Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
When they opposed themselves (antitassomenwn autwn). Genitive absolute with present middle (direct middle again) of antitassw, old verb to range in battle array (tassw) face to face with or against (anti). In the N.T. only here and Romans 13:2; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5. Paul's fresh activity roused the rabbis as at Antioch in Pisidia and at Thessalonica in concerted opposition and railing (blasphemy).
He shook out his raiment (ektinacamenov ta imatia). First aorist middle of ektinassw, old verb, in the N.T. only here as in Acts 13:51 (middle) and Mark 6:11; Matthew 10:15 where active voice occurs of shaking out dust also. Vivid and dramatic picture here like that in Nehemiah 5:13, "undoubtedly a very exasperating gesture" (Ramsay), but Paul was deeply stirred.
Your blood be upon your own heads (To aima umwn epi thn kefalhn umwn). As in Ezekiel 3:18 f., Ezekiel 33:4, Ezekiel 33:8 f.; 2 Samuel 1:16. Not as a curse, but "a solemn disclaimer of responsibility" by Paul (Page) as in Acts 20:26. The Jews used this very phrase in assuming responsibility for the blood of Jesus (Matthew 27:25). Cf. Matthew 23:35.
I am clean (kaqarov egw). Pure from your blood. Repeats the claim made in previous sentence. Paul had done his duty.
From henceforth (apo tou nun). Turning point reached in Corinth. He will devote himself to the Gentiles, though Jews will be converted there also. Elsewhere as in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-10) and in Rome (Acts 28:23-28) Paul will preach also to Jews.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Matthew 10:14
Acts 5:28
Acts 13:51
Acts 20:3
Acts 20:26
Romans 13:2
1 Corinthians 12:3
1 Thessalonians 2:16
James 2:7
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