Acts 22:22

KJV

¶ And they gave him audience unto this word, and [then] lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a [fellow] from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they gave {G191} him {G846} audience {G191} unto {G891} this {G5127} word {G3056}, and {G2532} then lifted up {G1869} their {G846} voices {G5456}, and said {G3004}, Away with {G142} such {G5108} a fellow from {G575} the earth {G1093}: for {G1063} it is {G2520} not {G3756} fit {G2520} that he {G846} should live {G2198}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They had been listening to him up to this point; but now they shouted at the top of their lungs, “Rid the earth of such a man! He’s not fit to live!”

Berean Standard Bible

The crowd listened to Paul until he made this statement. Then they lifted up their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He is not fit to live!”

American Standard Version

And they gave him audience unto this word; and they lifted up their voice, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 22:22 captures the explosive climax of Paul's defense before a Jewish crowd in Jerusalem, revealing the depth of their animosity towards the Gospel's universal scope. After patiently listening to Paul recount his dramatic conversion and divine commission, the crowd's tolerance evaporated the moment he declared his mission to the Gentiles. This single statement, signifying God's inclusive grace extended beyond ethnic Israel, ignited a furious demand for his immediate execution, demonstrating the intense religious and nationalistic prejudice he faced.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 22:22 is situated within a dramatic sequence of events following Paul's return to Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey. The preceding chapter, [Acts 21](/acts/21 "Acts 21 - Paul's Return to Jerusalem and Arrest"), details his arrival, purification rites in the Temple, and subsequent arrest by a furious mob who falsely accused him of defiling the holy place and teaching against the Law. The Roman commander intervened, rescuing Paul from certain death. In [Acts 22:1-21](/acts/22-1-21 "Acts 22:1-21 - Paul's Defense Before the Crowd"), Paul, granted permission, addresses the agitated crowd in Hebrew (Aramaic), recounting his zealous life as a Pharisee, his persecution of Christians, and his transformative encounter with the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus. He describes his blindness, healing, and the prophetic words of Ananias. The crowd listened intently, even with respect, until he uttered the "word" in [Acts 22:21](/acts/22-21 "Acts 22:21 - Paul's Commission to the Gentiles"), where Christ commissioned him: "Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles." This declaration, revealing God's intention to extend salvation to non-Jews without requiring full adherence to the Mosaic Law, served as the immediate trigger for the violent outburst recorded in [Acts 22:22](/acts/22-22 "Acts 22:22 - The Crowd's Fury"). The subsequent verses ([Acts 22:23-30](/acts/22-23-30 "Acts 22:23-30 - Paul's Roman Citizenship and Transfer")) describe the Roman commander's bewildered reaction and Paul's use of his Roman citizenship to avoid scourging.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jerusalem was a crucible of intense Jewish nationalism and religious fervor. The Jewish people, living under Roman occupation, cherished their unique covenantal identity and the Mosaic Law, which they believed set them apart as God's chosen people. The Temple was the epicenter of their religious and national life, symbolizing their exclusive relationship with Yahweh. The idea that Gentiles could receive salvation and become part of God's people on equal terms with Jews, without undergoing circumcision and full conversion to Judaism, was deeply offensive to many. This was seen as a betrayal of their heritage, a dilution of their distinctiveness, and a challenge to the very foundation of their religious system. The term "Gentiles" (ἔθνη, _ethnē_) often carried connotations of impurity and idolatry. Therefore, Paul's mission to the Gentiles, particularly as presented by him, was perceived not merely as a theological disagreement but as a direct assault on their national and religious honor, inciting a visceral, violent reaction rooted in centuries of cultural and religious exclusivity.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 22:22 powerfully highlights several key themes central to the book of Acts and early Christian theology. Firstly, it underscores the **radical inclusivity of the Gospel** versus the **exclusivity of Jewish nationalism**. The crowd's fury demonstrates their inability or unwillingness to grasp God's universal plan of salvation, a theme that reverberates throughout Acts, from Peter's vision in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius") to the [Jerusalem Council in Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"). Secondly, the passage vividly portrays the **cost of discipleship and faithful proclamation of truth**. Paul's unwavering obedience to Christ's commission, despite knowing the intense opposition it would provoke, exemplifies the suffering that comes with following Jesus, a truth foretold by Christ himself in passages like [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated for Christ's Name"). Finally, it reveals the dangerous potential of **religious zealotry and mob mentality**. The crowd, initially attentive, quickly transforms into a bloodthirsty mob, illustrating how deeply held beliefs, when coupled with prejudice and inflamed by demagoguery, can lead to irrational hatred and calls for violence, echoing similar scenes of rejection and persecution faced by the early church.