Acts 13:43

Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

Now {G1161} when the congregation {G4864} was broken up {G3089}, many {G4183} of the Jews {G2453} and {G2532} religious {G4576} proselytes {G4339} followed {G190} Paul {G3972} and {G2532} Barnabas {G921}: who {G3748}, speaking {G4354} to them {G846}, persuaded {G3982} them {G846} to continue {G1961} in the grace {G5485} of God {G2316}.

When the synagogue meeting broke up, many of the born Jews and devout proselytes followed Sha’ul and Bar-Nabba, who spoke with them and urged them to keep holding fast to the love and kindness of God.

After the synagogue was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

Commentary

Acts 13:43 KJV: "Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God."

Context

This verse describes a pivotal moment during Paul’s first missionary journey, specifically in Pisidian Antioch. Paul and Barnabas had just preached in the local synagogue, where Paul delivered a powerful sermon recounting Israel's history and presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah (see Acts 13:16-41). His message emphasized forgiveness of sins and justification through faith in Christ. The "congregation" refers to the gathering in the synagogue. The immediate positive response from "many of the Jews and religious proselytes" (Gentiles who had converted to Judaism) shows the widespread interest generated by the Gospel message.

Key Themes

  • Positive Reception to the Gospel: The fact that a significant number of people, including both native Jews and Gentile proselytes, "followed Paul and Barnabas" highlights the initial impact of the early Christian preaching. This demonstrates an openness and receptiveness to the good news of Jesus Christ.
  • Importance of Discipleship and Follow-up: Paul and Barnabas did not merely preach; they actively engaged with those who showed interest. Their act of "speaking to them" underscores the crucial role of personal encouragement and ongoing instruction in nurturing new believers. This was a vital aspect of their missionary strategy.
  • Perseverance in God's Grace: The core of their exhortation was to "continue in the grace of God." This emphasizes that salvation and the Christian walk are sustained by God's unmerited favor, not by human effort or adherence to rules. It was a call to steadfastness, urging them to remain grounded in the truth that God's favor is a free gift received through faith, providing both their initial salvation and ongoing strength. This concept is foundational to understanding the New Testament's teaching on salvation, as beautifully articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "grace of God" translates the Greek charis Theou (χάρις Θεοῦ). Charis signifies "unmerited favor," "kindness," or "gift." Paul and Barnabas were urging them to persist in their reliance on God's benevolent and undeserved favor, which was the basis of their new relationship with Him, rather than shifting to a system of works or law. The word "persuaded" (Greek: peitho) implies a deep conviction and earnest exhortation, aiming to win them over to a steadfast commitment to this truth and way of life.

Practical Application

Acts 13:43 offers timeless insights for believers today:

  • Nurturing New Faith: It reminds us that evangelism is incomplete without follow-up and discipleship. New believers need consistent encouragement and teaching to grow firm in their faith.
  • Living by Grace: The call to "continue in the grace of God" is a powerful reminder that our standing with God and our ability to live a godly life are entirely dependent on His unmerited favor through Christ. It's an encouragement to constantly rely on His strength, not our own.
  • Steadfastness in Belief: In a world that often challenges faith, this verse encourages believers to remain steadfast and unwavering in their commitment to Christ, trusting in God's power to sustain them through all circumstances. This theme of perseverance is echoed in passages like Colossians 1:23.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 11:23

    Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

  • Acts 14:22

    Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

  • Philippians 3:16

    Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:1

    ¶ We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

  • Philippians 4:1

    ¶ Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved.

  • Acts 17:34

    Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which [was] Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

  • Romans 11:6

    And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
← Back