Acts 13:41

KJV

Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold {G1492}, ye despisers {G2707}, and {G2532} wonder {G2296}, and {G2532} perish {G853}: for {G3754} I {G1473} work {G2038} a work {G2041} in {G1722} your {G5216} days {G2250}, a work {G2041} which {G3739} ye shall {G4100} in no wise {G3364} believe {G4100}, though {G1437} a man {G5100} declare it {G1555} unto you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

‘You mockers! Look, and marvel, and die!
For in your own time, I am doing a work
that you simply will not believe,
even if someone explains it to you!’ ”

Berean Standard Bible

‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’”

American Standard Version

Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish; For I work a work in your days, A work which ye shall in no wise believe, if one declare it unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:41 serves as a profound and urgent warning delivered by the Apostle Paul to his Jewish audience in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia. Quoting from the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk, Paul underscores the dire consequences of spiritual apathy and disbelief in the face of God's unprecedented work—specifically, the advent of Jesus Christ and the salvation offered through His resurrection. The verse challenges listeners to "behold," "wonder," and avoid "perishing" by rejecting the divine work that is unfolding in their very days, a work so extraordinary that many will find it impossible to believe, even when clearly proclaimed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful admonition marks the climactic conclusion of Paul's first recorded sermon in the book of Acts, delivered during his inaugural missionary journey. Paul meticulously traces the redemptive history from Abraham through David to Jesus, presenting Him as the promised Savior ([Acts 13:23](/acts/13-23 "Acts 13:23 - Jesus, the Promised Savior")). He then proclaims the good news of Jesus' resurrection and the forgiveness of sins made available through Him ([Acts 13:38](/acts/13-38 "Acts 13:38 - Forgiveness Through Jesus")). Acts 13:41 functions as a solemn warning, a final, emphatic call to heed the Gospel message, drawing a stark line between belief and the devastating consequences of rejection. It directly precedes the audience's mixed reactions and the subsequent turning of Paul and Barnabas to the Gentiles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's sermon takes place in a synagogue, a common setting for early Christian evangelism, where Jews and "God-fearing" Gentiles (Gentiles who worshipped the God of Israel) gathered. This context is crucial as Paul, a Jew himself, appeals to their shared heritage and prophetic expectations. The Jewish people, having long awaited the Messiah, faced the challenge of recognizing Him not in a conquering king, but in the crucified and resurrected Jesus. The cultural expectation of a visible, political Messiah often clashed with the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom, making the "work" God was doing in their midst truly "unbelievable" to many. Paul's use of Habakkuk 1:5 would have resonated with their familiarity with the prophetic tradition, adding weight to his warning.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 13:41 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Warning and Judgment**, emphasizing that God's patience has limits and that deliberate rejection of His revealed truth carries severe consequences. Secondly, the verse underscores **The Unbelievable Work of God**, particularly the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, which often defies human reason and expectation, much like the unexpected Babylonian invasion in Habakkuk's time. This concept echoes the human tendency to disbelieve God's signs and wonders, even when clearly presented, as seen in passages like [John 12:37](/john/12-37 "John 12:37 - Disbelief Despite Miracles"). Thirdly, Paul's quotation of Habakkuk demonstrates the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, asserting that the events surrounding Christ's advent and the varied human responses are not random but part of God's sovereign, preordained plan, linking the Old Covenant promises to their New Covenant realization. Finally, the verse warns of the **Consequences of Disbelief**, portraying "perishing" as a spiritual ruin or destruction for those who willfully refuse to believe in the face of divine truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Despisers (Greek, _kataphrontḗs'_):** This term refers to one who "contemns" or "looks down upon" something. In this context, it describes an attitude of scorn, contempt, or willful disregard towards God's work and message. It's not mere ignorance but a deliberate, often arrogant, rejection of divine truth, implying a moral culpability for their unbelief.
* **Wonder (Greek, _thaumázō'_):** While often meaning to marvel or be amazed in a positive sense, here, in conjunction with "perish," it carries a sense of astonishment mixed with dread or horror. It's a bewildered amazement at an impending, catastrophic judgment, an awe that leads not to faith but to destruction, as the "work" of God unfolds in a way they cannot comprehend or accept.
* **Perish (Greek, _aphanízō'_):** This word means "to render unapparent," "to consume," "to disappear," or "to be destroyed." It signifies a complete and irreversible ruin or disappearance, emphasizing the severe spiritual and eternal outcome for those who reject God's incredible work of salvation. It speaks to a state of spiritual devastation and loss, not merely physical death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish:"** This opening clause is a direct, imperative address, a stark warning from God (through Paul) to those who scorn His message. The commands "behold," "wonder," and "perish" are not invitations but prophetic pronouncements of the inevitable outcome for those who maintain an attitude of contempt and disbelief towards God's work. It's a call to observe the unfolding divine judgment due to their spiritual state.
* **"for I work a work in your days,"** This phrase introduces the reason for the warning: God Himself is actively engaged in an unprecedented "work" or deed in their very lifetime. This "work" refers preeminently to the redemptive acts surrounding Jesus Christ—His incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and the subsequent offer of salvation through faith in Him. It emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and active involvement in human history.
* **"a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you."** This concluding statement highlights the profound and unexpected nature of God's work. It is so contrary to human expectations and so radical in its implications that many will find it utterly impossible to believe, even when it is clearly and thoroughly proclaimed by human messengers. This speaks to the stubbornness of the human heart and the spiritual blindness that prevents recognition and acceptance of divine truth.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 13:41 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Direct Address** is prominent, as Paul directly confronts his audience with the vocative "ye despisers," making the warning intensely personal and unavoidable. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Behold," "wonder," "perish") transforms the prophecy into a series of commands, imbuing the words with divine authority and underscoring the urgency of the warning and the certainty of the outcome. The verse functions as a **Prophetic Allusion** or direct quotation from Habakkuk 1:5, which not only lends Old Testament authority to Paul's message but also demonstrates the continuity of God's redemptive plan across dispensations. There is a subtle **Irony** in the command to "wonder," as this astonishment is not one of awe leading to faith, but of dread and bewilderment leading to destruction. Finally, the **Repetition** of the word "work" ("I work a work") emphasizes the divine activity and the singular, momentous nature of God's intervention in their contemporary history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:41 powerfully articulates the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, a core theological truth. God's "work" of salvation through Christ is a sovereign act, unfolding according to His eternal plan, yet human beings are held accountable for their response to it. The "unbelievable" nature of this work speaks to the scandal of the cross and the counter-intuitive wisdom of God, which often defies human reason and pride. This verse underscores that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a humble reception of God's truth, and that willful disbelief leads to a tragic spiritual destiny. It serves as a timeless reminder that God’s redemptive purposes will be accomplished, and those who scorn His grace will face the consequences of their hardened hearts.

