Acts 22:21

French (Zoque, Francisco León)

Y ø Ṉgomi'is nøja'yøjtzi: “Mavø, porque øtz ma'ṉbø mi ṉgø'vej ya'i ityajumø pøn lo que ji'ndyet Israel pønda'm”.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse from the Bible's Acts of the Apostles, Jesus tells Paul to leave and go spread the message of Christianity among non-Jewish people. The key message is about expanding the reach of Christian teachings beyond its original community.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a special toy that makes everyone smile when they play with it. Now, your parents tell you to take this toy and share its joy not just in your neighborhood but all over town where lots of different kids live. That's like what Jesus is telling Paul to do here.

Historical Background

This verse was written by Luke, a physician and historian, around 60-70 AD. It's part of the larger narrative about Paul's conversion and missionary work among Gentiles. The cultural setting reflects early Christian communities expanding beyond Jewish areas into the broader Roman Empire.

Living It Out Today

Today, this could mean taking what you believe in or value—like kindness or honesty—and sharing it with people who might not have been exposed to these values before, like when you introduce a new friend to your favorite hobby or game.

Topics

• missionary work
• faith expansion
• diversity and inclusion
• Jesus' commandments
• apostolic journeys
• conversion stories

Related Verses

• Acts 9:15
• Romans 11:13
• Galatians 2:7-8
• Ephesians 3:8
• Matthew 28:19

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is speaking in Acts 22:21?

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to Paul. He's giving a direct command for Paul to go and preach among the Gentiles.

What does 'Gentiles' mean in this context?

'Gentiles' refers to people who are not Jewish. In early Christianity, it was initially focused on Jews, but Jesus instructs Paul to expand his mission to include non-Jewish communities.

How does Acts 22:21 relate to other parts of the Bible?

This verse is part of a larger narrative about spreading Christianity. It connects with passages in Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians where Paul discusses his mission to Gentiles.

Why is Acts 22:21 important for modern Christians?

It reminds us that the message of Christianity isn't just for a specific group but should be shared widely. It encourages active participation in spreading faith beyond familiar circles.