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Acts 28:22

Acts 28:22 in Multiple Translations

But we consider your views worth hearing, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.”

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.

But we have a desire to give hearing to your opinion: for as to this form of religion, we have knowledge that in all places it is attacked.

“But we do want to hear from you what you believe—especially regarding this sect, which we know is condemned everywhere.”

But we will heare of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we knowe that euery where it is spoken against.

and we think it good from thee to hear what thou dost think, for, indeed, concerning this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against;'

But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”

But we desire to hear from thee, what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest; for as concerning this sect, we know that it is every where contradicted.

But we (exc) want to hear what you (sg) think about this Christian sect/group, because we know that in many places [HYP] bad things are being said {people are saying bad things} about it.”

But we know that people in a lot of places don’t agree with the Christians, so we want to hear what you have to say.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 28:22

BAB
Word Study

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Acts 28:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK αξιουμεν δε παρα σου ακουσαι α φρονεις περι μεν γαρ της αιρεσεως ταυτης γνωστον εστιν ημιν οτι πανταχου αντιλεγεται
αξιουμεν axioō G515 to deem worthy Verb-PAI-1P
δε de G1161 then Conj
παρα para G3844 from/with/beside Prep
σου su G4771 you Pron-2GS
ακουσαι akouō G191 to hear Verb-AAN
α hos, hē G3739 which Rel-APN
φρονεις phroneō G5426 to reason Verb-PAI-2S
περι peri G4012 about Prep
μεν men G3303 on the other hand Particle
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF
αιρεσεως ahiresis G139 sect Noun-GSF
ταυτης ohutos G3778 this/he/she/it Dem-GSF
γνωστον gnōstos, gnōrimos G1110 acquainted with Adj-NSN
εστιν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-3S
ημιν egō G1473 I/we Pron-1DP
οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj
πανταχου pantachou G3837 everywhere Adv
αντιλεγεται antilegō G483 to dispute Verb-PPI-3S
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 28:22

αξιουμεν axioō G515 "to deem worthy" Verb-PAI-1P
To deem worthy is to think someone deserves respect or reward, as in 2 Thessalonians 1:11 where Paul prays for those worthy of God's call.
Definition: ἀξιόω, -ῶ (ἄξιος), [in LXX chiefly for בְּעָא, בָּקַשׁ; frequently in Wis.1:1-16, 2 Mac ;] __(a) to deem worthy: with accusative and inf. (see MM, VGT, see word, and cf. κατ-αξιόω), Luk.7:7; id. and genitive of thing(s), 2Th.1:11; pass. with genitive of thing(s), 1Ti.5:17, Heb.3:3 10:29 __(b) to think fit: with inf. (see M, Pr., 205), Act.15:38 28:22.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: desire, think good, count (think) worthy See also: 1 Timothy 5:17; Acts 28:22; Hebrews 3:3.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
παρα para G3844 "from/with/beside" Prep
Means 'from' or 'beside', indicating the source or origin of something, as seen in Mark 14:43 and John 15:26. It can also mean 'at' or 'in the vicinity of' something. Used to show the relationship between people or things.
Definition: παρά, prep. with genitive, dative, accusative, with radical sense, beside. __I. C. genitive of person(s), from the side of, from beside, from, indicating source or origin, [in LXX for מֵאֵצֶל ,מִיַד ,מִלִּפְנֵי ;] after verbs of motion, Mrk.14:43, Luk.8:49, Jhn.15:26, al.; after verbs of seeking, receiving, hearing, etc., Mrk.8:11 12:2, Jhn.4:9, 52 10:18, Php.4:18, 2Ti.1:18, Jas.1:7, al.; after passive verbs, of the agent (like ὑπό), Mat.21:42, Mrk.12:11, Luk.1:37; absol., οἱ παρ᾽ αὐτοῦ, his family, his kinsfolk, Mrk.3:21 (cf. M, Pr., 106f.; Field, Notes, 25f.; Swete, in l.); τὰ παρ᾽ αὐτῆς (αὐτῶν, ὑμῶν, one's means, wealth, Mrk.5:26, Luk.10:7, Php.4:18. __II. C. dative of person(s) (exc. Jhn.19:25, π. τ. σταυρῷ), by the side of, beside, by, with, [in LXX for בְּעֵינֵי ,בְּיַד ,אֵצֶל ;] Luk.11:37 19:7, Jhn.1:40 4:40, Act.28:14, al.; παρ᾽ ἑαυτῷ, at home, 1Co.16:2; with dative pl., among, Mat.22:25, Col.4:16, al.; metaphorically, Mat.19:26, Mrk.10:27, Luk.1:30, Rom.2:13, Jas.1:27, al. __III. C. accusative, of motion by or towards, [in LXX for בְּעֵבֶר ,עַל יַד ,אֵצֶל ;] __1. of place, by the side of, beside, by, along: Act.10:32, Heb.11:12; after verbs of motion, Mat.4:18, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, Act.4:35, al.; after verbs of rest, Mat.13:1, Mrk.5:21, Luk.8:35, al. __2. beside, beyond, metaphorically; __(a) beyond, against, contrary to: Act.18:13, Rom.1:26 4:18 11:24, al.; except, 2Co.11:24; __(b) beyond, above, in comparison with: Luk.3:13, Rom.12:3 14:5, Heb.1:4, 9 3:3, al.; __(with) on account of: 1Co.12:15, 16. __IV. In composition: beside, to (παραλαμβάνω, παράγω), at hand (πάρειμι), from (παραρρέω), amiss (παρακούω), past (παρέρχομαι), compared with (παρομοιάζω), above measure (παροργίζω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 189 NT verses. KJV: above, against, among, at, before, by, contrary to, X friend, from, + give (such things as they), + that (she) had, X his, in, more than, nigh unto, (out) of, past, save, side…by, in the sight of, than, (there-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 3:11; John 7:51; 1 Peter 2:4.
σου su G4771 "you" Pron-2GS
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
ακουσαι akouō G191 "to hear" Verb-AAN
To hear or listen, not just with our ears but also to understand and obey, as Jesus says in Mark 4:3 and Matthew 11:15. It involves paying attention to what is being said and responding accordingly.
