Then He said to me, 'Go! I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'" Then He said to me,This phrase refers to a divine encounter, where Paul recounts his experience of receiving a direct command from the Lord. It emphasizes the personal nature of God's communication with Paul, similar to other biblical figures like Moses (Exodus 3:4) and Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8), who also received direct instructions from God. This highlights the authority and authenticity of Paul's mission. Act 26:16 But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared… ‘Go! The imperative "Go!" signifies urgency and divine commissioning. It echoes the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19, where the disciples are instructed to go and make disciples of all nations. This command underscores the active and obedient response required from those called by God. Gen 12:1 Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country… I will send you This phrase indicates divine initiative and purpose. Paul is not acting on his own accord but is being sent by God, similar to the sending of prophets in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 1:7). It underscores the concept of apostleship, where one is sent with authority to represent the sender, in this case, God Himself. Exo 3:10 Therefore, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh… far away The term "far away" suggests a mission beyond the immediate Jewish context, indicating a geographical and cultural expansion of the Gospel. This aligns with the prophecy in Isaiah 49:6, where the Servant of the Lord is made a light to the nations, extending salvation to the ends of the earth. It also reflects the fulfillment of Jesus' words in Acts 1:8 about being witnesses to the ends of the earth. Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away… to the Gentiles.’” This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the early Church, highlighting the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. It connects to the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis 12:3, where all nations would be blessed through Abraham's seed. Paul's mission to the Gentiles is a fulfillment of this promise and reflects the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, as elaborated in Ephesians 2:14-16. This mission also prefigures the universal scope of Christ's salvation, as seen in Revelation 7:9, where people from every nation, tribe, and language stand before the throne of God. Act 28:28 Be advised, therefore, that God’s salvation has been sent… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul (Saul of Tarsus)The apostle who is recounting his conversion and calling by Jesus Christ. He is a central figure in the spread of Christianity to the Gentile world. 2. Jesus Christ The risen Lord who appears to Paul and commissions him to be an apostle to the Gentiles. 3. Gentiles Non-Jewish people to whom Paul is sent to preach the Gospel. This marks a significant shift in the early Christian mission. 4. Jerusalem The city where Paul is giving his defense and recounting his conversion experience. 5. The Jewish Audience The group listening to Paul’s defense, primarily composed of Jews who are skeptical of his mission to the Gentiles. Teaching Points God's Sovereign CallingGod has a specific purpose and calling for each believer, just as He did for Paul. We must be attentive and obedient to His direction in our lives. The Universality of the Gospel The Gospel is for all people, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. We are called to share the message of Christ with everyone, breaking down barriers of prejudice and division. Courage in Witnessing Like Paul, we may face opposition or misunderstanding when sharing our faith. We are encouraged to stand firm and boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel. Obedience to God's Commission Paul's immediate response to God's command serves as a model for us. We should be willing to go wherever God sends us, trusting in His plan and provision. The Role of Suffering in Ministry Paul's ministry involved significant suffering and hardship. We should not be surprised by trials in our own ministry efforts, but see them as part of God's refining process. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Paul's calling to the Gentiles challenge our understanding of God's mission for the church today?2. In what ways can we be more intentional about sharing the Gospel with those who are different from us culturally or ethnically? 3. What are some barriers that might prevent us from fully obeying God's call in our lives, and how can we overcome them? 4. How can we find courage and strength to witness for Christ in the face of opposition or misunderstanding? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced suffering or hardship in your ministry efforts. How did it shape your faith and understanding of God's purpose for you? Connections to Other Scriptures Acts 9:15This verse describes Paul's initial calling by Jesus, emphasizing his role as a chosen instrument to carry Jesus' name before the Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel. Romans 11:13 Paul identifies himself as the apostle to the Gentiles, highlighting his specific mission and the grace given to him for this purpose. Galatians 1:15-16 Paul speaks of being set apart from birth and called by God's grace to reveal His Son to the Gentiles. Isaiah 49:6 This Old Testament prophecy speaks of being a light to the Gentiles, which is fulfilled in the mission of Paul and the early church. People Ananias, Gamaliel, Paul, Saul, StephenPlaces Cilicia, Damascus, Jerusalem, Nazareth, TarsusTopics Afar, Apostle, Depart, Forth, Gentiles, Hence, Nations, RepliedDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 22:21 5109 Paul, apostle 5944 self-defence Library Rome Protects Paul'And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the Temple, I was in a trance; 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. 19. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on Thee: 20. And when the blood of Thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts Paul on his Own Conversion Being Easily Entreated Some Scriptures for Daily Practise. What is God's Will? Beyond the Brightness of the Sun Early Life the Place of Paul +The Man Jerusalem to Rome Jesus the Guest of Martha and Mary. From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem. Divine Calls. Baptism, a Divinely Appointed Means of Grace. Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him to Crucifixion. The Prodigal Son. Of the Prerogatives which the Elect Shall Enjoy in Heaven. How to Make Use of Christ for Cleansing of us from Our Daily Spots. The Nature of Justification The Birth of Jesus Proclaimed by Angels to the Shepherds. The Lord of Glory. Of Baptism. The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras, Falls to Plundering. Links Acts 22:21 NIVActs 22:21 NLT Acts 22:21 ESV Acts 22:21 NASB Acts 22:21 KJV Acts 22:21 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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