Verses 1-2
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Do your best to speak to people in their own language, if you can. They will want to listen more if you do.
Verses 3-22
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Paul spoke about his past, as a Jewish leader, to show that he was as much a Jew as any one of them, and as zealous to resist Christianity as anyone.
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This showed that he changed because, truly, Christ revealed Himself to him.
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But when Paul began to speak about being sent to the Gentiles, which was revolting to the Jews, the crowds no longer listened to him.
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Even though Paul could not finish his message, he spoke as much as he was able to speak, and he focused his message on the person of Christ.
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When sharing the gospel, speak as much as people will listen to, and know that God will do with it what must be done.
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Verses 23-30
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It was illegal under Roman law to scourge a Roman citizen. So Paul used his rights as a Roman citizen to protect himself from scourging. Also see Acts 16:37-38.
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As a believer, it is okay to claim your rights as a citizen of the country you live in, if possible, to protect yourself from unlawful attacks.

