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Acts 22:23

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 22:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And as they cried out, and threw off their garments, and cast dust into the air,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And as they cried out, and threw off their garments, and cast dust into the air,
Acts 22:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 22

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20and when the blood of Stephen thy witness was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting, and keeping the garments of them that slew him.
21And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee forth far hence unto the Gentiles.
22And they gave him audience unto this word; and they lifted up their voice, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
23And as they cried out, and threw off their garments, and cast dust into the air,
24the chief captain commanded him be brought into the castle, bidding that he should be examined by scourging, that he might know for what cause they so shouted against him.
25And when they had tied him up with the thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
26And when the centurion heard it, he went to the chief captain and told him, saying, What art thou about to do? for this man is a Roman.
← Acts 22:22Acts 22:24 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And as they cried out, etc.] In this furious manner: and cast off their clothes; either like madmen, that knew not what they did, or in order to stone him; (see <440757>Acts 7:57,58). and threw dust into the air either with their hands, or by striking the earth, and scraping it with their feet, through indignation and wrath, like persons possessed, or mad.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Cast off their clothes - Their outer garments. Probably they did it now intending to stone him, Acts 7:58. And threw dust into the air - As expressive of them abhorrence and indignation. This was a striking exhibition of rage and malice. Paul was guarded by Roman soldiers so that they could not injure him; and their only way of expressing their wrath was by menaces and threats, and by these tokens of furious indignation. Thus, Shimei expressed his indignation against David by cursing him, throwing stones at him, and casting dust, 2 Samuel 16:13. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“They rent their garments - In token of indignation and horror at this pretended blasphemy, and cast dust into the air - Through vehemence of rage, which they knew not how to vent. Acts 22:25”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“22:23 The crowd’s yelling, throwing off their coats, and tossing handfuls of dust into the air were probably ritual responses to perceived blasphemy. They opposed and tried to thwart Paul’s words that suggested the inclusion of Gentiles (22:21). Cp. Luke 4:16-30.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“cast: Act 7:53, Act 26:11; Ecc 10:3 Acts 22:24”
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Related study paths

Read Acts 22 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification