Acts 13:47

For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

For {G1063} so {G3779} hath {G1781} the Lord {G2962} commanded {G1781} us {G2254}, saying, I have set {G5087} thee {G4571} to be {G1519} a light {G5457} of the Gentiles {G1484}, that thou {G4571} shouldest be {G1511} for {G1519} salvation {G4991} unto {G2193} the ends {G2078} of the earth {G1093}.

For that is what Adonai has ordered us to do:

‘I have set you as a light for the Goyim,
to be for deliverance to the ends of the earth.’ ”

For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee for a light of the Gentiles, That thou shouldest be for salvation unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Commentary

Context of Acts 13:47

Acts 13:47 is a pivotal verse in the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. They are in Pisidian Antioch, preaching the Gospel in the synagogue. After initial positive reception, many Jews and devout converts followed them. However, when Paul and Barnabas continued to preach to a large crowd, some Jewish leaders became envious and contradicted their message. In response to this opposition and rejection, Paul and Barnabas declared their intention to turn to the Gentiles, asserting that God's plan of salvation was not limited to Israel. This verse serves as their divine justification for this significant shift in their ministry focus.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Mandate: The phrase "For so hath the Lord commanded us" underscores that Paul and Barnabas's actions were not arbitrary but were directly in line with God's will and prophetic word. Their mission to the Gentiles was not a fallback plan but a divinely ordained assignment.
  • Light of the Gentiles: This declaration is a direct quotation from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah 49:6. Originally spoken of the Servant of the Lord (understood by Christians as Christ), Paul applies this prophecy to himself and Barnabas as agents of God's universal salvation. It signifies that the Gospel brings spiritual illumination and guidance to those living in darkness, particularly the non-Jewish nations. Just as Jesus is the Light of the World, His followers are called to reflect that light.
  • Salvation to the Ends of the Earth: This phrase emphasizes the global and inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan. Salvation, offered through Jesus Christ, is not exclusive to one nation or people group but is intended for all humanity, reaching even the most distant parts of the world. This echoes the Great Commission given by Jesus and the promise in Acts 1:8 to be witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "light of the Gentiles" translates from the Greek phos ethnōn (φῶς ἐθνῶν), directly reflecting the Hebrew 'or goyim (אוֹר גּוֹיִם) from Isaiah 49:6. Phos (light) here signifies spiritual truth, guidance, and life, contrasting with the darkness of ignorance and sin.
  • "Salvation" comes from the Greek word sōtēria (σωτηρία), which encompasses deliverance, preservation, healing, and well-being. It points to the comprehensive deliverance from sin and its consequences offered through Christ.
  • "Ends of the earth" is heōs eschatou tēs gēs (ἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς), literally meaning "unto the furthest part of the land/earth," emphasizing the geographical and demographic scope of the Gospel's reach.

Practical Application

Acts 13:47 reminds believers today of the universal scope of God's love and the mission of the church. It challenges us to:

  1. Embrace the Divine Mandate: Recognize that sharing the Gospel is not merely a human endeavor but a command from the Lord, carrying divine authority and purpose.
  2. Be a Light: Understand that believers are called to be spiritual light to those around them, guiding others to Christ through their words and lives. This includes reaching across cultural, social, and ethnic boundaries.
  3. Support Global Mission: The vision of "salvation unto the ends of the earth" compels us to participate in and support missionary efforts, ensuring that every person has an opportunity to hear the Good News, regardless of their location or background.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 49:6

    And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

  • Isaiah 42:6

    I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

  • Luke 2:32

    A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

  • Isaiah 45:22

    Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.

  • Zechariah 8:20

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; [It shall] yet [come to pass], that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:

  • Zechariah 8:23

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

  • Hosea 1:10

    Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people, [there] it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God.