Acts 22:21

Saturday, 9 December 2023

“Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’” Acts 22:21

Paul just tried to defend why he was no longer a threat to the people, even after Jesus had told him he should quickly leave Jerusalem. However, Jesus had already spoken, knowing what was best. Therefore, without allowing any further appeal, it next says, “Then He said to me, ‘Depart.’”

After Jesus’ first instruction to depart and Paul’s rebuttal concerning his certainty that the Jews would understand his conversion and surely convert as well, Jesus again instructs him to depart. What is implied in this is that Jesus knew that the Jews would continue to reject His Lordship.

The offer of salvation had been made, and those who were to accept it had done so. However, the leaders of the nation, thus representing the entire nation, had rejected their Messiah. Paul’s words would fall on deaf ears. But more, Jesus doesn’t just tell him to depart, but He specifically says, “for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.”

Jesus’ words directly imply that Paul’s being sent to the Gentiles was for the purpose of telling of his conversion, of the offer of salvation that extends to them, and that they would accept it.

There can be no doubt this is what is implied in His words based on the reaction that is forthcoming from the crowd. It must be remembered that the word “Gentiles” included the Romans who ruled over them and who stood between them and Paul at that very moment.

Israel was anticipating a Messiah who would break off their yoke and set them at the head of the nations. One of many prominent sets of verses that promise this is from Isaiah 2 –

“The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
2 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days
That the mountain of the Lord’s house
Shall be established on the top of the mountains,
And shall be exalted above the hills;
And all nations shall flow to it.
3 Many people shall come and say,
‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
To the house of the God of Jacob;
He will teach us His ways,
And we shall walk in His paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” Isaiah 2:1-3

These words are repeated, almost exactly, in Micah 4. They, along with many other assurances, prophesy about a time when Israel would be under her own control while also being the main point of focus throughout the world.

For Jesus to instruct Paul to depart to the Gentiles did not fit in with that idea at all. With Rome having authority over Israel, Paul was saying that he was directed to evangelize the very people who had the yoke upon the necks of the people. They could not accept such a Messiah who would allow this at their expense.

Life application: The problem with Israel lay in a misunderstanding of their position before the Lord. That same problem continues to this day. Everything about Israel’s calling, even before the calling was made, was of grace.

Noah found grace and was saved through the waters. Abraham was selected by grace. Isaac was chosen apart from any merit. Jacob was known to be the one God favored before the children were born. Israel was given grace in the sending of Moses.

The covenant between the Lord and Israel came about because of the gracious promises made to the patriarchs. The continuation of the covenant, even after Israel’s breaking it repeatedly, was based on the grace of God. Every step of the way, God demonstrated grace in the establishment, calling, and preservation of Israel.

Today, Israel has been called back from among the nations as prophesied by the Lord. Thus, this restoration is an act of grace. And yet, Israel has consistently looked at their calling as one of personal merit – “We deserve this because we are Israel.” If Israel truthfully looked at their history, they would realize what every sinner who comes to Christ realizes – “All we deserve is condemnation, and yet God has given us grace.”

Until they come to this realization and accept Jesus, thus entering into the New Covenant, their days will be marred with unhappiness. In our relationship with God, personal merit is excluded. Let us consider this and be grateful to Him for His unlimited grace in saving even us.

Lord God, thank You for the grace of God that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.