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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul’s dramatic act of shaking out his garments wasn’t just an expression of anger; it was a powerful, physical declaration of his complete separation from those who rejected the message, signifying that their spiritual ruin was now entirely their own responsibility. This was the ultimate priestly act of purification, casting off any trace of association with their determined unbelief.
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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Paul preached in Corinth, a group of Jewish leaders actively resisted him, not just disagreeing but actively slandering him and the message of Christ. In response to their persistent and hostile opposition, Paul makes a dramatic symbolic gesture of shaking out his clothes, declaring himself innocent of their coming destruction. He then announces he will turn his focus to sharing the Gospel with the Gentiles in Corinth from this point forward.
When words fail and opposition escalates, what does a faithful messenger do? Paul’s dramatic action here speaks volumes.
Paul's act of "shaking out his garments" was a powerful, deeply symbolic gesture understood by his Jewish audience. It wasn't just anger; it was a prophetic sign:
Who is responsible when a message of salvation is met with defiance? Paul draws a stark line, placing the burden where it belongs.
Paul’s declaration, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent,” is a profound statement about spiritual accountability.
Ask a follow-up
Does rejection mean giving up entirely? Paul's next words reveal a strategic pivot in his mission, not a wholesale retreat.
Paul’s decision to turn to the Gentiles wasn't a sign of defeat, but a wise and divinely guided strategic shift.
Understand the original words
antitassomenōn · Greek Verb
To set oneself against or resist another, often implying an active hostility or rejection of a message or messenger. In a biblical context, it frequently describes the rejection of God’s truth or His servants.
blasphēmountōn · Greek Verb
To speak abusively, blaspheme, or heap insults upon someone. It reflects deep disrespect and is often used regarding the mocking of God or His people.
haima · Greek Noun
Refers to the moral responsibility and accountability for one's actions, particularly regarding death or judgment. Being held responsible for one's own "blood" signifies that the consequences of rejecting the truth rest solely on the individual.
katharos · Greek Adjective
Free from guilt, blame, or moral fault. It signifies a status of being cleared of responsibility, often after having fulfilled one's duty or warning.
ethnē · Greek Noun
The nations; all people groups other than the Jewish people. In the New Testament, this signifies the inclusion of the whole world in the promise of the Gospel.
Paul's dramatic act of shaking his garments wasn't just a personal outburst; it was a deeply symbolic, ancient Jewish expression of finality and judgment, marking a turning point in his mission to focus on the Gentiles in Corinth after encountering hardened resistance from some Jewish leaders.
c. AD 42
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius banishes Jews from Rome due to disturbances related to 'Chrestus,' likely referring to early Christian preaching within the Jewish community. This event dispersed Jewish communities, including many who would later settle in Corinth.
c. AD 44-49
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul establishes a significant ministry in the bustling Roman colony of Corinth, founding a church and engaging with both Jews and Gentiles in the city's vibrant, cosmopolitan environment.
c. AD 50
Gallio Proconsul of Achaia
Lucius Junius Gallio, brother of the philosopher Seneca, serves as the proconsul of the Roman province of Achaia, which included Corinth. His tenure is a key chronological marker for the early church.
c. AD 51-52— this verse
Riot at Corinth
A confrontation occurs in the Corinthian synagogue where Jewish opposition to Paul's preaching escalates into blasphemy. Paul, deeply grieved and convinced of their hardened hearts, symbolically renounces them and declares his intention to focus on the Gentiles in that city.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Extended Ministry in Ephesus
Following his departure from Corinth, Paul spends a significant period ministering in Ephesus, a major city in the region. During this time, he writes his first letter to the Corinthians, addressing issues that likely arose from the very divisions and oppositions mentioned in Acts 18.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome. Emperor Nero blames Christians, leading to the first major imperial persecution of the church, a testament to the growing impact and societal friction caused by the Christian movement.
This passage establishes the prophetic principle of a watchman's responsibility, directly paralleling Paul's declaration of being 'clean' because he has warned the people.
Matthew 10:14Jesus instructs his disciples to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against those who reject them, a symbolic act identical to Paul's action here.
Acts 13:46This earlier instance shows Paul and Barnabas turning to the Gentiles after facing similar rejection from the Jews, highlighting a recurring pattern in their ministry.
Nehemiah 5:13Nehemiah performs a similar act of shaking his garments to signify casting off and rendering null and void those who acted unjustly, mirroring Paul's renunciation.
Matthew 27:25During Jesus' trial, the crowd cries, 'His blood be on us and on our children!' echoing the profound responsibility and self-inflicted doom Paul warns the Corinthians about.
ellicottActs 18:6: "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."
(6) And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed. —The latter word includes the reviling of which the Apostle himself was the object, as well as blaspheming against God. Assuming what has been suggested in the Note on Acts 18:2 , we may think of these disturbances as reproducing what had already t…
pooleActs 18:6: "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."
Blasphemed; they blasphemed Paul, miscalling of him, but especially Christ, whose dishonour grieved Paul most. He shook his raiment; his upper garment, as the manner was, Matthew 26:65 , that none of the dust of that place where such blasphemy was spoken might stick unto him. See Acts 13:51 . Your blo…
Paul’s dramatic act of shaking out his garments wasn’t just an expression of anger; it was a powerful, physical declaration of his complete separation from those who rejected the message, signifying that their spiritual ruin was now entirely their own responsibility. This was the ultimate priestly act of purification, casting off any trace of association with their determined unbelief.
As Paul preached in Corinth, a group of Jewish leaders actively resisted him, not just disagreeing but actively slandering him and the message of Christ. In response to their persistent and hostile opposition, Paul makes a dramatic symbolic gesture of shaking out his clothes, declaring himself innocent of their coming destruction. He then announces he will turn his focus to sharing the Gospel with the Gentiles in Corinth from this point forward.
As Paul preached in Corinth, a group of Jewish leaders actively resisted him, not just disagreeing but actively slandering him and the message of Christ. In response to their persistent and hostile opposition, Paul makes a dramatic symbolic gesture of shaking out his clothes, declaring himself innocent of their coming destruction. He then announces he will turn his focus to sharing the Gospel with the Gentiles in Corinth from this point forward.
"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.”" — Paul’s dramatic act of shaking out his garments wasn’t just an expression of anger; it was a powerful, physical declaration of his complete separation from those who rejected the message, signifying…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026