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Acts 22:21

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

In Acts 22:21, the Apostle Paul recounts a pivotal moment in his life, a direct commission from God to take the Gospel beyond the confines of Israel. This verse is part of his defense before a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem, where he explains the divine origin of his controversial mission to the Gentiles.

Context

Paul is standing on the steps of the Antonia Fortress, having been rescued from a mob in the temple. He requests permission to speak to the crowd, and he seizes the opportunity to share his personal testimony. He describes his zealous past as a persecutor of Christians, his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus, and his subsequent obedience to Christ. The immediate context of this verse is a vision Paul had in the temple after his conversion, where the Lord appeared to him and gave him specific instructions regarding his future ministry. This revelation of being sent to the Gentiles was the breaking point for the Jewish audience, who reacted violently to the idea.

Key Themes

  • Divine Commission: The verse unequivocally states that Paul's mission to the Gentiles was not his own idea or choice, but a direct command from God Himself ("And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee..."). This divine mandate authenticated his apostleship and explained the unique direction of his ministry.
  • Inclusion of Gentiles: This declaration signals a momentous shift in God's redemptive plan, emphasizing that salvation through Christ is not limited to the Jewish people but is extended to all nations. This theme is central to Paul's theology and his tireless work, as he became the Apostle to the Gentiles, effectively breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile.
  • Global Scope of the Gospel: The phrase "send thee far hence unto the Gentiles" underscores the universal reach of the Christian message. It foreshadows the widespread missionary journeys Paul would undertake, spreading the good news across the Roman Empire and beyond.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Gentiles" in the King James Version translates the Greek word ethne (ἔθνη), which literally means "nations" or "peoples." In a Jewish context, it referred to all non-Jewish peoples. The Lord's command to send Paul "far hence" (μακράν, makran) emphasizes the geographical distance and the cultural divide Paul would bridge to fulfill his calling. This specific divine instruction solidifies Paul's understanding of his unique role in God's plan, a role that would cause him much persecution from his own countrymen but bring countless others to faith.

Practical Application

Acts 22:21 reminds us that God's plans often transcend our expectations and comfort zones. Like Paul, we may be called to unexpected places or to minister to people we might not naturally associate with. This verse encourages believers to embrace the universal nature of the Great Commission, recognizing that the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of background or ethnicity. It challenges us to break down barriers and share the transformative message of Christ with all "nations," just as God sent Paul.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 9:15 (11 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 3:8 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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