37. As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the army building, he spoke to the commander, “May I say something to you?”The commander said, “Do you speak Greek?
38. I thought you were the Egyptian who started some trouble against the government not long ago and led four thousand killers out to the desert.”
39. Paul said, “No, I am a Jew from Tarsus in the country of Cilicia. I am a citizen of that important city. Please, let me speak to the people.”
40. The commander gave permission, so Paul stood on the steps and waved his hand to quiet the people. When there was silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language.