christ to all who visit him.
Teaching Points
Understanding OppositionChristians should expect opposition and misunderstanding from the world, as the early church did. This is a natural part of following Christ.
Engaging with CuriosityLike Paul, believers should be prepared to engage with those who are curious about their faith, even if it is spoken against.
Faithfulness in AdversityPaul’s example of continuing to preach while under house arrest teaches us to remain faithful and active in our witness, regardless of circumstances.
The Importance of DialogueEngaging in respectful dialogue with those who have different beliefs can open doors for sharing the gospel.
Perseverance in MissionDespite opposition, the mission to spread the gospel remains paramount. Believers are called to persevere in this mission.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Acts 28:22?
2.How can we effectively share the "sect" of Christianity in today's world?
3.Why was Christianity referred to as a "sect" in Acts 28:22?
4.How does Acts 28:22 relate to Jesus' teachings on persecution?
5.What steps can we take to defend our faith when misunderstood?
6.How can we prepare for opposition when spreading the Gospel message?
7.Why did the Jews in Rome want to hear about "this sect" in Acts 28:22?
8.How does Acts 28:22 reflect early Christian persecution and misunderstanding?
9.What does Acts 28:22 reveal about the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 28?
11.Why did Balaam's donkey speak to him?
12.If Jesus performed public miracles, why do contemporary Roman and Jewish sources fail to mention them?
13.Acts 5:27-29: Why should one trust the apostles' claim of divine authority over human authority, given contradictory religious beliefs then and now?
14.Does God act solely for His own pleasure?What Does Acts 28:22 Mean
But we consider your views worth hearing• Paul is under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:16), yet the local Jewish leaders willingly grant him an audience, echoing the open-minded inquiries at Athens (Acts 17:19).
• Their courtesy affirms the biblical call to “be quick to listen” (James 1:19) and models the respectful dialogue urged in1 Peter 3:15.
• Even in confinement, Paul’s testimony remains valuable; his chains actually “advance the gospel” (Philippians 1:12-13).
• The scene reminds believers that God creates openings for His Word in every circumstance (2 Timothy 2:9).
because we know• The leaders admit they already possess information—though second-hand—about the “sect.” Their candor shows the influence of rumor (Proverbs 18:17) and the necessity of firsthand examination (John 7:51).
• Knowledge alone is not sufficient; it must be weighed against Scripture’s truth (Acts 17:11) and tested by discernment (1 John 4:1).
• Paul’s willingness to speak reflects his confidence that the gospel stands up under scrutiny (Acts 26:25-26).
that people everywhere are speaking against this sect• “Everywhere” highlights the rapid spread of Christianity (Acts 17:6) and the equally rapid backlash it provoked (Acts 24:5).
• Opposition fulfills Jesus’ warning: “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first” (John 15:18-19).
• Hostility did not silence the message; persecution often amplified it (Acts 8:1-4,1 Peter 4:14).
• The term “sect” reflects outsider labeling, yet believers proudly identified with “the Way” (Acts 24:14) because Christ is “the way” (John 14:6).
• Modern disciples can expect similar resistance (2 Timothy 3:12) but also the same opportunity to bear witness.
summaryActs 28:22 captures Jewish leaders in Rome granting Paul a fair hearing despite widespread negative reports about Christianity. Their openness, their reliance on hearsay, and the global opposition to the gospel all underscore key truths: God provides platforms for witness in any setting; rumors must be tested by direct engagement with God’s Word; and the spread of the gospel will always draw resistance. Like Paul, believers are called to speak graciously yet boldly, trusting that the unchained Word will accomplish its purpose (Isaiah 55:11).
(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 which the authorities had shown him, and wish for an authoritative exposition of his views. The Christians of Rome had obviously, even if they were Jews, withdrawn from the Jewish quarter, and the residents in that quarter knew of them only by reports. What was the nature of those reports we can only conjecture. They were, as the speakers say, "everywhere spoken against." The darker calumnies which were propagated afterwards--stories of Thyestean (
i.e.,cannibal) banquets and licentious orgies--may possibly have been even then whispered from ear to ear. In any case the Christians of the empire would be known as abandoning circumcision and other Jewish ordinances, leading a separate life, holding meetings which were more or less secret, worshipping One who had been crucified as a malefactor. They were already, as Tacitus describes them, speaking of their sufferings under Nero, known as holding an
exitiabilis superstitio ("a detestable superstition"), guilty of
atrocia et pudenda, odio humani generis convicti ("atrocious and shameful crimes, convicted by the hatred of mankind") (
Ann. xv. 44), or as Suetonius writes (
Nero,c. 16), as a
genus hominum superstitionis nov? et malefic? ("a race of men holding a new and criminal superstition"). It is conceivable, looking to the early date at which such rumours were current, that even then there may have been caricatures like that which was found among the
graffiti of the Palace of the Caesars (now in the Collegio Romano), representing Alexamenos, a Christian convert, worshipping his god, in the form of a crucified human figure with an ass's head. Tertullian (A.D. 160-240) mentions such caricatures as current in his time (
Apol. c. 16), and the story that the Jews worshipped an ass's head, which we know to have been accepted at this very time (Jos.
cont. Apion. ii. 7; Tacit
Hist. v. 4), would naturally be transferred to the Christians, who were regarded as a sect of Jews. In Tertullian's time
Asinarii ("ass-worshippers") was a common term of abuse for them.
Verse 22. -
Itis known to us for
we know, A.V.
We desire (
ἀξιοῦμεν); or,
we are willing; literally,
think it right (so
Acts 16:38).
Ηξίου, followed by a negative, means "was unwilling." It has this sense frequently in Xenophon, AElian, Josephus, and other Greek writers (see Kuinoel, on
Acts 16:30).
This sect (
τῆς αἱρέσεως ταύτης); see
Acts 24:5, 14, notes.
It is known to us;
i.e. though we have heard nothing against you Paul, we have heard of the sect of the Nazarenes and have heard nothing but harm concerning it.
Spoken against (
ἀντιλέγεται); see
Acts 13:45; ver. 19;
Romans 10:21;
Titus 1:9. It is called a "superstitio prava, malefica, exitiabilis" (Pliny, 'Ep.,' 10:96; Suetonius, 'Nero,' 16; Tacitus, 'Annal.,' 15:44; 'Speaker's Commentary').
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.we considerἀξιοῦμεν(axioumen)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 515:To account or treat as worthy. From axios; to deem entitled or fit.your viewsφρονεῖς(phroneis)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 5426:(a) I think, (b) I think, judge, (c) I direct the mind to, seek for, (d) I observe, (e) I care for.{worth} hearing,ἀκοῦσαι(akousai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.becauseγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.weἡμῖν(hēmin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.knowγνωστὸν(gnōston)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1110:Known, an acquaintance. From ginosko; well-known.thatὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.[people] everywhereπανταχοῦ(pantachou)Adverb
Strong's 3837:Everywhere, in all places. Genitive case of a presumed derivative of pas; universally.are speaking againstἀντιλέγεται(antilegetai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 483:To speak or say in opposition, contradict (oppose, resist). From anti and lego; to dispute, refuse.thisταύτης(tautēs)Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.sect.”αἱρέσεως(haireseōs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 139:From haireomai; properly, a choice, i.e. a party or disunion.
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NT Apostles: Acts 28:22 But we desire to hear from you (Acts of the Apostles Ac) 
