Acts 13:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:20 is a pivotal chronological statement within Paul's sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, where he meticulously traces God's redemptive history with Israel. This verse specifically marks the extensive period following Israel's settlement in Canaan, during which God provided a succession of divinely appointed leaders known as judges, a period lasting approximately four hundred and fifty years, culminating in the ministry of Samuel, the last of the judges and the first of the great prophets, thereby setting the stage for the monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 13:20 is embedded within Paul's comprehensive historical survey of Israel, delivered to a Jewish and God-fearing Gentile audience in Antioch of Pisidia, beginning in [Acts 13:17](/acts/13-17 "Acts 13:17 - God's Choice of Israel"). Paul's sermon systematically recounts God's faithfulness from the Exodus, through the wilderness wanderings, the conquest of Canaan, and the establishment of the judges. This historical recounting serves as a theological foundation, demonstrating God's consistent work in preparing His people for the coming of the Messiah. The chronological detail in verse 20 specifically bridges the era of the conquest and initial settlement to the time leading up to the monarchy, providing a continuous narrative thread that highlights God's ongoing provision of leadership, even amidst Israel's cycles of apostasy and repentance, ultimately pointing towards the ultimate Davidic King.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Acts 13:20, "about the space of four hundred and fifty years," refers to the era of the Judges in ancient Israel, a time roughly spanning from the death of Joshua to the anointing of Saul as king. This was a decentralized period where "there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")). Leadership was charismatic, raised by God in response to specific crises, often foreign oppression. Culturally, it was a time of tribalism, syncretism with Canaanite practices, and frequent moral decay, yet God continually intervened through these judges to deliver His people. The mention of Samuel signifies the transition from this decentralized tribal system to a more unified monarchy, marking a significant shift in Israel's political and religious landscape.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Paul's sermon and the broader narrative of Acts. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, illustrating God's active involvement in the historical unfolding of His people's journey, even when human leadership was imperfect or absent. God "gave unto them judges," emphasizing that these leaders were divinely appointed. Secondly, it highlights **God's Enduring Patience and Faithfulness**, as He repeatedly raised up deliverers despite Israel's persistent disobedience throughout the tumultuous period of the judges (as seen in [Judges 2:16-19](/judges/2-16-19 "Judges 2:16-19 - God Raises Up Judges")). Finally, the transition "until Samuel the prophet" introduces the theme of **Preparation for the Messiah**, as Samuel's ministry directly precedes the establishment of the monarchy, which ultimately leads to the Davidic covenant and the promise of an eternal king, forming a crucial link in the Messianic lineage that Paul is building towards in his sermon (e.g., [Acts 13:23](/acts/13-23 "Acts 13:23 - God's Promise of a Savior")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate act of bestowing, granting, or delivering. In the context of Acts 13:20, it emphasizes God's active role as the provider of leadership for Israel. It underscores that the judges were not merely self-appointed leaders but were divinely commissioned and empowered by God to serve His purposes, even amidst the chaotic circumstances of their era.
* **judges (Greek, _kritḗs'_):** Derived from the verb "to judge," this term refers to those who exercised authority, delivered justice, and, most importantly, delivered Israel from their oppressors. The selection of this word highlights the specific nature of the leadership God provided during this period—not kings, but charismatic, often military, deliverers who arose in times of crisis to restore order and faithfulness.
* **years (Greek, _étos'_):** This simple noun denotes a period of time, a year. Its inclusion here is crucial for the chronological aspect of Paul's sermon. The specific mention of "four hundred and fifty years" indicates a long duration, emphasizing the extended period of God's patience and the consistent pattern of His provision of judges throughout Israel's early history in the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after that he gave unto them judges":** This clause directly attributes the provision of judges to God ("he gave"), underscoring divine initiative and sovereignty in Israel's history. It immediately follows the period of the conquest and division of the land under Joshua, indicating the subsequent era of leadership.
* **"about the space of four hundred and fifty years":** This phrase provides a chronological marker for the duration of the period of the judges. The "about" (Greek, _hōs'_) suggests an approximation, common in ancient historical summaries, encompassing the entire era from the initial settlement and the first judges through to the end of the period. This specific number has been a point of scholarly discussion regarding biblical chronologies, but in Paul's rhetorical context, it serves to emphasize the lengthy duration of God's patient oversight.
