Acts 13:42

KJV

¶ And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when the Jews {G2453} were gone {G1826} out of {G1537} the synagogue {G4864}, the Gentiles {G1484} besought {G3870} that these {G5023} words {G4487} might be preached {G2980} to them {G846}{G1519} the next {G3342} sabbath {G4521}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As they left, the people invited Sha’ul and Bar-Nabba to tell them more about these matters the following Shabbat.

Berean Standard Bible

As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people urged them to continue this message on the next Sabbath.

American Standard Version

And as they went out, they besought that these words might be spoken to them the next sabbath.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:42 captures a pivotal moment in Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey, highlighting the contrasting responses to the Gospel in Antioch of Pisidia. As some Jewish listeners departed the synagogue, a significant number of Gentiles present eagerly implored Paul and Barnabas to preach the same message of salvation and forgiveness in Christ to them again on the following Sabbath, underscoring their profound spiritual hunger and foreshadowing the expansive reach of the Gospel beyond its initial Jewish audience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's profound sermon in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, detailed in [Acts 13:16-41](/acts/13-16-41 "Paul's Sermon in Antioch of Pisidia"). In this sermon, Paul meticulously traces God's redemptive history from Israel's beginnings, through the Davidic covenant, to the climactic fulfillment in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. He then proclaims forgiveness of sins and justification through faith in Jesus, a message that resonated powerfully with many, particularly the God-fearing Gentiles. The departure of some Jews at the beginning of the verse sets up a stark contrast with the eager request of the Gentiles, leading directly into the widespread positive reception among the Gentiles and the subsequent Jewish opposition described in [Acts 13:44-50](/acts/13-44-50 "The Gospel Spreads to Gentiles, Jewish Opposition"). This verse thus serves as a critical turning point, illustrating the initial shift in the primary audience of the Gospel message.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Antioch of Pisidia was a significant city in the Roman province of Galatia, strategically located on a major trade route. Synagogues, like the one Paul visited, served as central gathering places not only for Jews but also for "God-fearers" – Gentiles who were attracted to Jewish monotheism and ethical standards but had not fully converted to Judaism. These God-fearers often attended synagogue services and were receptive to new spiritual teachings. The Sabbath was the traditional day for synagogue worship and teaching, making it the natural time for Paul's sermon and for the Gentiles' request for a follow-up. The Roman Empire's relative peace (Pax Romana) and extensive road networks facilitated the travel of missionaries like Paul and Barnabas, allowing the Gospel to spread rapidly across diverse cultural and religious landscapes. This setting underscores the dynamic interplay between Jewish tradition and the emerging universal scope of the Christian message.

* **Key Themes:** [Acts 13:42](/acts/13-42 "Gentiles Request More Gospel Teaching") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Gentile Receptivity** to the Gospel, demonstrating that while the message was first offered to the Jews, many Gentiles were spiritually prepared and eager to embrace it. This contrasts sharply with the growing Jewish opposition that Paul and Barnabas would increasingly face, as seen in [Acts 13:45](/acts/13-45 "Jewish Opposition to Paul's Preaching"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Expanding Scope of the Gospel**, moving beyond the confines of Jewish particularism towards a universal invitation for all nations, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about God's salvation reaching the ends of the earth (e.g., [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations")). Finally, it underscores the **Spiritual Hunger for God's Word**, as the Gentiles' earnest request for "these words" to be preached again reveals a deep longing for truth and salvation, a hunger that God graciously met through the apostles' ministry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos'_):** From G1484, this term refers to a "race" or "tribe," specifically a foreign, non-Jewish people, often implying pagan. In this context, it designates the non-Jewish individuals present in the synagogue who were not part of the Jewish covenant community. Their eager response here is significant, as it marks a crucial turning point in the early church's mission, shifting focus from an exclusively Jewish audience to a broader, inclusive one.
* **besought (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** From G3870, meaning "to call near," "invite," "invoke," or "beseech." The imperfect tense used here (παρεκάλουν) suggests a continuous, earnest, or repeated pleading. It conveys a strong sense of urgency and deep desire on the part of the Gentiles, indicating that their request was not a casual suggestion but a fervent appeal for more of the message Paul had just delivered. This highlights their profound spiritual hunger and receptivity.
* **preached (Greek, _laléō'_):** From G2980, meaning "to talk," "utter words," or "speak." While a general term for speaking, in this context, it specifically refers to the proclamation of the Gospel message. The Gentiles desired that the "words" (G4487, _rhēma_, referring to Paul's sermon about Jesus and salvation) be spoken again, indicating their desire for further instruction and assimilation of the truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue":** This clause sets the scene by noting the departure of some Jewish attendees. This departure is not necessarily a mass exodus of all Jews, but rather indicates that a segment of the Jewish audience, perhaps those who were resistant or offended by Paul's message, chose to leave. This action immediately creates a vacuum and highlights the contrasting response of those who remained.
* **"the Gentiles besought":** In stark contrast to the departing Jews, the Gentiles present displayed a profound and earnest desire. The term "besought" (παρεκάλουν, imperfect tense) conveys a persistent, urgent, and heartfelt request, indicating their deep spiritual hunger and receptivity to the message of Christ. This eagerness marks a significant moment for the expansion of the Gospel.
* **"that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath":** The "words" refer to the Gospel message Paul had just proclaimed, encompassing the life, death, resurrection, and salvific work of Jesus Christ. The Gentiles' request for the message to be preached again on "the next sabbath" demonstrates their genuine desire for further instruction and their intention to return and learn more. This timing also indicates a willingness to commit to hearing the message within the established rhythm of synagogue life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Contrast** to highlight the divergent responses to the Gospel. The departure of "the Jews" stands in stark opposition to the eager request of "the Gentiles," immediately drawing the reader's attention to the shift in the primary audience for the nascent Christian movement. This contrast also serves as **Foreshadowing**, anticipating the broader pattern in Acts where the Gospel, initially offered to the Jews, increasingly finds its most receptive audience among the Gentiles, leading to the pivotal decision in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "The Jerusalem Council"). Furthermore, the earnestness conveyed by the verb "besought" (παρεκάλουν) provides **Emphasis** on the Gentiles' spiritual hunger and willingness to embrace the new message, underscoring the divine orchestration of their receptivity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:42 is a powerful testament to God's redemptive plan unfolding in history, demonstrating the universal scope of the Gospel. It illustrates that while salvation is "from the Jews" ([John 4:22](/john/4-22 "John 4:22 - Salvation is from the Jews")), God's intention was always for His light to reach all nations. The Gentiles' eager response signifies the Holy Spirit's preparatory work in their hearts, opening them to receive a message that many of the natural branches of Israel were rejecting. This moment underscores the theological truth that God is sovereign in drawing people to Himself, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. It highlights the breaking down of the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile, as foretold by the prophets and accomplished in Christ.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations")
* [Acts 11:18](/acts/11-18 "Acts 11:18 - God Granted Repentance to Gentiles")
* [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Broke Down the Dividing Wall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:42 serves as a profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us of the enduring power of the Gospel to transcend barriers and ignite spiritual hunger in unexpected places. Just as the Gentiles in Antioch eagerly sought more of God's Word, we are called to cultivate a similar fervent desire for truth, continually seeking deeper understanding and application of biblical principles in our lives. This verse challenges us to remain open to where God is working, recognizing that spiritual receptivity is not limited to any particular group or background. It underscores the urgency and privilege of sharing the Gospel with all people, regardless of their current beliefs or affiliations, trusting that God is preparing hearts to receive His message. Furthermore, it reminds us that rejection from some does not negate the divine call to proclaim Christ; rather, it often opens doors to new and fertile ground for the kingdom to expand. We are to be persistent and hopeful, knowing that God's plan for salvation will ultimately reach the ends of the earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life do you see a similar spiritual hunger for God's Word, either in yourself or in others around you?**
* **How might the eagerness of the Gentiles challenge you to be more proactive in seeking out and sharing the Gospel with those who may be spiritually searching?**
* **In what ways might we, like some of the Jews, inadvertently resist or depart from God's truth when it challenges our preconceived notions or traditions?**
* **How does the universal appeal of the Gospel, as demonstrated in this verse, impact your understanding of God's love and mission for the world?**

