Why did the Jews reject Paul’s message about the Gentiles?

The rejection of Paul's message by the Jews stems primarily from their entrenched belief in their exclusive status as God's chosen people. Throughout their history, they had been taught that God's promises and favor were limited to Israel (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). In Acts 22:21, Paul's assertion that he was sent to preach the gospel to the Gentiles countered their longstanding belief, inciting outrage. This revelation that Gentiles could receive salvation without adhering to the Jewish identity disrupted their understanding of God's grace and undermined their confidence in physical ancestry as the basis for salvation. Therefore, their vehement rejection of Paul's message reflects a deep-rooted theological conflict regarding the nature of salvation and inclusion in God's covenant.