Acts 13:49

Acts 13:49 KJV succinctly describes the rapid and wide dissemination of the Gospel message during Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey in Pisidian Antioch. Following a pivotal moment where the apostles declared their intention to turn from the resistant Jews to the receptive Gentiles, this verse highlights the immediate and powerful impact of their ministry.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is situated immediately after Paul's powerful sermon in the synagogue of Pisidian Antioch, which initially garnered significant interest from both Jews and "devout proselytes" (Acts 13:43). However, when the apostles preached again the following Sabbath, the large crowd gathered led to envy and opposition from some Jewish leaders (Acts 13:45). In response, Paul and Barnabas boldly declared their mission to the Gentiles, quoting Isaiah 49:6 (Acts 13:46-47). The Gentiles rejoiced, and many believed (Acts 13:48). Acts 13:49 then serves as a summary statement, illustrating the success and reach of the message despite the growing opposition that would soon lead to their expulsion from the city (Acts 13:50).

Key Themes and Messages

• Gospel Proclamation and Reach: The primary theme is the successful and widespread communication of the Christian message. The phrase "published throughout all the region" emphasizes the extensive reach of the Gospel beyond just the city limits of Pisidian Antioch.
• Divine Agency: It is "the word of the Lord," signifying that the message's spread is not merely due to human effort but empowered and directed by God Himself. This illustrates the inherent power and efficacy of God's word, which does not return void.
• Gentile Inclusion: Coming right after the turning of the apostles to the Gentiles, this verse underscores the rapid expansion of the Gospel among non-Jews, fulfilling God's plan for salvation to reach all nations.
• Growth Amidst Opposition: Despite the mounting hostility from some Jewish factions, the Gospel continued to flourish and spread, demonstrating its unstoppable nature.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "was published" translates the Greek verb diepherei (διαφέρεται), which literally means "to be carried through," "to be spread abroad," or "to be borne about." This suggests an active and dynamic process of dissemination, implying that the message was not passively received but actively carried from person to person, place to place, across the entire area of Pisidian Antioch. It emphasizes the active distribution and movement of the Gospel.

Practical Application

Acts 13:49 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

• Commitment to Evangelism: It reminds us of the importance of actively sharing the Gospel message, just as Paul and Barnabas did. The call to make disciples of all nations remains relevant for Christians.
• Trust in God's Sovereignty: The success of the Gospel is ultimately God's work. While we are called to be faithful messengers, we can trust that "the word of the Lord" has its own divine power to penetrate hearts and spread widely, often beyond our expectations.
• Resilience in Ministry: Even when facing opposition or setbacks, the passage encourages perseverance. God's word will accomplish its purpose, often spreading most effectively in the face of adversity, demonstrating the unstoppable nature of the Kingdom.