### FAQ
**Who were these "Gentiles" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "Gentiles" (Greek: _éthnos_) in [Acts 13:42](/acts/13-42 "Gentiles Request More Gospel Teaching") were non-Jewish individuals who were present in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia. Many of them were likely "God-fearers," Gentiles who were drawn to the monotheistic worship and moral teachings of Judaism but had not fully converted (e.g., through circumcision). They would attend synagogue services and were often more open to new spiritual truths than some of the ethnocentric Jews. Their presence and eager response indicate a significant openness to the message of Christ.

**What "words" did the Gentiles want to be preached to them?**

Answer: The "words" (Greek: _rhēma_) refer to the Gospel message that Paul had just delivered in his sermon, detailed in [Acts 13:16-41](/acts/13-16-41 "Paul's Sermon in Antioch of Pisidia"). This sermon comprehensively traced God's redemptive plan, culminating in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and offered forgiveness of sins and justification through faith in Him. The Gentiles were so deeply moved by this message that they earnestly desired to hear it again, indicating their profound interest and readiness to embrace its truth.

**Why is it significant that they requested the preaching for "the next sabbath"?**

Answer: The request for "the next sabbath" (Greek: _metaxý sábbaton_) is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it indicates a genuine commitment and spiritual hunger; they didn't just want a quick follow-up but were willing to wait a full week for more instruction. Secondly, it highlights the established rhythm of synagogue life and worship, showing that the early apostles often utilized existing structures to proclaim the Gospel. Thirdly, it sets the stage for the massive gathering described in [Acts 13:44](/acts/13-44 "Almost the Whole City Gathers"), where "almost the whole city" came to hear the word of God, demonstrating the widespread impact of Paul's initial sermon and the Gentiles' eager anticipation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:42 vividly illustrates the unfolding of God's universal plan of salvation, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The eager response of the Gentiles to Paul's message is a direct consequence of Christ's redemptive work and His commission to His followers. Jesus Himself declared that He came "to seek and to save that which was lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")), a mission that inherently transcends ethnic boundaries. His death on the cross broke down the "middle wall of partition" that separated Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Broke Down the Dividing Wall")), creating "one new man" in Himself ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - Creating One New Man")). The Gentiles' request for "these words" to be preached again is a direct echo of Christ's Great Commission to "go ye therefore, and teach all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), signifying that the Good News is for all humanity. This verse beautifully demonstrates that Christ is not merely the Savior of Israel, but the "light to lighten the Gentiles" ([Luke 2:32](/luke/2-32 "Luke 2:32 - A Light to the Gentiles")) and the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), drawing all people to Himself.

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

Acts 28:28

Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and [that] they will hear it.

Matthew 11:21

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

Acts 13:14

¶ But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

Matthew 19:30

But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first.

Ezekiel 3:6

Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee.

Acts 10:33

Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.