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **audience (Greek, _akoúō'_):** From G191, meaning "to hear (in various senses)." In this context, it signifies the act of giving ear, listening attentively. The crowd had been "hearing" Paul's testimony up to this point, indicating a degree of receptiveness or at least tolerance, which makes their sudden outburst all the more dramatic. Their "audience" was conditional, lasting only "unto this word."
* **Away with (Greek, _aírō'_):** From G142, meaning "to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away... by Hebraism... to expiate sin." Here, it is used as a vehement imperative, demanding Paul's removal, not just from their presence, but from existence. It is a cry for his immediate execution, a chilling echo of the crowd's demand concerning Jesus in [John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - 'Away with him!'").
* **fit (Greek, _kathḗkō'_):** From G2520, meaning "to reach to, i.e. (neuter of present active participle, figuratively as adjective) becoming." Used with the negative particle "not" (G3756, _ou_), it conveys a strong moral judgment: "it is not becoming," "it is not proper," or "it is not worthy." The crowd deemed Paul morally unfit to live, believing his message and mission were so anathema as to forfeit his right to existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they gave him audience unto this word,"**: The crowd, initially agitated but then calmed by Paul's use of Aramaic and his personal testimony, had been listening with a degree of patience. The phrase "unto this word" (referring to Paul's statement in [Acts 22:21](/acts/22-21 "Acts 22:21 - Paul's Commission to the Gentiles") about being sent to the Gentiles) marks the precise moment their tolerance ceased. It highlights the specific theological trigger for their violent reaction.
* **"and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a [fellow] from the earth:"**: Upon hearing of Paul's Gentile mission, the crowd's previous composure shattered. They erupted into a unified, deafening roar. "Lifted up their voices" indicates a sudden, collective, and uncontrolled outburst of extreme anger and condemnation. "Away with such a fellow from the earth" is a direct and violent demand for Paul's death, implying he is an abomination who should not be allowed to defile the land or continue to exist.
* **"for it is not fit that he should live."**: This clause provides the justification for their murderous demand. In their eyes, Paul's message of Gentile inclusion, particularly without full adherence to the Mosaic Law, was so egregious, so contrary to their understanding of God's covenant and their national identity, that it rendered him unworthy of life. This was not merely a call for imprisonment or banishment, but a declaration that his very existence was an affront.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 22:22 is rich in **Dramatic Irony**, as the crowd's rejection of Paul's mission to the Gentiles, intended to silence him, ultimately propels him further into that very mission under Roman protection, leading to his journey to Rome. The verse employs powerful **Hyperbole** in the crowd's demand "Away with such a fellow from the earth," expressing an extreme, exaggerated desire for his complete eradication. The phrase "lifted up their voices" is a form of **Metonymy**, where "voices" stands for the collective, tumultuous outcry of the mob. The scene also functions as a stark **Antithesis** to the earlier part of Paul's speech, contrasting the crowd's initial, albeit conditional, "audience" with their sudden, violent rejection, highlighting the stark divide between an exclusive religious worldview and the inclusive nature of the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 22:22 stands as a poignant testament to the enduring conflict between human prejudice and God's expansive grace. The Jewish crowd's visceral rejection of Paul's mission to the Gentiles underscores a profound theological tension: the human tendency to restrict God's redemptive plan to a select group, contrasting sharply with God's universal love and desire for all people to be reconciled to Him. This passage illustrates that the Gospel's message of radical inclusion, breaking down barriers of ethnicity and tradition, often meets fierce resistance from those who cling to exclusive identities. It foreshadows the ongoing struggle for the church to embrace diversity and overcome prejudice, reminding believers that God's heart beats for every nation, tribe, people, and language.

* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality"): Peter's realization that "God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him," directly challenges the exclusive mindset seen in Acts 22:22.
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ"): Paul's own theological articulation that "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus," is the very truth that ignited the crowd's fury, demonstrating the core of his Gospel message.
* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated for My Name's Sake"): Jesus' warning to his disciples, "You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved," finds a powerful illustration in Paul's experience, highlighting the inevitable persecution faced by those who faithfully proclaim the Gospel.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 22:22 serves as a sobering mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine our own hearts for any lingering prejudices that might hinder the full embrace of God's inclusive love. Just as the Jerusalem crowd struggled with the idea of God's grace extending beyond their perceived boundaries, we too can fall into the trap of limiting the Gospel's reach based on social, economic, ethnic, or political lines. This passage calls us to courageous faithfulness in proclaiming the whole truth of God's Word, even when it is unpopular or challenges prevailing cultural norms. It reminds us that genuine obedience to Christ may lead to opposition and misunderstanding, but our commission, like Paul's, is to share the liberating message of salvation to all people, without reservation or prejudice. We are called to embody the expansive love of Christ, welcoming all whom God welcomes, and standing firm in the face of hostility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might I be unconsciously holding onto prejudices that limit my understanding or application of God's inclusive grace?**
* **What "words" or truths of the Gospel, if spoken today, might provoke similar strong, negative reactions in my cultural context?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is more aligned with God's universal love for humanity, rather than succumbing to exclusive or tribalistic thinking?**
* **In what ways am I prepared to face opposition or misunderstanding for faithfully proclaiming the Gospel, especially its counter-cultural aspects?**

### FAQ

**Why did the crowd react so violently at the specific mention of "Gentiles"?**

Answer: The crowd's violent reaction stemmed from a deep-seated Jewish nationalism and an exclusive understanding of God's covenant. For centuries, the Jewish people had viewed themselves as God's chosen people, set apart by the Mosaic Law and circumcision. The idea that Gentiles—who were often seen as unclean and idolatrous—could be included in God's salvation on equal terms with Jews, without fully converting to Judaism and adhering to the Law, was anathema. Paul's statement in [Acts 22:21](/acts/22-21 "Acts 22:21 - Paul's Commission to the Gentiles") that he was "sent far hence unto the Gentiles" was perceived as a betrayal of their heritage, a dilution of their distinct identity, and an affront to the sanctity of their covenant with God. This theological and cultural clash ignited their fury, transforming their initial attentiveness into a murderous rage.

**What does "Away with such a fellow from the earth" imply?**

Answer: This phrase is a demand for Paul's immediate and violent execution. The Greek word translated "Away with" (αἴρω, _aírō_) is a strong imperative, meaning "take away," "remove," or "carry off," but in this context, it functions as a cry for his death. Coupled with "from the earth" and the subsequent declaration "it is not fit that he should live," it clearly indicates that the crowd believed Paul was unworthy of existence and should be put to death. It echoes the cries against Jesus before Pilate in [John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - 'Away with him!'"), demonstrating a similar level of intense, religiously motivated hatred and a desire to eliminate perceived blasphemers or threats to their religious order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 22:22, though a moment of intense human rejection, profoundly illuminates the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan. Paul's experience of being hated and condemned for proclaiming God's inclusive grace to the Gentiles directly mirrors the rejection faced by Jesus himself. Just as the Jewish leaders sought to "away with" Jesus because He challenged their exclusive understanding of God's kingdom and embraced outcasts, so too was Paul condemned for extending the same radical welcome. Christ's mission was always to gather all nations ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"); [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")), breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile through His cross ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Paul, as Christ's chosen instrument, became the embodiment of this universal mission, and his suffering in [Acts 22:22](/acts/22-22 "Acts 22:22 - The Crowd's Fury") is a participation in the suffering of Christ for the sake of the world ([Colossians 1:24](/colossians/1-24 "Colossians 1:24 - Paul's Suffering for the Church")). Thus, the crowd's furious cry, intended to silence the message of Christ's inclusive love, ironically served to propel that very message forward, demonstrating that the rejection of God's messengers ultimately serves the sovereign purposes of the Christ who came to save all people.

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 25:24

And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and [also] here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.

Acts 21:36

For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

John 19:15

But they cried out, Away with [him], away with [him], crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

Acts 7:54

¶ When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with [their] teeth.

Acts 7:57

Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

Luke 23:18

And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this [man], and release unto us Barabbas: