Definition: And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Acts 22:21. It’s a really important and dramatic part of Peter’s story. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Peter was speaking against Jesus. He was arguing with Jesus, challenging his teachings and even accusing him of being a liar. Jesus then told Peter to leave. This wasn't an easy command; Peter was deeply upset and felt like he was being wronged. Jesus’s message: Jesus said, “Go: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.” What does it mean? “Go” : This is a very direct instruction. Jesus wants Peter to leave everything behind him and move somewhere outside of Jewish-only communities. “Far hence” : This means he needs to travel really, really far away – to the entire world! The Context & Why It's Important: This verse is a crucial moment in Jesus’s ministry because it was happening right before he was arrested and put on trial for blasphemy. It signifies that Jesus was deliberately trying to push people away from his followers, hoping to make them understand him better – perhaps by showing they weren’t just men, but a divine being. In short, it means Jesus wanted to broaden the reach of his message beyond Jewish people and towards everyone. Important Note: This verse is often misunderstood. It's not about Jesus rejecting the Jewish community. It's about him wanting to share his true identity with everyone , regardless of their background or beliefs. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, perhaps focusing on: The historical context? What it means in terms of Jesus’s intentions? Its significance for understanding the early church?