Acts 13:40

KJV

Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

KJV (with Strong's)

Beware {G991} therefore {G3767}, lest that {G3361} come {G1904} upon {G1909} you {G5209}, which is spoken of {G2046} in {G1722} the prophets {G4396};

Complete Jewish Bible

“Watch out, then, so that this word found in the Prophets may not happen to you:

Berean Standard Bible

Watch out, then, that what was spoken by the prophets does not happen to you:

American Standard Version

Beware therefore, lest that come upon you which is spoken in the prophets:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:40 delivers a solemn and urgent warning from the Apostle Paul to his audience in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch. Following his proclamation of the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, Paul pivots to a grave admonition, urging his listeners to exercise spiritual vigilance and heed the divine message, lest they incur the severe consequences prophesied in the Old Testament for those who disregard God's mighty acts and reject His revealed truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic warning at the conclusion of Paul's powerful sermon in [Acts 13:16-41](/acts/13-16-41 "Acts 13:16-41 - Paul's Sermon in Pisidian Antioch"). Paul has meticulously traced God's redemptive history, from the Exodus and the establishment of the monarchy to the long-awaited coming of Jesus as the promised Messiah and Savior. He has just declared that through Jesus, forgiveness of sins and justification from all things—which the Law of Moses could not provide—are now freely offered ([Acts 13:38-39](/acts/13-38-39 "Acts 13:38-39 - Forgiveness and Justification Through Christ")). The warning in verse 40, immediately preceding a direct quotation from [Habakkuk 1:5](/habakkuk/1-5 "Habakkuk 1:5 - God's Astonishing Work") in [Acts 13:41](/acts/13-41 "Acts 13:41 - Paul Quotes Habakkuk"), underscores the profound gravity of their response to the Gospel message, framing it within the continuity of God's dealings with humanity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's sermon is delivered in a synagogue, a common setting for early Christian evangelism, allowing him to address both Jewish people and Gentile proselytes who were familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures. The audience would have understood the concept of divine judgment and the historical pattern of Israel's disobedience leading to severe consequences, as recorded in their sacred texts. Paul's reference to "the prophets" would immediately evoke the authoritative voice of God's past warnings to Israel. Pisidian Antioch was a significant city in the Roman province of Galatia, a crossroads of cultures where the message of Christ would spread widely, making Paul's warning particularly pertinent to a diverse and influential audience.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 13:40 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and Paul's theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Warning and Judgment**, emphasizing that God's offer of salvation is accompanied by a serious call to repentance, and rejection carries dire consequences. Secondly, it reinforces the **Continuity of God's Redemptive Plan**, demonstrating that the New Testament era, with the advent of Christ, is not a break from but a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, including those concerning judgment for unbelief. Paul's sermon, like Peter's in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - Pentecost and Peter's Sermon"), consistently grounds the Gospel in Israel's history and prophetic tradition. Lastly, the verse underscores the **Urgency of Response to the Gospel**, presenting the message of Christ not as an optional belief but as a critical, life-altering truth that demands a decisive answer, echoing the call to repentance found throughout the Gospels, such as in [Matthew 3:2](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - John the Baptist's Call to Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beware (Greek, _blépō_):** (G991) This word is an imperative, meaning "look at," "take heed," or "see to it." In this context, it conveys a strong, urgent call to spiritual vigilance and active attention. It's not merely a passive observation but an active, conscious effort to guard against a potential danger, implying a need for discernment and a deliberate response to the message just delivered.
* **come (Greek, _epérchomai_):** (G1904) From _epí_ (G1909, "upon") and _érchomai_ ("to come"), this verb signifies to "supervene," "arrive," "occur," or "impending." It denotes something that is about to happen or is threatening to happen, emphasizing the certainty and imminence of the consequences Paul warns against. The judgment is not hypothetical but a real, impending possibility for those who remain in unbelief.
* **prophets (Greek, _prophḗtēs_):** (G4396) This term refers to a "foreteller" or "inspired speaker." By referencing "the prophets," Paul appeals to the authoritative body of Old Testament prophetic writings, which were revered by his Jewish audience. This connection legitimizes his warning, grounding it in the long-standing, divinely inspired warnings of God's judgment upon those who reject His word and work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Beware therefore,"**: This opening phrase serves as a strong, urgent admonition. The "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) logically connects this warning to the preceding declaration of salvation through Christ. Having presented the ultimate good news, Paul now highlights the critical responsibility of the hearers to respond appropriately. It is an imperative call to vigilance and careful consideration of what has been proclaimed.
* **"lest that come upon you,"**: This clause introduces the negative consequence that Paul seeks to avert. The particle "lest" (G3361, _mḗ_) expresses a fear or caution against something undesirable happening. The "that" refers to the impending judgment or divine action that will "come upon" them, signifying an imposition or infliction of consequences. This is not a mere possibility but a certain outcome for those who fail to heed the warning.
* **"which is spoken of in the prophets;"**: This final phrase grounds the warning in the authoritative word of God found in the Old Testament. By invoking "the prophets" (G4396, _prophḗtēs_), Paul asserts that the impending consequence is not an arbitrary threat but a consistent theme of divine judgment against unbelief, foretold long ago. This directly sets up the quote from Habakkuk 1:5 in the very next verse, demonstrating that God's word, whether of salvation or judgment, is always fulfilled.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's statement in Acts 13:40 masterfully employs several literary devices to amplify its impact. The primary device is **Admonition**, a strong and urgent warning, signaled by the imperative "Beware." This creates a sense of immediate danger and calls for a decisive response from the audience. Closely related is **Allusion** or **Intertextuality**, as Paul explicitly refers to "that which is spoken of in the prophets," directly pointing to the Old Testament Scriptures, particularly [Habakkuk 1:5](/habakkuk/1-5 "Habakkuk 1:5 - God's Astonishing Work"), which he quotes immediately after. This device lends immense authority and gravitas to his warning, connecting the present moment to the long-standing, unwavering truth of God's word. Furthermore, there is an implied **Contrast** between the glorious offer of salvation and justification just presented in [Acts 13:38-39](/acts/13-38-39 "Acts 13:38-39 - Forgiveness and Justification Through Christ") and the dire consequences of rejecting it. This stark juxtaposition highlights the critical nature of their decision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:40 profoundly underscores the biblical principle that divine revelation demands a response, and that indifference or rejection carries severe consequences. Paul's warning is rooted in the consistent Old Testament pattern of God's judgment falling upon those who harden their hearts against His word and work, even amidst His gracious interventions. The theological implication is that God's grace, while freely offered, is not to be trifled with; it calls for faith and obedience. To ignore the ultimate act of God's salvation in Christ is to invite the very judgment prophesied for those who refuse to believe. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice and His faithfulness to His own declared word, both in salvation and in judgment.