Definition: ἀκούω, [in LXX chiefly for שׁמע ] to hear, listen, attend, perceive by hearing, comprehend by hearing. __1. Intrans.: Mrk.4:3 7:37, Jas.2:5, Rev.2:7, al.; τ. ὠσίν, Mat.13:15 (LXX); with cogn. dative, ακοῇ ἀ. (see: ἀκοή), Mat.13:14, Act.28:26" (LXX) ; ὁ ἔχων ὦτα (οὖς) ἀκούειν, ἀκουσάτω, Mat.11:15, Mrk.4:23, Rev.2:7, al. __2. Trans., prop. with accusative of thing(s), of thing heard, genitive of person(s), from whom heard (LS, see word): Act.1:4; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.12:19, Jhn.3:8 (Abbott, JG, 76), Act.22:9, al.; with dupl. accusative, Jhn.12:18, 1Co.11:18; with genitive of thing(s), Jhn.7:40 (Abbott, JV, 116); τ. φωνῆς (cf. Heb. שָׁמַע בְּקוֹל, Exo.18:19), Jhn.5:25, 28 Act.9:7 (on the distinction bet. this and ἀ. φωνήν, ib. 4, see M, Pr., 66; Field, Notes, 117; Abbott, Essays, 93f.); of God answering prayer, Jhn.9:31, 1Jn.5:14, 15; with accusative of thing(s), before παρά, Jhn.8:26, 40 Act.10:22, 2Ti.2:2; id. before ἀπό, 1Jn.1:5; with genitive pars. before ptcp., Mrk.14:58, Luk.18:36, al. (On NT usage generally, see Bl., §36, 5; Cremer, 82.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 401 NT verses. KJV: give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 23:16; Hebrews 2:1.
α hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-APN
The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.
Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.
φρονεις phroneō G5426 "to reason" Verb-PAI-2S
This word means to think or reason, as in Romans 12:3, where Paul encourages believers to think soberly about themselves.
Definition: φρονέω, -ῶ (φρήν), [in LXX: Deu.32:29, Zec.9:2 (חָכָם), Psa.94:8 (שָׂכַל hi.), Isa.44:18 (בִּין) Isa.44:28, Est.8:13, Wis.1:1 14:30, 1Ma.10:20, 2Ma.9:12; 2Ma.14:8 2Mac 14:26 * ;] __1. to have understanding (Hon., al.). __2. to think, to be minded in a certain way: ὡς νήπιος, 1Co.13:11; with accusative (usually neut., adj., or pron., as frequently in cl.), ὃ δεῖ, Rom.12:3; ἃ, Act.28:22; τοῦτο, Php.3:15; τι ἑτέρως, ib.; οὐδὲν ἄλλο, Gal.5:10; τ. αὐτὸ φ. (Deiss., BS, 256), to be of the same mind, 2Co.13:11, Php.2:2 4:2; id. before εἰς (ἐν) ἀλλήλους(οις), Rom.12:16 15:5; τ. ἓν φ., Php.2:2 (Lft., in l); before ὑπέρ, Php.1:7. __3. to have in mind, be mindful of, think of (Hdt., Xen., al.; Es, 1Mac, ll. with): τὰ τ. θεοῦ, opposite to τ. τ. ἀνθρώπων, Mat.16:23, Mrk.8:33; τὰ τ. σαρκός, opposite to τ. τ. πνεύρατος, Rom.8:5; τ. ἐπίγεια, Php.3:19; τὰ ἄνω, opposite to τ. ἐπὶ τ. γῆς, Col.3:2; τοῦτο φρονεῖτε (RV, have this mind in you), Php.2:5; ὑψηλά, Rom.12:16; φ. ἡμέραν (to observe a day), Rom.14:6; before ὑπέρ, Php.4:10 (cf. κατα-, παρα-, περι-, ὑπερ-φρσνέω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: set the affection on, (be) care(-ful), (be like-, + be of one, + be of the same, + let this) mind(-ed), regard, savour, think See also: 1 Corinthians 4:6; Philippians 2:5; Romans 8:5.
περι peri G4012 "about" Prep
The Greek word for about or around, used in various contexts such as place, cause, or time. It is often translated as 'about' or 'concerning' in the KJV, and appears in many passages, including Matthew 2:8 and John 16:26.
Definition: περί, prep. with genitive, accusative (in cl. also with dative; cf. M, Pr., 105f.), with radical sense round about (as distinct from ἀμφί, on both sides). __I. C. genitive, __1. of place, about (poët.). __2. Causal, about, on account of, concerning, in reference to: Mat.2:8, Mrk.1:44, Luk.4:38, Jhn.16:26, Act.28:21, al. mult.; τὰ περί, with genitive, the things concerning one, one's state or case: Mrk.5:27, Act.1:3 28:15, Eph.6:22, al.; at the beginning of a sentence, περί, regarding, as to, 1Co.7:1, al.; in the sense on account of (Mat.26:28, 1Co.1:13, al.), often with ὑπέρ as variant (cf. M, Pr., 105). __II. C. accusative, __1. of place, about, around: Mat.3:4, Mrk.1:6, Luk.13:8, Act.22:6, al.; οἱ περί, with accusative of person(s), of one's associates, friends, etc., Mrk.4:10, Luk.22:49, Jhn.11:19, Act.13:13; οἱ περὶ τ. τοιαῦτα ἐργάται, Act.19:25; metaphorically, about, as to, concerning: 1Ti.1:19 6:4 