Acts 22:21
What does Acts 22:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 22:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 22:21 means
The Lord ends the discussion: “Depart: for I will send thee forth far hence unto the Gentiles.” Paul’s mission is not an improvisation but a direct commission from the risen Jesus. The scope is geographic and ethnic—far and to the nations. This aligns with God’s ancient promise to bless all families of the earth and explains Paul’s pattern of ministry. It also clarifies why he left Jerusalem despite his desire to see his people believe. The sending does not reject Israel; it extends salvation beyond Israel through Israel’s Messiah, calling all to faith in Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee forth far hence unto the Gentiles.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee forth far hence unto the Gentiles.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he said to me, Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he said unto me, Go, because to nations far off I will send thee.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he said to me: Go, for unto the Gentiles afar off will I send thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he said to me, Go, for I will send thee to the nations afar off.
Context
Verse 21 concludes the temple-vision exchange by stating plainly the Gentile commission. This line becomes the narrative fulcrum: up to this point the crowd listens; at this word, they erupt. The next verses (22–23) show their violent reaction, revealing that the offense is not Paul’s language or background but the inclusion of Gentiles through Jesus without reliance on the law. This outcry prompts the Roman commander to intervene again (verses 24–29).
v.20and when the blood of Stephen thy witness was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting, and keeping the garments of them that slew him.
v.21This passage
v.22And 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 11:13
But I speak to you that are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I glorify my ministry;
- Romans 1:5
through whom we received grace and apostleship, unto obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name’s sake;
- Acts 13:2
And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
- Acts 13:46
And Paul and Barnabas spake out boldly, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first be spoken to you. Seeing ye thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
- 2 Timothy 1:11
whereunto I was appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher.
- 1 Timothy 2:7
whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
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