Acts 22:21 (KJV)

What does Acts 22:21 mean?

Acts 22:21 records Jesus telling Paul to leave Jerusalem because He is sending Paul far away to share the message with the Gentiles—people who are not Jewish. This verse marks a turning point where Paul is clearly commissioned to focus his mission on non-Jewish nations.

In this scene, Paul is recounting his personal story to a crowd in Jerusalem, explaining how Jesus spoke to him after his conversion. The command to "depart" and be sent "far hence unto the Gentiles" shows that Paul's work would not be limited to his own people, but would reach distant, non-Jewish communities. This moment highlights the widening scope of the early Christian message beyond Israel.

The Greek behind Acts 22:21

• ἔθνη (ethnē): This word is translated as "Gentiles" and refers to nations or peoples outside of Israel. Its use here emphasizes that Paul's mission is directed beyond the Jewish community, to all other peoples.
• ἐξαποστέλλω (exapostellō): Translated as "I will send," this verb carries the sense of being sent out with a purpose or mission. It underscores that Paul's outreach to the Gentiles is not his own idea, but a direct assignment from Jesus.
• πόρᾳ (porā, from ἄπωθεν, apothen): Rendered as "far hence," this word stresses the distance—Paul is not just being sent to nearby regions, but to far-off lands, highlighting the global scope of his mission.

Why Acts 22:21 matters

• Acts 22:21 clarifies that Paul's focus on Gentiles was not self-chosen, but a direct instruction from Jesus, which helps explain his later ministry to non-Jewish communities.
• This verse often surprises listeners in the story, as it reveals God's intention to include all nations in the message of Jesus, not just the Jewish people.
• In the context of Paul's speech, this statement is what provokes a strong reaction from the crowd, showing how controversial the idea of Gentile inclusion was at the time.