Acts 22:21
And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρός
unto
G4314
πρός
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 12
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Πορεύου
Depart
G4198
Πορεύου
Depart
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
5 of 12
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 12
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἔθνη
the Gentiles
G1484
ἔθνη
the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
9 of 12
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
Cross References
Acts 9:15But 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:Romans 15:16That 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.1 Timothy 2:7Whereunto 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 11:13For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
Historical Context
This Damascus road vision (around AD 35) set Paul's missionary trajectory for the next three decades. His specific commissioning to Gentiles complemented Peter's primary ministry to Jews (Galatians 2:7-8), showing how God distributes ministry assignments.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God redirected your ministry preferences toward His specific calling for your life?
- What does Paul's Gentile mission teach about cross-cultural gospel witness and leaving your comfort zone?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus's direct command - 'Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles' - defined Paul's apostolic mission. The 'far hence' indicated both geographical distance and cultural gulf between Judaism and Gentile nations. This divine sending superseded Paul's natural preference to witness to fellow Jews, showing how God's purposes often redirect our initial inclinations toward His broader plans.