Acts 13:16

Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with [his] hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

Then {G1161} Paul {G3972} stood up {G450}, and {G2532} beckoning {G2678} with his hand {G5495} said {G2036}, Men {G435} of Israel {G2475}, and {G2532} ye that fear {G5399} God {G2316}, give audience {G191}.

So Sha’ul stood, motioned with his hand, and said:

“Men of Isra’el and God-fearers, listen!

Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!

And Paul stood up, and beckoning with the hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, hearken:

Acts 13:16 marks the beginning of Paul's pivotal sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch during his first missionary journey. This verse sets the stage for a profound message that would shape the early Christian mission.

Context

Having arrived in Pisidian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas attended the synagogue on the Sabbath, a common practice for early apostles seeking to share the Gospel. After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue rulers invited them to speak. Paul, ever ready to proclaim Christ, responds to this invitation. His posture of "standing up" and "beckoning with his hand" signals his intent to deliver an important public address, commanding attention from the diverse assembly.

Key Themes

  • Paul's Inaugural Sermon: This is the first extensive sermon of Paul recorded in Acts, demonstrating his rhetorical skill and theological depth. It provides a template for his future evangelistic efforts.
  • Universal Audience: Paul's address to "Men of Israel, and ye that fear God" is crucial. "Men of Israel" refers to the native Jews, while "ye that fear God" (Greek: phoboumenoi ton Theon) refers to Gentiles who had adopted certain Jewish practices and worshipped the God of Israel but were not full proselytes. This inclusive greeting immediately signals that his message is for both Jewish and Gentile audiences, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel.
  • Calling to Attention: The act of "beckoning with his hand" (Greek: kataseiō) was a common gesture to request silence and attention from a crowd. It emphasizes Paul's desire for the audience to truly "give audience" (Greek: akouō – to hear or listen attentively) to the message he was about to deliver.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "beckoning with [his] hand" comes from the Greek word kataseiō (κατασείω), which literally means "to shake down" or "to wave down," indicating a gesture used to quiet a crowd and gain their attention. This physical action highlights Paul's assertiveness and his commitment to ensure his vital message was heard. The command to "give audience" uses the Greek verb akouō (ἀκούω), emphasizing the importance of not just hearing sounds, but actively listening and understanding the forthcoming words.

Practical Application

Acts 13:16 serves as a powerful example for believers today:

  • Seize Opportunities: Paul was prepared to speak when an opportunity arose, reminding us to be ready to share the Gospel.
  • Respectful Engagement: His respectful address and gesture show the importance of engaging with listeners thoughtfully, acknowledging their background and seeking their attention.
  • Universal Invitation: The message of salvation is for everyone, regardless of their background, just as Paul addressed both Jews and God-fearers. We are called to share this good news broadly.

This verse is not just a historical detail; it's an introduction to one of the most significant sermons in early Christian history, setting the stage for the spread of the Gospel to the Gentile world.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 12:17

    But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

  • Acts 10:2

    [A] devout [man], and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

  • Acts 13:26

    Men [and] brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

  • Acts 13:46

    Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

  • Matthew 11:15

    He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

  • Revelation 2:17

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].

  • Micah 3:8

    ¶ But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.

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