2Ti.2:18 3:8, Tit.2:7; τὰ περὶ ἐμέ, Php.2:23; αἱ περὶ τ. λοιπὰ ἐπιθυμίαι, Mrk.4:19. __2. Of time, in a loose reckoning, about, near: Mat.20:3, 5 6, 9 27:46, Mrk.6:48, Act.10:3, 9 22:6. __III. In composition: round about (περιβάλλω, περίκειμαι), beyond, over and above (περιποιέω, περιλείπω), to excess (περιεργάζομαι, περισσεύω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 305 NT verses. KJV: (there-)about, above, against, at, on behalf of, X and his company, which concern, (as) concerning, for, X how it will go with, ((there-, where-)) of, on, over, pertaining (to), for sake, X (e-)state, (as) touching, (where-)by (in), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:4; Acts 26:2; 1 Peter 1:10.
μεν men G3303 "on the other hand" Particle
This word means 'on the other hand' and is often used to contrast ideas. It appears in the New Testament, like in John and Romans, to show a difference between two things. It's usually translated as 'even' or 'indeed'.
Definition: μέν, conjunctive particle (originally a form of μήν), usually related to a following δέ or other adversative conjunction, and distinguishing the word or clause with which it stands from that which follows. It is generally untranslatable and is not nearly so frequent in NT as in cl. Like δέ, it never stands first in a clause. __1. Answered by δέ or some other particle: μὲν . . . δέ, indeed . . . but, Mat.3:11, Luk.3:16, al.; with pronouns, ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, one . . . another, Mat.21:35, al.; pl., Php.1:16, 17; ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δὲ . . . ὃ δέ, some . . . some . . . some, Mat.13:8; τοῦτο μὲν . . . τοῦτο δέ, partly . . . partly, Heb.10:33; μὲν . . . ἔπειτα, Jhn.11:6; μὲν . . . καί, Luk.8:5. __2. μέν solitarium, answered by no other particle: πρῶτον μέν (Bl., l.with), Rom.1:8 3:2, 1Co.11:18; μὲν οὖν in narrative, summing up what precedes or introducing something further (Bl., §78, 5), so then, rather, nay rather: Luk.11:28 (WH, μενοῦν), Act.1:6 9:31, al.; μὲν οὖν γε (Php.3:8, WH): see: μενοῦνγε. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 194 NT verses. KJV: even, indeed, so, some, truly, verily See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; Hebrews 3:5; 1 Peter 1:20.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
αιρεσεως ahiresis G139 "sect" Noun-GSF
A sect refers to a group of people who share a particular opinion or belief, often one that differs from the main group, as seen in Acts 5:17 and 1 Corinthians 11:19. It can also describe a heresy or a faction. This concept is discussed in the Bible, particularly in the context of early Christianity.
Definition: αἵρεσις, -εως, ἡ (αἱρέω, -ομαι), [in LXX for נְדָבָה,] __1. capture. __2. choosing, choice (see MM, VGT, see word). __3. that which is chosen, hence, opinion; esp. a peculiar opinion, heresy: 1Co.11:19, Gal.5:20, 2Pe.2:1 R, txt. __4. In late writers (MM, VGT), of a set of persons professing particular principles or opinions, a school, sect, party, faction: Act.5:17 15:5 24:5,14 26:5 28:22, I Co, Ga, II Pe, l.with, R, mg. (Cremer, 614). † (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: heresy (which is the Greek word itself), sect See also: 1 Corinthians 11:19; Acts 24:5; Galatians 5:20.
ταυτης ohutos G3778 "this/he/she/it" Dem-GSF
This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.
