Acts 13:44

And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

And {G1161} the next {G2064} sabbath day {G4521} came {G4863} almost {G4975} the whole {G3956} city {G4172} together {G4863} to hear {G191} the word {G3056} of God {G2316}.

The next Shabbat, nearly the whole city gathered together to hear the message about the Lord;

On the following Sabbath, nearly the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.

And the next sabbath almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of God.

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Commentary

Acts 13:44 describes a remarkable scene in Pisidian Antioch during the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. This verse highlights the immense public interest generated by their preaching, as "almost the whole city" gathered to hear the Gospel.

Context

This verse follows directly from Paul's compelling sermon delivered in the synagogue on the previous Sabbath (Acts 13:16-41). After hearing Paul, many Jews and devout Gentile proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who encouraged them to continue in God's grace. The Gentiles, in particular, were so eager to hear more that they requested the message be preached again the following Sabbath. The massive turnout described in Acts 13:44 is the direct result of this initial positive reception and the apostles' powerful proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah.

Key Themes

  • The Drawing Power of God's Word: The sheer number of people gathered underscores the profound impact and inherent attraction of the Gospel message when it is faithfully proclaimed. It demonstrates that God's truth resonates deeply with humanity.
  • Widespread Interest in the Gospel: The phrase "almost the whole city" signifies an extraordinary level of public curiosity and spiritual hunger, extending beyond the typical synagogue attendees to include a diverse population. This foreshadows the broader reach of the Christian message to Gentiles.
  • Anticipation and Eagerness: The crowd's prompt assembly on the very next Sabbath indicates a genuine desire to hear more about the "word of God," reflecting a spiritual awakening in the city.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "almost the whole city" (Greek: schedon pasa he polis) is a hyperbole, not a literal census, but it powerfully conveys the overwhelming attendance. It emphasizes that a significant portion of the population, including many non-Jews, was drawn by the message, demonstrating the broad appeal of the Good News.

Related Scriptures

  • This incredible response sets the stage for the apostles' pivotal decision to turn increasingly to the Gentiles after facing opposition from some Jews in Antioch.
  • The power of the preached word is echoed in other scriptures, such as Hebrews 4:12, which describes the word of God as "quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword."
  • The growth seen here is a fulfillment of the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, to make disciples of all nations.

Practical Application

Acts 13:44 encourages believers today to faithfully share the Gospel, knowing that God's word has the power to draw people from all walks of life. It reminds us that there is a spiritual hunger in the world, and when the truth is presented clearly and passionately, people will respond. It also highlights the importance of consistency in ministry, as Paul and Barnabas preached again on the very next Sabbath, demonstrating their commitment to nurturing the budding faith in Antioch.

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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

  • Isaiah 60:8

    Who [are] these [that] fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?

  • Psalms 110:3

    Thy people [shall be] willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

  • Genesis 49:10

    The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

  • Isaiah 11:10

    ¶ And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
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