It was customary for Jews to shake the dust from their feet when returning home after spending time in pagan lands. The symbolism was one of cleansing from the impurity of sinners who did not worship God. For Paul and Barnabas, shaking dust from the feet is an expression of protest against the Jews and the political elite,1 as well as a testimony that sure judgment is to come on those who persist in unbelief.2 The unbelieving Jews are not truly part of Israel; they are in the same place as unbelieving Gentiles (see Luke 9:5; Luke 10:11; Acts 18:6; Acts 22:22).3
51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.