* **"until Samuel the prophet":** This final clause marks the terminus of the judges' era and the beginning of a new phase in Israel's history. Samuel is presented as the transitional figure, being the last of the judges and the first of the great prophets, whose ministry directly led to the establishment of the monarchy, a crucial step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan that Paul is tracing.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's sermon in Acts 13 employs several literary devices, and Acts 13:20 specifically utilizes **Historical Narrative** and **Chronological Summary**. The entire passage (Acts 13:17-22) is a concise retelling of Israel's history, designed to establish a foundation for the gospel message. Within this narrative, the specific mention of "four hundred and fifty years" functions as a **Chronological Marker**, providing a sense of the vast sweep of time over which God has been working. This serves to impress upon the audience the long-standing faithfulness of God and the deliberate, unfolding nature of His plan. The transition "until Samuel the prophet" also functions as a **Foreshadowing Device**, subtly pointing towards the subsequent establishment of the monarchy and, ultimately, the Davidic line from which the Messiah would come, thereby building anticipation for the climax of Paul's message concerning Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:20 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign control over history, even during periods of apparent chaos or human failure. It highlights that God consistently provides leadership and guidance for His people, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant promises. The transition from judges to Samuel signifies a divine progression in leadership, moving towards a more centralized form of governance that would eventually lead to the Davidic monarchy, the ultimate lineage for the Messiah. This historical overview serves to underscore that God's plan is meticulously unfolding through time, preparing the way for the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

* [Judges 2:16](/judges/2-16 "Judges 2:16 - God Raises Up Judges")
* [1 Samuel 7:15-17](/1_samuel/7-15-17 "1 Samuel 7:15-17 - Samuel Judges Israel")
* [Hebrews 11:32](/hebrews/11-32 "Hebrews 11:32 - Faith of the Judges")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:20 offers a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity and the lives of His people across generations. Even in eras marked by instability, moral decline, or a lack of clear human leadership, God remains sovereign, raising up individuals to fulfill His purposes. For us today, this verse encourages a deep trust in God's providence, knowing that He is always working, even when circumstances seem chaotic or directionless. It challenges us to recognize God's hand in history, both ancient and modern, and to discern how He continues to provide guidance and leadership through various means, including the Church and gifted individuals. We are called to be patient, to look beyond immediate challenges, and to understand that God's grand narrative of redemption is always progressing towards its ultimate fulfillment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's consistent provision of leaders throughout Israel's history encourage your trust in His guidance for your own life or community today?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to lose hope or feel that "everyone does what is right in his own eyes" in our current society, and how does Acts 13:20 challenge that perspective?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the transition from judges to prophets (like Samuel) about God's evolving methods of leading His people, and how might this apply to our understanding of His work in the Church today?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul's chronology of "four hundred and fifty years" for the judges differ from other biblical timelines?**

Answer: The "four hundred and fifty years" mentioned in [Acts 13:20](/acts/13-20 "Acts 13:20 - Period of the Judges") has been a subject of scholarly discussion due to its apparent discrepancy with other biblical chronologies, particularly [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Building of Solomon's Temple"), which states 480 years from the Exodus to the fourth year of Solomon's reign. Paul's figure likely represents a different method of calculation or a summary for the rhetorical purpose of his sermon. One common interpretation is that Paul's "four hundred and fifty years" refers to the period *from the division of the land* (after the conquest) to the beginning of Samuel's ministry, encompassing the entire period of the judges, including overlapping periods of oppression and deliverance. Another view suggests it might include the wilderness wandering period or even the time in Egypt, indicating a broader sweep of God's dealings with Israel before the monarchy. It's important to remember that ancient chronologies often used round numbers, inclusive counting, or different starting points, and Paul's aim was not to provide a precise historical timeline for academic purposes, but to demonstrate God's consistent faithfulness through a long period of Israel's history, culminating in the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:20, by recounting God's provision of judges and the transition to Samuel, subtly but powerfully points to the ultimate Judge, Prophet, and King—Jesus Christ. The judges, though divinely appointed, were imperfect and temporary deliverers, foreshadowing the need for a perfect and eternal deliverer. Their repeated cycle of salvation and Israel's subsequent falling away highlighted the inadequacy of human leadership and the need for a definitive solution to sin and oppression. Samuel, as the last judge and first great prophet, bridged the gap to the monarchy, preparing the way for the Davidic line from which the Messiah would come. Jesus fulfills all these roles perfectly: He is the ultimate Judge who will justly rule the nations ([John 5:27](/john/5-27 "John 5:27 - Jesus, the Judge")); He is the Prophet greater than Moses, speaking God's final word ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses") fulfilled in [Acts 3:22](/acts/3-22 "Acts 3:22 - Peter's Sermon on the Prophet")); and He is the eternal King of the promised Davidic lineage, whose reign knows no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luk/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). Thus, the long period of the judges and Samuel's transitional ministry ultimately serve as a historical testament to God's patient preparation for the arrival of His Son, the one who truly delivers His people from their greatest enemy, sin, and establishes an everlasting kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.