Log inSign up

Acts 22 · a question people ask

"They listened to him until he said that" (22:22). Why did that word stop them?

In the text

Acts doesn't say. It gives the last words they heard before it, "Depart, for I will send you out far from here to the Gentiles." (22:21), and then what they said and did (22:22-23). The commanding officer wanted to know too: he ordered Paul examined to find out (22:24), and on the next day he was "desiring to know the truth about why he was accused by the Jews" (22:30). Acts gives no reason, and these notes add none, and apply what was said that day to no one today.

The verses

““He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you out far from here to the Gentiles.’ ” They listened to him until he said that; then they lifted up their voice and said, “Rid the earth of this fellow, for he isn’t fit to live!” As they cried out, threw off their cloaks, and threw dust into the air, the commanding officer commanded him to be brought into the barracks, ordering him to be examined by scourging, that he might know for what crime they shouted against him like that.”
Acts 22:21-24 · World English Bible
“But on the next day, desiring to know the truth about why he was accused by the Jews, he freed him from the bonds and commanded the chief priests and all the council to come together, and brought Paul down and set him before them.”
Acts 22:30 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Acts 22

Acts 22: Brothers and fathers, listen

Paul began his defense with the words Stephen began with, "Brothers and fathers" (7:2, 22:1), and they listened as he told of the light, the voice and "I am Jesus of Nazareth" (22:8), until he told them what he was told in the temple: "Depart, for I will send you out far from here to the Gentiles." (22:21).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekActs 22 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Acts 22

All questions about Acts →

Did we miss something?

We're a small team, and we can make mistakes. If something here looks wrong or unclear, tell us and we'll check it against the text.

Tell us

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

The best way to study the Bible.

Your small group or your church can use Favor for Bible study, or you can read by yourself.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions