Acts 18 6

Acts 18:6 kjv

And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

Acts 18:6 nkjv

But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."

Acts 18:6 niv

But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."

Acts 18:6 esv

And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."

Acts 18:6 nlt

But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, "Your blood is upon your own heads ? I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles."

Acts 18 verses

Acts 18 6 Meaning

Paul, frustrated by opposition in the synagogue, declares he will now focus his ministry on the Gentiles. This marks a significant turning point in his missionary journeys, signifying a strategic shift in outreach due to persistent rejection.

Acts 18 6 Context

This verse is found within the broader narrative of Paul's second missionary journey. In the preceding verses (Acts 18:1-17), Paul arrives in Corinth, finds work with Aquila and Priscilla who are Jewish tentmakers, and preaches in the synagogue. While initially successful, opposition arises, led by Jewish authorities. This verse specifically captures Paul's response to that persistent opposition. The wider historical context includes the diaspora of Jews and the growing Christian movement, which often caused tension between Jewish communities and the Roman authorities, as well as within the Jewish community itself. The literary context highlights a common pattern in Paul's ministry: presenting the Gospel in the synagogue first, and then, upon rejection, turning to the Gentiles.

Acts 18 6 Word Analysis

• καὶ (kai): "and." A common conjunction used to connect clauses, showing progression or addition.
• οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι (hoi Ioudaioi): "the Jews." Refers to the Jewish people who were resisting and speaking against Paul.
• ὑβρίζοντες (hybrizontes): "insulting," "reviling," "shaming." This is a present participle, indicating a continuous or ongoing action of abuse and disrespect. It implies not just words but a forceful, contemptuous rejection of Paul and his message. The intensity of the opposition is conveyed by this strong word.
• αὐτὸν (auton): "him." The direct object of the verb, referring to Paul.
• απε [ ] (ape [ ]): This seems to be a transcription error or incomplete word from the original query. Assuming the intent was to analyze "ἀπείργων" (apeirōn) or a similar word implying prohibition or hindering. If the word is indeed missing, it highlights a gap in the source text for analysis. However, based on the flow of the text in commonly accepted Greek New Testaments (e.g., Stephanus, Textus Receptus, Majority Text), the phrase might be better understood through the verbs describing the action of opposition rather than a direct translation of "hinder." If the original was meant to describe why he turned, words like "ασθένων" (asthenōn - being weak, suffering) or related concepts might be implied if referring to a lack of spiritual receptivity in some Jews, but "hybrizontes" carries the active opposition.
• απε [ ] (ape [ ]): Similar to the above, likely a placeholder for a verb or phrase.
• έ [ ] (e [ ]): Again, appears incomplete.
• σχί [ ] (schi [ ]): Potentially "σχίζω" (schizo), meaning "to tear apart," "to divide," or "to split." In this context, it might relate to the division caused by the opposition.
• και [ ] (kai [ ]): Another "and."
• ά [ ] (a [ ]): Possibly the start of "ἀπὸ" (apo), meaning "from."
• ο [ ] (o [ ]): Potentially "οἴκου" (oikou), meaning "house" or "household."
• έ (e): Incomplete word.
• Συναγω [ ] (Synago [ ]): Likely "συναγωγῆς" (synagōgēs), meaning "synagogue." This is the place of worship where the rejection occurred.
• σ [ ] (s [ ]): Incomplete word.
• α [ ] (a [ ]): Incomplete word.
• λέγετε (lege [ ]): Possibly "λέγοντα" (legonta), meaning "saying."
• π [ ] (p [ ]): Incomplete word.
• ό (o): Incomplete word.
• τα [ ] (ta [ ]): Incomplete word.
• Έ [ ] (E [ ]): Possibly "Ἑλλήνων" (Hellēnōn), meaning "Greeks" or "Gentiles."

Group of words analysis:

• "The Jews were opposing and reviling him": This phrase highlights active and aggressive hostility from some within the Jewish community. It's not just disagreement but a scornful rejection.
• "he shook out his garments": This is a symbolic action, conveying Paul's rejection of their continued association and the judgment he pronounces upon them for their rejection of the Gospel. It’s a powerful, visual cue of finality. Similar gestures appear in the Old Testament to signify severing ties or as a sign of judgment.
• "From now on I will go to the Gentiles": This is a clear, declarative statement of his intended mission strategy, directly resulting from the synagogue’s persistent opposition. It marks a shift from attempting to convert Jewish communities first to directly evangelizing the Gentile world.

Acts 18 6 Bonus Section

The gesture of shaking out one's garments (or shaking the dust off one's feet, as described in Matthew 10:14 and Luke 9:5) is a potent Old Testament imagery. Prophets like Elijah and Elisha used such actions to signify God's judgment or a breaking of fellowship. For instance, after shouting his accusation, Elijah shook his cloak (1 Kings 19:19) when Elisha followed him. Paul employs this powerful non-verbal communication to underscore the seriousness of the Jews' rejection and to announce God's sovereign decision to turn His attention more fully to the Gentiles, a pivotal moment in salvation history that many Old Testament prophecies foretold. The "speaking evil of the Way" (Acts 19:9, though in a different context but illustrative of rejection) further emphasizes the antagonistic spirit.

Acts 18 6 Commentary

Paul's response to persistent rejection is a crucial model for believers. Instead of being perpetually consumed by fruitless opposition, he makes a deliberate and strategic decision to redirect his energy and resources to those who would be receptive. The symbolic act of shaking out his garments signifies not an abandonment of his love for the Jewish people, but a solemn separation from those who actively resisted the Good News, indicating that their judgment would be on their own heads. His move to the Gentiles fulfills prophetic declarations and expands the scope of God's redemptive plan. This demonstrates discernment in ministry: knowing when to contend and when to pivot.

Practical application:

• When facing intense, unyielding opposition to the Gospel, it is wise to assess whether to continue in that specific arena or to seek other avenues for ministry where there is greater receptivity.
• The decision to minister to the Gentiles was not a repudiation of Judaism but an expansion of the Gospel's reach as God intended.
• It is important to discern the difference between encountering the normal, inevitable opposition to the Gospel and facing outright, aggressive, and contemptuous hostility that paralyzes ministry.