Acts 22:21

KJV

And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G2036} unto {G4314} me {G3165}, Depart {G4198}: for {G3754} I {G1473} will send {G1821} thee {G4571} far hence {G3112} unto {G1519} the Gentiles {G1484}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he said, ‘Get going! For I am going to send you far away — to the Goyim!’”

Berean Standard Bible

Then He said to me, ‘Go! I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

American Standard Version

And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee forth far hence unto the Gentiles.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 22:21 records a pivotal divine commission given to the Apostle Paul, wherein the resurrected Christ explicitly instructs him to depart from Jerusalem and undertake a far-reaching missionary endeavor to the Gentiles. This declaration, recounted by Paul during his defense before a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem, serves as the ultimate justification for his controversial ministry, underscoring that his apostolic calling and the global scope of the Gospel were not of human design but were directly mandated by God Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Paul's impassioned defense before a furious Jewish mob on the steps of the Antonia Fortress in Jerusalem, immediately following his rescue by Roman soldiers from a riot in the temple. Having been granted permission to speak by the Roman commander, Paul addresses his countrymen in Aramaic, recounting his dramatic conversion experience on the Damascus Road, his subsequent blindness and healing, and his initial return to Jerusalem. The narrative of his testimony builds to this climax in [Acts 22:21](/acts/22-21 "Acts 22:21 - Paul's Commission to the Gentiles"), where he reveals the Lord's direct command to send him to the Gentiles. This specific revelation proves to be the breaking point for the Jewish audience, who react with renewed violence and outrage, unable to tolerate the idea of God's salvation extending beyond Israel to the non-Jewish nations. The immediate context highlights the deep-seated ethnic and religious tensions of the time, as Paul's divinely appointed mission directly challenged the prevailing Jewish understanding of God's covenantal promises.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was a volatile region under Roman occupation, with deep-seated religious and nationalistic fervor among the Jewish populace. The Temple in Jerusalem stood as the epicenter of Jewish identity, worship, and national pride. The concept of "Gentiles" (Greek: _ethne_) referred to all non-Jewish peoples, often viewed with disdain and considered outside the covenant blessings of God. For a Jew, especially a former zealous Pharisee like Paul, the idea of a divine mission to these "unclean" nations was profoundly shocking and offensive. The Jewish expectation was often of a Messiah who would liberate Israel and establish a Jewish kingdom, not one who would extend salvation to the Gentiles on equal terms. Paul's testimony, particularly the mention of his Gentile mission, was perceived as blasphemous and a betrayal of Jewish heritage, igniting the mob's fury and illustrating the immense cultural and theological chasm that Paul was called to bridge.