Definition: οὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο, genitive, τούτου, ταύτης, τούτου, [in LXX chiefly for זֹאת ,זֶה ;] demonstr. pron. (related to ἐκεῖνος as hic to ille), this; __1. as subst., this one, he; __(a) absol.: Mat.3:17, Mrk.9:7, Luk.7:44, 45, Jhn.1:15, Act.2:15, al.; expressing contempt (cl.), Mat.13:55, 56, Mrk.6:2, 3, Jhn.6:42, al.; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, Rom.14:9; μετὰ τοῦτο (ταῦτα; V. Westc. on Jhn.5:1), Jhn.2:12 11:7, al.; __(b) epanaleptic (referring to what precedes): Mat.5:19, Mrk.3:35, Luk.9:48, Jhn.6:46, Rom.7:10, al.; __(with) proleptic (referring to what follows): before ἵνα (Bl., §69, 6), Luk.1:43, Jhn.3:19 (and freq.) 15:8, Rom.14:9, al.; before ὅτι, Luk.10:11, Jhn.9:3o, Act.24:14, Rom.2:3, al.; ὅπως, Rom.9:17; ἐάν, Jhn.13:35; __(d) special idioms: τοῦτο μὲν . . . τ. δέ (cl), partly . . . partly. Heb.10:33; καὶ τοῦτο (τοῦτον, ταῦτα), and that (him) too, Rom.13:11, 1Co.2:2, Heb.11:12; τοῦτ᾽ ἐστιν, Mat.27:46. __2. As adj., with subst.; __(a) with art. __(α) before the art.: Mat.12:32, Mrk.9:29, Luk.7:44, Jhn.4:15, Rom.11:24, Rev.19:9, al.; __(β) after the noun: Mat.3:9, Mrk.12:16, Luk.11:31, Jhn.4:13, Act.6:13, Rom.15:28, 1Co.1:20, Rev.2:24, al.; __(b) with subst. anarth. (with predicative force; Bl., §49, 4): Luk.1:36 2:2 24:21, Jhn.2:11 4:54 21:14, 2Co.13:1. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1281 NT verses. KJV: he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 1:11.
γνωστον gnōstos, gnōrimos G1110 "acquainted with" Adj-NSN
This word means being well-known or acquainted with someone, like the apostles in Acts 1:19. It describes a notable sign in Acts 4:16. In Romans 1:19, it refers to what can be known about God.
Definition: γνωστός, -ή, -όν, later form of γνωστός (γιγνώσκω), [in LXX for various parts of ידע ;] known: Act.9:42; with dative, Jhn.18:15, 16 (Rec.), Act.1:19 2:14 4:10 13:38 15:18 19:17 28:22, 28; γ. σημεῖον, a notable (EV) sign, one that is matter of knowledge, Act.4:16; γνωστὸν, Act.15:17, 18; τὸ γνωστὸν θεοῦ, Rom.1:19; in pl., as subst., γνωστοί, acquaintances, Luk.2:44 23:49; so in sing., Jhn.18:16 (WH).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: acquaintance, (which may be) known, notable See also: Acts 1:19; Acts 19:17; Romans 1:19.
εστιν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-3S
To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.
Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.
ημιν egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1DP
This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.
Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.
οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj
This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.
Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.
πανταχου pantachou G3837 "everywhere" Adv
This word means everywhere, describing something that happens in all places, like in Mark 1:28 and Acts 17:30. It is used to convey a sense of universality or widespread presence. Jesus' message spread everywhere, as seen in Luke 9:6 and Acts 24:3.
Definition: πανταχοῦ adv., [in LXX: Isa.42:22 (כָּלַם)* ;] everywhere: Mrk.1:28 16:20, Luk.9:6, Act.17:30 24:3 28:22, 1Co.4:17.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: in all places, everywhere See also: 1 Corinthians 4:17; Acts 24:3; Mark 16:20.
αντιλεγεται antilegō G483 "to dispute" Verb-PPI-3S
To dispute or argue against someone, as seen in Acts 28:19 and Romans 10:21, where people spoke against God's message. This word is used to describe opposition or resistance to an idea or person. It involves refusing to agree or accept something.
Definition: ἀντι-λέγω [in LXX: Hos.4:4 (רִיב hi.), Isa.50:5 (סוּג ni.) Isa.22:22 65:2, Sir.4:25, 3Ma.2:28, 4Ma.4:7 4Mac 8:2 * ;] cοntradict, oppose, resist (see Field, Notes, 106; MM, VGT, see word); absol.: Act.28:19, Rom.10:21, Tit.1:9 2:9; with dative, Jhn.19:12, Act.13:45; with accusative and inf., Luk.20:27 T; pass., Luk.2:34, Act.28:22.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: answer again, contradict, deny, gainsay(-er), speak against See also: Acts 4:14; Luke 2:34; Romans 10:21.