* [Habakkuk 1:5](/habakkuk/1-5 "Habakkuk 1:5 - The Original Prophecy of Unbelievable Work")
* [John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief")
* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel for Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:41 remains a relevant and challenging passage for believers and unbelievers alike in every generation. It compels us to honestly examine our hearts and our posture towards God's ongoing work in the world and in our personal lives. Are we genuinely open to the transformative power of the Gospel, or do we harbor a spirit of skepticism, cynicism, or even contempt towards divine truths that might challenge our preconceived notions or comfortable lifestyles? The "work" God is doing today, through the Holy Spirit and the Church, may be just as "unbelievable" to many as the advent of Christ was in Paul's day. This verse calls us to move beyond intellectual curiosity to humble faith, recognizing that God's plans will unfold regardless of human acceptance. It is a sober reminder that spiritual indifference or outright rejection of God's revealed will carries profound and eternal consequences. Therefore, we are called to respond to God's invitation with humility, faith, and obedience, lest we find ourselves in the unenviable position of despising the very work that offers life and hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when God's ways or truths seem "unbelievable" or contrary to my expectations and understanding?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting a "despising" attitude towards God's revealed will or the work of His Spirit?**
* **What are the practical implications of genuinely believing the "work" God is doing through Christ in my life and in the world today?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul quote Habakkuk 1:5 in this specific context?**