* [Habakkuk 1:5](/habakkuk/1-5 "God's Astonishing Work")
* [Isaiah 28:21-22](/isaiah/28-21-22 "God's Strange Work")
* [Hebrews 2:1-3](/hebrews/2-1-3 "The Danger of Neglecting Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:40 serves as a timeless and urgent call to spiritual alertness for all who hear the Gospel. It reminds us that the message of salvation through Christ is not merely an interesting theological concept but a matter of eternal consequence that demands a thoughtful and obedient response. Just as the people in Paul's day were warned against ignoring God's mighty work in their midst, we too are challenged to actively consider the claims of Christ and not allow spiritual apathy, intellectual pride, or worldly distractions to blind us to God's ongoing activity in our lives and in the world. This verse compels us to examine our own hearts: are we truly heeding God's word, or are we, like those warned by the prophets, at risk of missing or rejecting His ultimate provision for salvation? It encourages a posture of humility, active faith, and diligent obedience, lest we fall under the very judgment we are warned against.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "warnings" from God's Word might I be prone to disregard in my own life today?**
* **How does understanding the severity of God's judgment motivate me to embrace His grace more fully?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a greater sense of spiritual vigilance and responsiveness to God's ongoing work?**

### FAQ

**What "prophets" is Paul referring to in Acts 13:40?**

Answer: Paul is referring to the Old Testament prophets, whose writings were foundational to Jewish religious understanding. Specifically, in the very next verse ([Acts 13:41](/acts/13-41 "Acts 13:41 - Paul Quotes Habakkuk")), Paul quotes directly from [Habakkuk 1:5](/habakkuk/1-5 "Habakkuk 1:5 - God's Astonishing Work"). This particular prophecy speaks of God doing a work that His people would "in no wise believe, though it be told you." Paul uses this to warn his audience that just as God acted in unexpected ways in Habakkuk's time, He is now acting decisively through Jesus, and rejecting this work will bring judgment.

**What "that" is Paul warning will "come upon" his audience?**

Answer: The "that" refers to the fulfillment of the prophetic judgment mentioned in [Habakkuk 1:5](/habakkuk/1-5 "Habakkuk 1:5 - God's Astonishing Work") and other Old Testament warnings against unbelief and rejection of God's word. In the immediate context, it implies the spiritual and potentially even physical consequences of rejecting the Gospel message and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Throughout the Scriptures, God's warnings are not idle threats but declarations of certain outcomes for those who refuse to repent and believe ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Consequences of Unbelief")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:40, while a warning rooted in Old Testament prophecy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Paul's sermon has just presented Jesus as the culmination of God's redemptive plan, the one through whom forgiveness of sins and justification are offered ([Acts 13:38-39](/acts/13-38-39 "Acts 13:38-39 - Forgiveness and Justification Through Christ")). Therefore, the "that" which is "spoken of in the prophets" and threatens to "come upon" the unbelieving audience is now specifically linked to their response to Christ. Jesus Himself warned of the severe consequences for those who reject Him and His message, stating that those who do not believe are already condemned ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - John 3:18 - The Condemnation of Unbelief")). The ultimate "work" God is doing, which people will "in no wise believe" ([Habakkuk 1:5](/habakkuk/1-5 "Habakkuk 1:5 - God's Astonishing Work")), is the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of His Son. To reject this ultimate demonstration of God's love and power is to incur the most grievous judgment, for there remains no other sacrifice for sins ([Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26-27 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - The Danger of Deliberate Sin")). Thus, the warning in Acts 13:40 is a Christ-centered one: beware lest you reject the very One through whom God offers salvation, and thereby bring upon yourselves the full weight of prophetic judgment.

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

Malachi 4:1

¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Habakkuk 1:5

¶ Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for [I] will work a work in your days, [which] ye will not believe, though it be told [you].

Hebrews 3:12

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Hebrews 12:25

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven:

Malachi 3:2

But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

Matthew 3:9

And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Matthew 3:12

Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.