Study Notes — Acts 28:22

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Peter 2:12 Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
2 Acts 24:14 I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,
3 1 Peter 3:16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.
4 Acts 16:20–21 They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.”
5 Acts 17:6–7 But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!”
6 1 Peter 4:14–16 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler. But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.
7 Acts 24:5–6 We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him.
8 Acts 26:5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion.
9 1 Corinthians 11:19 And indeed, there must be differences among you to show which of you are approved.
10 Acts 15:5 But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and declared, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.”

Acts 28:22 Summary

This verse shows that the Roman leaders were curious about the Christian faith, despite the negative things they had heard about it. They wanted to hear Paul's side of the story and learn more about what Christians believed. This is similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, where He tells His followers to let their light shine before others, so they can see the good things they do and praise their Father in heaven. By being open to hearing Paul's views, the Roman leaders were taking a step towards understanding the truth about Jesus Christ and the Christian faith, as seen in Acts 10:33.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the term 'sect' mean in Acts 28:22?

In this context, 'sect' refers to a religious group or movement, in this case, the early Christian church, which was seen as a controversial and misunderstood group by many people, as mentioned in Acts 24:14 and Acts 5:17.

Why were people speaking against the Christian sect?

People were speaking against the Christian sect because they did not understand the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles, and they saw the Christian movement as a threat to their traditional beliefs and practices, as seen in Acts 17:6-7 and Acts 21:28.

What is the significance of the Roman leaders wanting to hear Paul's views?

The Roman leaders wanting to hear Paul's views shows that they were open to learning about the Christian faith, despite the negative rumors and misconceptions surrounding it, and it also shows Paul's opportunity to share the Gospel with them, as mentioned in Acts 28:23-24 and 1 Corinthians 9:22-23.

How does this verse relate to the Great Commission?

This verse relates to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, because it shows the early Christian church's desire to share the Gospel with everyone, including those in positions of power and influence, as seen in Acts 28:22 and Acts 1:8.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some common misconceptions about Christianity that you have encountered, and how can you address them in a loving and respectful manner?
  2. How can you, like Paul, take advantage of opportunities to share the Gospel with those who may be open to hearing it, even if they have preconceived notions about Christianity?
  3. What can you learn from the Roman leaders' willingness to listen to Paul's views, and how can you apply that to your own relationships with people who may not share your beliefs?
  4. How does this verse encourage you to be a bold and faithful witness for Jesus Christ, even in the face of opposition or misunderstanding, as mentioned in 1 Peter 3:15-16?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 28:22

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest,.... What was his opinion and judgment, concerning the Messiah, whether he was come or not, and whether Jesus of Nazareth was he; and concerning other

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 28:22

Sect, or heresy, for so they called the Christian religion, ,14. Every where it is spoken against; of all conditions of men, governors and people, and in all places; as, , Christ is said to be a sign that shall be spoken against.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 28:22

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. Ver. 22. Everywhere it is spoken against] Nomen in Christianis damnabatur, non crimen, saith Tertullian. When Attalus the martyr was put to death at Lyons, a table was set up over his head with this inscription, Hic est Attalus Christianus, This is Attalus the Christian; that was all they had to charge him with. So when Polycarp was martyred, all the crime objected against him was that he confessed himself to be a Christian. Nero made this cruel edict, Whosoever confessed himself to be a Christian, let him be presently put to death without any more ado, as a convicted enemy of mankind. Sine ulteriore sui defensione capite plectitur.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 28:22

(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 novœ et maleficœ (“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 Cæsars (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.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 28:22

Verse 22. For as concerning this sect] See Clarke on Acts 24:14. A saying of Justin Martyr casts some light on this saying of the Jews: he asserts that the Jews not only cursed them in their synagogues, but they sent out chosen men from Jerusalem, to acquaint the world, and particularly the Jews everywhere, that the Christians were an atheistical and wicked sect, which should be, detested and abhorred by all mankind. Justin Martyr, Dial. p. 234.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 28:22

22. But we desire to hear of thee] He was a Jew, one of their own nation, and was likely to be able to put his belief before them in its true light. They professed to be open to reason, but this may have been only because they knew not what else to do.concerning this sect] It is clear from this expression that they had learnt from St Paul’s speech, though St Luke does not record the words, that he was an adherent of Jesus of Nazareth, and held that in Him “the hope of Israel” had been fulfilled.we know] [R. V. “it is known to us”]. The change has the merit of being very literal. Other merit it would be hard to find in it.every where it is spoken against] They were doubtless aware of many of the attacks which had been made by their countrymen on the Christians both in the cities of Asia and Europe, and would have heard them spoken of as the men who were turning the world upside down. The result of the conference was that a day was fixed, on which the Apostle should set forth to them his opinions, so that, as they had no other means for deciding on their course of action, they might discover for themselves what would be the best course to take.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 28:22

What thou thinkest - What your belief is; or what are the doctrines of Christians respecting the Messiah. This sect - The sect of Christians. Spoken against - Particularly by Jews.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 28:22

22. Spoken against—Elsewhere and here at Rome. Frankly, then, though they will listen, their prepossessions are against the argument.The hatred and calumny now poured upon Christians, by which Nero

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