# Connecting Statement:

Paul begins to defend what he did.

# I ask you

"I beg you" or "I plead with you"

# allow me

"please allow me" or please permit me"

# the captain had given him permission

The word "permission" can be stated as a verb. AT: "the captain permitted Paul to speak" or "the captain allowed Paul to speak" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

# Paul stood on the steps

The word "steps" here refers to the steps on the stairway to the fortress.

# motioned with the hand to the people

It can be stated explicitly why Paul motioned with the hand. AT: "motioned with his hand for the people to be quiet" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# When there was a deep silence

"When the people were completely silent"