* **Key Themes:** [Acts 22:21](/acts/22-21 "Acts 22:21 - Paul's Commission to the Gentiles") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and broader New Testament theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God in Mission**, demonstrating that the expansion of the Gospel is not a human initiative but a divine imperative, orchestrated by God Himself. Paul's personal testimony, culminating in this direct command, authenticates his apostleship and the direction of his ministry, echoing the pattern seen in the early church's expansion through divine guidance (e.g., [Acts 13:2-4](/acts/13-2-4 "Acts 13:2-4 - The Holy Spirit Commissions Barnabas and Saul")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Inclusion of the Gentiles** as a central aspect of God's redemptive plan. This theme is foundational to Paul's entire ministry, as he tirelessly championed the truth that salvation through Christ is offered to all people, regardless of ethnic background, thereby fulfilling Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")) and breaking down the spiritual "dividing wall" between Jew and Gentile (as elaborated in [Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14-18 "Ephesians 2:14-18 - Christ Our Peace and New Humanity")). Finally, the command to "send thee far hence unto the Gentiles" emphasizes the **Universal Scope of the Gospel**, signaling that the good news of Jesus Christ is not confined to a specific geographic or ethnic group but is intended for "all nations" (as commanded in the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Depart (Greek, _poreúomai'_):** This verb signifies to "traverse, travel, go away, or make a journey." In this context, it is an imperative command, "Go!" It implies a decisive, directed movement away from his current location and, by extension, away from the familiar Jewish context of his early ministry. The command to "depart" is not merely a suggestion but a divine directive to initiate a new phase of ministry, physically moving to new territories and spiritually leaving behind the primary focus on the Jewish people to embrace a broader, Gentile-focused mission.
* **send (Greek, _exapostéllō'_):** Derived from "ek" (out of) and "apostellō" (to send), this verb means "to send away forth" or "to despatch." It carries the strong implication of being sent on a specific mission or with a particular purpose. Here, it emphasizes the divine initiative and authority behind Paul's mission. It is not Paul's self-appointed task but a direct commissioning by the Lord, highlighting the authoritative and purposeful nature of his future apostolic work. The prefix "ex-" further underscores the idea of being sent *out* from a particular place or context.
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos'_):** This term literally means "nations" or "peoples." While it can refer to any group of people, in a Jewish context, it specifically denotes non-Jewish peoples, often carrying the connotation of "heathen" or "pagan." The Lord's command to send Paul "unto the Gentiles" is profoundly significant, marking a definitive shift in the focus of Paul's ministry from exclusively Jewish evangelism to a primary, divinely ordained mission to those outside the covenant community of Israel. This word choice underscores the radical inclusivity of God's redemptive plan through Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto me,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin of the subsequent command. "He" refers to the Lord Jesus Christ, who appeared to Paul in a vision in the Temple. This direct speech from the resurrected Christ lends ultimate authority and irrefutability to Paul's mission, presenting it not as a human decision but as a direct revelation from God. Paul emphasizes that this was a personal encounter, a specific word "unto me," highlighting his unique calling.
* **"Depart:"**: This is a direct, imperative command from the Lord. It signifies a decisive break from Paul's current situation and, more broadly, from his initial focus on ministry within Jerusalem and among his Jewish brethren. The command to "depart" implies a physical relocation but also a reorientation of his life's purpose and the primary direction of his evangelistic efforts. It is a call to move beyond the familiar and comfortable.
* **"for I will send thee far hence"**: This clause provides the reason and the nature of the command to "depart." The Lord Himself ("I") declares His intention to "send" Paul, reinforcing the divine initiative. The phrase "far hence" (Greek: _makrán_) emphasizes the geographical and cultural distance Paul would traverse. It suggests a mission that would extend beyond the immediate vicinity of Judea, into distant lands and among peoples with vastly different customs and beliefs. This foreshadows Paul's extensive missionary journeys across the Roman Empire.
* **"unto the Gentiles."**: This final, crucial phrase specifies the target audience of Paul's divinely appointed mission. It is a clear and unequivocal declaration that his primary focus would be on the non-Jewish nations. This was the most controversial aspect of Paul's ministry from a Jewish perspective, as it challenged the traditional understanding of God's covenant and the exclusivity of salvation for Israel. This command reveals God's universal redemptive purpose, extending salvation to all humanity through Christ.

#### Literary Devices
The passage primarily employs **Direct Speech**, as Paul recounts the exact words spoken to him by the Lord, lending immediate authority and authenticity to his account. This direct quotation emphasizes the divine origin of his mission. **Foreshadowing** is also evident, as the command to "send thee far hence unto the Gentiles" clearly predicts Paul's future extensive missionary journeys across the Mediterranean world, which are meticulously documented throughout the book of Acts. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Divine Commission**, where God explicitly assigns a specific task and purpose to an individual, a recurring motif in biblical narratives (e.g., Moses, Jeremiah, the disciples). The phrase "far hence unto the Gentiles" also functions as **Metonymy**, where "Gentiles" stands for the entire non-Jewish world, representing the vastness and diversity of the nations to whom the Gospel would be proclaimed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 22:21 is a foundational text for understanding the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and the nature of Christian mission. It underscores that God's covenant promises, initially made to Abraham and fulfilled in Christ, were always intended to bless "all the families of the earth" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Paul's commission to the Gentiles is not an afterthought but a central part of God's unfolding drama of salvation, demonstrating His impartiality and His desire for all people to come to a knowledge of the truth. This verse confirms that the Gospel transcends ethnic, cultural, and geographical boundaries, revealing a God who actively seeks out and embraces those who were once considered "far off." It challenges any narrow, exclusive view of God's grace and highlights the radical inclusivity of the new covenant in Christ.

* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")
* [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - Christ Our Peace and New Humanity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 22:21 serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans often extend beyond our comfort zones, our preconceived notions, and even our cultural or personal preferences. Just as Paul was called to "depart" from the familiar and embrace a challenging new mission, believers today are called to be flexible and obedient to God's leading, even when it takes them to unexpected places or calls them to minister to people they might not naturally gravitate towards. This verse challenges us to examine our own biases and prejudices, ensuring that our understanding of God's love and the reach of the Gospel is as expansive as His own. It encourages us to actively participate in the Great Commission, recognizing that every person, regardless of background, ethnicity, or social status, is a potential recipient of God's transforming grace. Our mission, like Paul's, is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with a world in need, breaking down barriers and building bridges of reconciliation and hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might God be calling me to "depart" from my comfort zone in order to serve Him more effectively?**
* **In what ways might I be holding onto prejudices or exclusive views that limit my understanding of God's universal love?**
* **How can I actively participate in extending the Gospel "far hence unto the Gentiles" in my own community or through global missions?**
* **What barriers (cultural, social, personal) might I need to overcome to share the Gospel with those who are different from me?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Jewish audience so offended by Paul's statement about being sent to the Gentiles?**

Answer: The Jewish audience was deeply offended because, from their perspective, God's covenant and salvation were primarily for Israel. The idea of God sending a zealous Pharisee like Paul to the "Gentiles" (non-Jews, often considered "unclean" and outside God's favor) on equal terms with Jews was perceived as a betrayal of their heritage, a blasphemous rejection of Jewish exclusivity, and a threat to their national and religious identity. They believed the Gentiles would only be included by converting to Judaism, not by direct divine commission as Paul claimed. This statement challenged their entire worldview and their understanding of God's redemptive plan, leading to extreme outrage as seen in [Acts 22:22-23](/acts/22-22-23 "Acts 22:22-23 - The Crowd's Outburst").

**How does this verse relate to Paul's earlier ministry in Jerusalem before his conversion?**

Answer: This verse stands in stark contrast to Paul's earlier life and ministry in Jerusalem. Before his conversion, Paul (then Saul) was a zealous Pharisee who actively persecuted Christians, viewing them as a dangerous sect that threatened Judaism. His initial mission, as described in [Acts 9:1-2](/acts/9-1-2 "Acts 9:1-2 - Saul's Persecution"), was to arrest and bring Christians from Damascus back to Jerusalem for punishment. The command in [Acts 22:21](/acts/22-21 "Acts 22:21 - Paul's Commission to the Gentiles") to "depart" and be sent "far hence unto the Gentiles" represents a complete reversal of his life's direction and purpose, demonstrating the radical transformative power of his encounter with the resurrected Christ.

**Does this mean God abandoned Israel by sending Paul to the Gentiles?**

Answer: No, God did not abandon Israel. While Paul's primary commission was to the Gentiles, he consistently maintained a deep love and concern for his Jewish kinsmen, always seeking to share the Gospel with them first whenever he entered a new city (e.g., [Acts 13:46](/acts/13-46 "Acts 13:46 - Paul Turns to the Gentiles")). His ministry to the Gentiles was part of God's larger plan to provoke Israel to jealousy and ultimately bring about their salvation, as he explains in [Romans 11:11-15](/romans/11-11-15 "Romans 11:11-15 - Israel's Rejection and Restoration"). God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel remains, and their ultimate restoration is a key theme in Paul's theology.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 22:21, though a direct commission to Paul, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Lord's command to send Paul "far hence unto the Gentiles" is a direct outflow of Christ's own redemptive mission, which was always intended to encompass all humanity. Jesus Himself declared that He came not only for the "lost sheep of Israel" but also to gather "other sheep that are not of this fold" ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")). His death on the cross broke down the spiritual dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new humanity in himself" ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace and New Humanity")). Paul's commission is therefore a direct extension of Christ's [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"), which instructs His followers to "make disciples of all nations." The sending of Paul to the Gentiles is a clear demonstration that the "light to the Gentiles" prophesied in the Old Testament ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")) has fully dawned in Christ, and through His Spirit, He continues to send His messengers to the ends of the earth, ensuring that His saving grace is proclaimed to every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, ultimately bringing glory to the Lamb of God who was slain for the sins of the world ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Song of the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 9:15

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Ephesians 3:6

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Ephesians 3:8

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

1 Timothy 2:7

Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, [and] lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

Romans 15:16

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

Galatians 2:7

But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as [the gospel] of the circumcision [was] unto Peter;

Galatians 2:8

(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)