Answer:Paul quotes Habakkuk 1:5 to emphasize the continuity of God's redemptive plan and to underscore the gravity of the warning. In Habakkuk's time, God's "work" was the unexpected and seemingly unbelievable judgment through the Babylonians, which the people of Judah struggled to comprehend or believe. Paul applies this ancient prophecy to his contemporary audience, asserting that God is now performing an even more profound and "unbelievable" work through Jesus Christ—the offer of salvation and the impending judgment for those who reject it. By quoting Habakkuk, Paul demonstrates that the divine pattern of unexpected intervention and the human tendency towards unbelief persist, lending prophetic weight and urgency to his message about Christ. It shows that God's actions, though sometimes incomprehensible to human minds, are consistent and lead to specific outcomes based on human response.

**What does "perish" truly mean in Acts 13:41?**

Answer:In Acts 13:41, "perish" (Greek: _aphanízō'_) signifies a complete and irreversible spiritual ruin or destruction, rather than merely physical death. It denotes a state of being rendered "unapparent" or "destroyed" in a spiritual sense, implying separation from God and His life-giving presence. This is the ultimate consequence for those who willfully reject the "work" God is doing through Jesus Christ. It points to eternal condemnation and spiritual desolation for those who, as "despisers," refuse to believe the Gospel message, even when it is clearly declared. This "perishing" is the antithesis of the eternal life offered through faith in Jesus, as highlighted in passages like [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life").

**Is God's work truly "unbelievable" to everyone?**

Answer:The phrase "a work which ye shall in no wise believe" does not mean that belief is impossible for all, but rather that the nature of God's work in Christ is so radical and contrary to human expectation (especially the Jewish expectation of a political Messiah) that many will find it incredibly difficult, even humanly impossible, to accept. It speaks to the human tendency towards spiritual blindness and a hardened heart in the face of divine truth. However, for those whom God draws, and who respond in faith, this "unbelievable" work becomes the very foundation of their salvation. The "unbelievability" lies in its divine paradox: a crucified Messiah bringing life, and salvation being offered as a free gift through faith, not works. This concept is echoed in [1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Foolishness of the Cross"), where the message of the cross is considered "foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:41 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who is the very "work" God performed in their days—a work so profound and unexpected that it defied human belief. The "unbelievable work" is the incarnation of God in human flesh, His sinless life, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection from the dead. These events, though declared by human messengers like Paul, were a stumbling block to many, particularly those who despised the notion of a crucified Messiah ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified, a Stumbling Block")). Yet, for those who believe, this "work" is the power of God for salvation ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Gospel as God's Power for Salvation")). Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the one through whom forgiveness of sins and justification are proclaimed ([Acts 13:38-39](/acts/13-38-39 "Acts 13:38-39 - Forgiveness and Justification Through Jesus")). Those who, like the "despisers," reject this divine "work" in Christ, ultimately "perish," experiencing spiritual ruin and separation from God. Conversely, those who believe in Him receive eternal life and become children of God ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Receiving Christ and Becoming Children of God")). Thus, Acts 13:41 serves as a stark reminder of the centrality of Christ as God's decisive and saving action, and the eternal consequences of one's response to Him.

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

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].

1 Peter 4:17

For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?

Romans 11:7

What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

Romans 11:14

If by any means I may provoke to emulation [them which are] my flesh, and might save some of them.

Colossians 1:26

[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

Colossians 1:27

To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Matthew 23:34

¶ Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and [some] of them ye shall kill and crucify; and [some] of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute [them] from city to city: