Acts 13:48

KJV

And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when the Gentiles {G1484} heard this {G191}, they were glad {G5463}, and {G2532} glorified {G1392} the word {G3056} of the Lord {G2962}: and {G2532} as many as {G3745} were {G2258} ordained {G5021} to {G1519} eternal {G166} life {G2222} believed {G4100}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Gentiles were very happy to hear this. They honored the message about the Lord, and as many as had been appointed to eternal life came to trust.

Berean Standard Bible

When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

American Standard Version

And as the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:48 captures a pivotal moment in the early Christian mission, illustrating the enthusiastic and widespread reception of the Gospel among Gentiles in Pisidian Antioch, following its rejection by many within the Jewish community. This verse powerfully demonstrates the expansive nature of God's saving grace, extending beyond traditional ethnic and religious boundaries to embrace all who are divinely prepared and respond in faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 13:48 immediately follows a dramatic turning point in Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey. Having initially preached in the synagogue of Pisidian Antioch, they encountered significant opposition and blasphemy from the Jewish leaders and populace, as recounted in [Acts 13:45](/acts/13-45 "Acts 13:45 - Jewish Opposition in Pisidian Antioch"). In response to this rejection, Paul and Barnabas boldly declared their intention to turn specifically to the Gentiles, stating, "It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles" ([Acts 13:46](/acts/13-46 "Acts 13:46 - Paul and Barnabas Turn to the Gentiles")). They explicitly linked this strategic shift to Old Testament prophecy, citing [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light for the Gentiles") which speaks of the Messiah as "a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth" ([Acts 13:47](/acts/13-47 "Acts 13:47 - Paul and Barnabas Quote Isaiah")). Verse 48 then describes the immediate and joyful outcome of this declaration, highlighting the readiness of the Gentiles to embrace the message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Pisidian Antioch was a significant Roman colony in the province of Galatia, strategically located on a major trade route. It possessed a substantial Jewish population, which was Paul's customary starting point for evangelism, leveraging the existing monotheistic framework and Old Testament prophecies. The cultural backdrop involved a clear distinction between Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews), with Gentiles often being considered "unclean" or outside the covenant promises of God. Paul's ministry, however, consistently sought to bridge this divide, proclaiming a Gospel that transcended ethnic barriers. The joyful reception by the Gentiles in this city was a powerful validation of this inclusive message, setting a precedent for the broader Gentile mission that would characterize much of the book of Acts and Paul's later epistles. This event also underscores the growing tension between the nascent Christian movement and established Judaism, a conflict that would define much of the early church's internal and external struggles.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it is a clear demonstration of **Gentile inclusion in salvation**, emphasizing that God's redemptive plan extends to all nations, not exclusively to Israel. The Gentiles' enthusiastic response and belief underscore that the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile was being dismantled through Christ, a central theological tenet articulated by Paul in his letters, such as in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall"). Secondly, the phrase "as many as were ordained to eternal life believed" highlights the profound interplay between **divine sovereignty and human response** in salvation. It suggests that God's sovereign will is actively at work in preparing hearts for the Gospel, while simultaneously affirming the human act of faith. This dynamic tension is a recurring biblical concept, seen in passages like [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father draws him"), where Jesus states that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws them. Lastly, the Gentiles' act of "glorifying the word of the Lord" underscores the inherent **power and transformative nature of God's Word** and its rapid dissemination throughout the Gentile world during the early church era.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos'_):** This term (G1484) refers to a "race" or "tribe," specifically a foreign, non-Jewish, and often by implication, pagan people. In this context, it highlights the recipients of the Gospel as those outside the traditional covenant community of Israel, emphasizing the radical inclusivity of the message. Their hearing marks a significant shift in the focus of the missionary endeavor.
* **glorified (Greek, _doxázō'_):** The verb (G1392) means "to render (or esteem) glorious," "to magnify," or "to give honor to." When the Gentiles "glorified the word of the Lord," it signifies their profound reverence, high esteem, and joyful acknowledgment of the divine authority and truthfulness of the message preached by Paul and Barnabas. It was an act of worshipful acceptance.
* **ordained (Greek, _tássō'_):** This word (G5021), a perfect passive participle, means "to arrange in an orderly manner, assign, or dispose (to a certain position or lot)." In the passive voice ("were ordained"), it strongly implies a divine agent behind the arrangement. It suggests that God had already set apart or prepared certain individuals for the reception of eternal life, indicating a sovereign initiative in their salvation. This divine ordering is intrinsically linked to their subsequent act of belief.
* **eternal life (Greek, _aiṓnios zōḗ'_):** This phrase combines `aiṓnios` (G166), meaning "perpetual, everlasting," and `zōḗ` (G2222), referring to "life" in its fullest, often spiritual, sense. It denotes not merely unending existence, but a quality of life that is divine, spiritual, and transcends temporal limitations, beginning in the present and extending into eternity. It is the very life of God, freely given to believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the Gentiles heard this":** This clause highlights the immediate and direct exposure of the non-Jewish population to the Gospel message, particularly after Paul and Barnabas declared their intention to turn to them. Their hearing signifies a receptive audience, distinct from the Jewish opposition previously encountered.
* **"they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord":** This describes the joyful and reverent response of the Gentiles. Their gladness indicates a deep sense of relief, joy, and acceptance, while "glorified the word of the Lord" signifies their profound respect, honor, and worshipful acknowledgment of the divine origin and power of the message they received. This stands in stark contrast to the Jewish rejection.
* **"and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed":** This is the theological core of the verse. It asserts that belief was not a random occurrence but was intrinsically linked to a prior divine appointment or preparation. The phrase "as many as" suggests a significant, but not necessarily universal, number within the Gentile audience. Their belief was the human response to a divine predisposition, resulting in their reception of everlasting life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Juxtaposition** by contrasting the Jewish rejection of the Gospel (implied from the preceding verses) with the joyful and receptive response of the Gentiles. This highlights the dramatic shift in the trajectory of the early Christian mission. A **Divine Passive** is evident in the phrase "were ordained" (Greek: *tetagmenoi*), where the agent of ordination is God Himself, though not explicitly named. This grammatical construction subtly emphasizes divine sovereignty and initiative in salvation. Furthermore, the use of the phrase "as many as" functions as a form of **Synecdoche** or **Generalization**, representing a significant portion of the Gentile audience who believed, without necessarily implying every single Gentile present. This emphasizes the broad impact and success of the mission among the Gentiles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:48 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the early church's grappling with the inclusion of Gentiles and the profound theological concepts of divine sovereignty and human faith. It affirms that God's redemptive plan was never exclusively for one nation but was always intended to encompass all peoples, a truth foreshadowed in the Old Testament and fully revealed in Christ. The "ordination to eternal life" speaks to God's pre-ordaining work in salvation, suggesting that faith is not merely a human decision but a divinely enabled response. This does not negate human responsibility but rather highlights God's gracious initiative in drawing individuals to Himself, ensuring that His elect will indeed come to faith and receive the gift of eternal life. The Gentiles' joyful glorification of God's Word serves as a model for all believers, underscoring the appropriate response to the transformative power of the Gospel.

* [Ephesians 1:4-5](/ephesians/1-4-5 "Ephesians 1:4-5 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World")
* [Romans 8:29-30](/romans/8-29-30 "Romans 8:29-30 - God's Golden Chain of Salvation")
* [John 10:27-29](/john/10-27-29 "John 10:27-29 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:48 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. The enthusiastic reception of the Gospel by the Gentiles, who were once considered outsiders, reminds us of the boundless nature of God's grace and His desire for all people to come to a saving knowledge of Him. This should fuel our passion for evangelism, compelling us to share the good news broadly and without prejudice, trusting that God is actively at work in the hearts of those He has prepared. For those who have believed, this verse provides immense comfort and assurance, knowing that their faith is not a mere human decision but is rooted in God's sovereign plan and gracious initiative. It deepens our appreciation for the divine hand in our salvation, fostering humility and gratitude. Furthermore, the Gentiles' response of gladness and glorification of the "word of the Lord" serves as a powerful example, urging us to approach God's Word with reverence, joy, and a desire to honor Him in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Gentiles' joyful and glorifying response to the Word of the Lord challenge our own reception and appreciation of God's truth?**
* **What does the concept of being "ordained to eternal life" imply about God's initiative in our salvation, and how does this understanding influence our approach to evangelism and discipleship?**
* **In what practical ways can we, like the Gentiles in Pisidian Antioch, demonstrate that we "glorify the word of the Lord" in our daily lives and interactions?**

### FAQ
**What does "as many as were ordained to eternal life believed" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase in [Acts 13:48](/acts/13-48 "Acts 13:48 - Gentiles Believe") is one of the most significant and debated theological statements in the New Testament. The Greek word translated "ordained" (G5021, *tassō*) means "to arrange, appoint, or set in order." In the passive voice ("were ordained"), it strongly implies that God is the one doing the ordaining or arranging. This suggests a divine initiative or pre-determination in salvation.

There are generally two main interpretations among scholars:
1. **Divine Predestination/Election:** This view posits that God, in His sovereignty, had already chosen or appointed specific individuals for eternal life before they believed. Their belief is the result and evidence of this divine ordination. This aligns with other New Testament passages that speak of God's election (e.g., [Ephesians 1:4-5](/ephesians/1-4-5 "Ephesians 1:4-5 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World") and [Romans 9:10-16](/romans/9-10-16 "Romans 9:10-16 - God's Sovereign Choice")).
2. **Divine Disposition/Readiness:** This interpretation suggests that "ordained" refers to those who were "disposed," "inclined," or "set in order" by God's prior work of grace to receive the Gospel. It emphasizes that God prepares hearts, making them receptive to the truth, and their belief is the natural outcome of this divine preparation. This view still acknowledges God's initiative but perhaps less rigidly defines it as individual pre-selection.

Regardless of the precise nuance, both interpretations affirm God's active role in salvation. The verse clearly teaches that belief is not a random human act but is intrinsically linked to a divine purpose and preparation. It underscores that salvation is ultimately God's work, even as it requires a human response of faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:48, though focusing on the Gentile response, is profoundly Christ-centered in its fulfillment. The "word of the Lord" that the Gentiles glorified is none other than the Gospel, the good news centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul and Barnabas were proclaiming Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises, the one through whom forgiveness of sins and justification are offered ([Acts 13:38-39](/acts/13-38-39 "Acts 13:38-39 - Forgiveness Through Jesus")). The turning to the Gentiles itself is a direct fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, which, from the beginning, aimed to bless all nations through Abraham's seed, ultimately fulfilled in Christ ([Galatians 3:8](/galatians/3-8 "Galatians 3:8 - The Gospel Preached to Abraham")). Jesus is the "light of the Gentiles" prophesied in [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light for the Gentiles"), a prophecy explicitly quoted by Paul in [Acts 13:47](/acts/13-47 "Acts 13:47 - Paul and Barnabas Quote Isaiah") just before this verse. The "eternal life" to which these Gentiles were ordained and believed for, is found exclusively in Christ, as Jesus Himself declared, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God and Jesus Christ")). Those "ordained" are those whom the Father "draws" to the Son ([John 6:44](/john/6-44 "No one can come to me unless the Father draws him")), and whom Christ promises to raise up on the last day ([John 6:40](/john/6-40 "Everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life")). Thus, the belief and salvation of the Gentiles in Acts 13:48 are a powerful testament to the universal scope and redemptive power of Christ's finished work on the cross.

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

Romans 8:29

¶ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Romans 8:30

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

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

Ephesians 1:4

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

John 10:16

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

John 10:26

But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: