So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.
16. We must note the state of this sermon, lest we think that he uttered words in vain. Paul seemeth, indeed, to begin even at the very first beginning, but he speaketh nothing but that which is most convenient for the present purpose.
Luke passes over Perga in silence, though Diana's temple stood there, because the whole world could not contain all that might be written. Paul and Barnabas went straight to the synagogue at Antioch, not to curry favor with magistrates, but to the Jews themselves, proving their true care for their souls. This was always the way: to show how the New Testament flows directly from the Old, which the Jews already held sacred.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 13:14-41
Then Paul stood up,.... Not so much that he might be heard; or merely out of reverence and respect to the rulers, and the people; but to show that he accepted the invitation; as also in order to take his proper place in the synagogue, and sit down and teach, as was their custom: and beckoning with his hand; to the people to be silent...