And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

ACTS 22:18KJV
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Acts 22:18 (KJV)

What does Acts 22:18 mean?

Acts 22:18 describes Paul recounting a vision in which he saw Jesus telling him to leave Jerusalem quickly because the people there would not accept his testimony about Jesus. The verse shows that Paul was warned directly by Jesus that his message would not be received in Jerusalem, urging him to act without delay.

In this scene, Paul is speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem, explaining why he left the city after his conversion. Paul shares that Jesus himself told him to leave because the people would not believe what he had to say about Jesus. This moment highlights both the urgency of Paul's departure and the resistance he faced from his own people regarding his new faith.

The Greek behind Acts 22:18

  • The word translated "make haste" is σπεῦσον (speuson), which means to hurry or act quickly. This emphasizes the urgency of Jesus' instruction to Paul.
  • The phrase "they will not receive" uses δέξονται (dexontai), which means to accept or welcome. The Greek here suggests a deliberate refusal, not just a lack of interest.
  • The word for "testimony" is μαρτυρίαν (marturian), meaning witness or testimony, highlighting that Paul’s message is not just opinion but a formal witness about Jesus.

Why Acts 22:18 matters

  • Acts 22:18 clarifies that Paul's departure from Jerusalem was not out of fear or personal choice, but because of a direct command from Jesus, adding weight to his authority and mission.
  • The verse underscores the resistance of Jerusalem’s people to the message about Jesus, which is a recurring theme in Acts and helps explain the spread of the gospel to other regions.
  • This moment connects Paul's personal story to the larger narrative of Acts, showing how divine guidance shaped the early Christian movement and the spread of its message beyond Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“will” Greek G3858 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 4:20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
  • Acts 16:21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
  • 1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

“haste” Greek G4692 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
  • Luke 19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
  • Acts 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

“quickly” Greek G5034 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
  • Acts 25:4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
  • Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

“for” Greek G1360 · used in 21 verses

  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.