6/4 Acts 21:39

³⁹ Paul replied, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people."

Paul had been in the temple fulfilling a vow to show the Jews that he still respected and observed the Laws of Moses. Some of the people worshiping that day had seen Paul with a Gentile in Jerusalem and had heard that he taught Gentiles that there was no need for them to keep the Laws of Moses. Those people assumed that Paul had brought that Gentile into the temple. They began a riot, beating and kicking Paul.

The Roman fortress of Antonia had been built to give a view into the temple grounds. Upon seeing the riot, the troops came in and took Paul prisoner, keeping the crowd from killing him. But Paul pleaded to speak to the crowd. He told the captain he was from Tarsus, a Roman university city. The captain allowed him to speak, and Paul shared the gospel with the crowd that had tried to kill him.

This was a demonstration of loving your enemies. He was explaining the way of salvation to the very people who had almost killed him. He used any natural means available to obtain the privilege. In this case he took advantage of the fact that Tarsus was the place of his birth and that he also knew how to speak Hebrew. He used his own testimony as well, even his past persecution of Christians. But when he told them of his call to the Gentiles, the crowd began screaming again and refused to hear. Their bias prevented them from hearing the truth.

Consider: Paul shows us several witnessing tips you don't often read about. Look for opportunities even to share with those who abuse you. Use what natural means you have available to gain the opportunity. Share your testimony and anything that might help the listeners relate-but don't be surprised if they stop listening and start screaming.