And as they cried out, and cast off [their] clothes, and threw dust into the air,
And {G1161} as they {G846} cried out {G2905}, and {G2532} cast off {G4495} their clothes {G2440}, and {G2532} threw {G906} dust {G2868} into {G1519} the air {G109},
They were screaming, waving their clothes and throwing dust into the air;
As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and tossing dust into the air,
And as they cried out, and threw off their garments, and cast dust into the air,
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2 Samuel 16:13
And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust. -
Acts 7:58
And cast [him] out of the city, and stoned [him]: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. -
Ecclesiastes 10:3
Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth [him], and he saith to every one [that] he [is] a fool. -
Acts 26:11
And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled [them] to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted [them] even unto strange cities. -
Acts 7:53
Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept [it].
Acts 22:23 describes a moment of intense public outrage directed at the Apostle Paul in Jerusalem. This verse captures the visceral reaction of the Jewish crowd as Paul concluded his defense before them, specifically after mentioning his divine commission to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.
Historical and Cultural Context
Following his arrest in the Temple precincts (Acts 21:30), Paul was given permission by the Roman commander to address the agitated Jewish crowd. He recounted his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6) and his subsequent call to ministry. The crowd listened intently until he reached the point where God instructed him, "Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21). This declaration, that the Messiah's message was for non-Jews, was anathema to many in the crowd, who held exclusive views of God's covenant with Israel. Their reaction in verse 23 is a direct outburst of this deep-seated prejudice and anger.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic and Cultural Insights
Practical Application
Acts 22:23 serves as a stark reminder of the often-irrational opposition the Gospel can face, particularly when it challenges societal norms or comfortable prejudices. For believers today, it encourages: