Acts 21:39
But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people. But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.
Paul identifies himself as a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a city of standing and importance, a citizen of no mean city. He speaks while a violent tumult surrounds him, with a crowd trying to kill him. He remains calm and self-possessed in the middle of the tumult, with his mind stayed on God and angels of heaven about him. He is unwilling to leave the temple without making an effort to set the truth before his countrymen, and seeks an opportunity to speak to them and present the truth.
He turns to the commanding officer and addresses him deferentially in Greek, correcting the officer's mistaken idea that he was the Egyptian ringleader of robbers and murderers in the recent rebellion. He asks the Roman captain, commander, and officer for permission to address and speak to the people. God gives him influence over the Roman officer, so the request is granted. Having been granted permission, he stood on the stairs, signaled for attention, and began his defense in Hebrew. The familiar Hebrew language quieted the crowd, and his composed, respectful manner commanded attention.