Acts 22:18
And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἰδεῖν
saw
G1492
ἰδεῖν
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 20
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
λέγοντά
saying
G3004
λέγοντά
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Σπεῦσον
Make haste
G4692
Σπεῦσον
Make haste
Strong's:
G4692
Word #:
6 of 20
to "speed" ("study"), i.e., urge on (diligently or earnestly); by implication, to await eagerly
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τάχει
quickly
G5034
τάχει
quickly
Strong's:
G5034
Word #:
10 of 20
a brief space (of time), i.e., (with g1722 prefixed) in haste
ἐξ
out of
G1537
ἐξ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
11 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Ἰερουσαλήμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλήμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
12 of 20
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
παραδέξονταί
receive
G3858
παραδέξονταί
receive
Strong's:
G3858
Word #:
15 of 20
to accept near, i.e., admit or (by implication) delight in
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 10:14And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.Matthew 10:23But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.Luke 21:21Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
Historical Context
Jerusalem's rejection fulfilled Jesus' warning. Jews from Asia recognized Paul in the temple years later (Acts 21:27), triggering the riot that led to this speech. Paul's greatest effectiveness came among Gentiles, as Jesus predicted, though he always attempted synagogue ministry first (Acts 13:5, 14:1).
Questions for Reflection
- When have you struggled to accept God's direction because it conflicted with what seemed most logical?
- How does Jesus' warning about Jerusalem challenge assumptions about where we 'should' serve?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem—The double urgency (σπεῦσον καὶ ἔξελθε ἐν τάχει) emphasizes immediate obedience. Jesus explains: they will not receive thy testimony (οὐ παραδέξονται σου τὴν μαρτυρίαν). The verb 'paradechomai' (receive, accept) appears in aorist future—their rejection is certain. Paul's natural inclination would be Jerusalem ministry—he knew Judaism, had credentials, and wanted to undo his persecution. But God's strategy differed. Effective ministry requires divine placement, not human logic. The phrase concerning me (περὶ ἐμοῦ) shows testimony's focus must be Christ, not personal experience alone.