Acts 13:20

And after that he gave [unto them] judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

And {G2532} after {G3326} that {G5023} he gave {G1325} unto them judges {G2923} about {G5613} the space of four hundred {G5071} and {G2532} fifty {G4004} years {G2094}, until {G2193} Samuel {G4545} the prophet {G4396}.

All this took about 450 years. After that, he gave them judges, down to the prophet Sh’mu’el.

All this took about 450 years. After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.

and after these things he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

Acts 13:20 is part of Paul's powerful sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, where he meticulously recounts the history of Israel to demonstrate God's consistent working and faithfulness, culminating in the arrival of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This verse specifically bridges the period from the Israelites' entry into Canaan to the time of the prophet Samuel.

Context of Acts 13:20

In this sermon, recorded from Acts 13:17 onwards, Paul is summarizing God's dealings with Israel, starting with their deliverance from Egypt. After mentioning their wilderness wanderings and the conquering of the Canaanite nations, he arrives at the period where God established His people in the promised land. The phrase "after that he gave unto them judges" points directly to the tumultuous yet significant era described in the Book of Judges, a time characterized by cycles of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance through divinely appointed leaders.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence in History: The verse highlights God's active involvement in the unfolding of Israel's story. He "gave unto them judges," emphasizing that even in chaotic times, leadership was a divine provision.
  • The Period of the Judges: This era, lasting "about the space of four hundred and fifty years," was marked by a lack of central government and frequent spiritual decline, yet God continually raised up deliverers like Gideon, Samson, and Deborah.
  • Transition to Prophetic Leadership: The mention of "until Samuel the prophet" signifies the end of the Judges era and the beginning of a new phase in Israel's history, leading to the establishment of the monarchy (1 Samuel 8:5). Samuel himself was the last of the judges and the first of the great prophets.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "about the space of four hundred and fifty years" (Greek: hos etesin tetrakosiois kai pentekonta) has been a point of discussion among scholars, as it differs slightly from other biblical chronologies, such as the 480 years mentioned in 1 Kings 6:1 from the Exodus to the building of Solomon's Temple. Paul's figure likely encompasses the period from the division of the land (after Joshua's conquest) through the entire period of the Judges, possibly including the initial years of Samuel's ministry before the monarchy was fully established. It's an approximate summary for the purpose of his sermon, emphasizing the long duration of God's patience and provision.

Practical Application

Acts 13:20 reminds us that God is sovereign over history. Even when human societies or individuals fail, God continues to work out His purposes, raising up leaders and providing guidance. For believers today, this verse underscores God's enduring faithfulness through every age. It encourages us to trust in His plan, knowing that He has always been, and always will be, in control, guiding His people through various seasons of life and leadership, ultimately pointing to His ultimate provision in Jesus Christ.

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.

  • Judges 2:16

    Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.

  • 1 Samuel 3:20

    And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel [was] established [to be] a prophet of the LORD.

  • 1 Samuel 12:11

    And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe.

  • 1 Chronicles 17:6

    Wheresoever I have walked with all Israel, spake I a word to any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people, saying, Why have ye not built me an house of cedars?

  • Judges 3:10

    And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.

  • 2 Samuel 7:11

    And as since the time that I commanded judges [to be] over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.

  • Acts 3:24

    Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

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