Acts 22:23
And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,
Original Language Analysis
αὐτῶν
G846
αὐτῶν
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 13
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
βαλλόντων
threw
G906
βαλλόντων
threw
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
10 of 13
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
This occurred in Jerusalem circa AD 57-58 during Paul's arrest in the temple precincts. The Roman tribune had allowed Paul to address the crowd from the Antonia Fortress stairs. The mob's fury specifically triggered at Paul's claim that God sent him to the Gentiles, violating their exclusivist theology.
Questions for Reflection
- How does ethnic or religious pride in your own community obscure God's universal grace?
- What truths about the gospel provoke the strongest opposition in your cultural context?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air—The crowd's violent reaction to Paul's testimony shows extreme rage escalating to mob hysteria. The Greek riptounton (cast off) suggests violent throwing, while ballonton koniorton (throwing dust) was an ancient Near Eastern expression of outrage and curse-calling. This physical demonstration paralleled their verbal assault, expressing abhorrence demanding divine judgment. When Paul mentioned God's commission to the Gentiles (v. 21), Jewish nationalism erupted into uncontrollable fury, revealing how deeply ethnic pride had corrupted covenant understanding.