Acts 13:49

KJV

And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the word {G3056} of the Lord {G2962} was published {G1308} throughout {G1223} all {G3650} the region {G5561}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And the message about the Lord was carried throughout the whole region.

Berean Standard Bible

And the word of the Lord spread throughout that region.

American Standard Version

And the word of the Lord was spread abroad throughout all the region.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:49 succinctly captures the extraordinary and rapid dissemination of the Gospel message throughout the region of Pisidian Antioch during Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey. Following their declaration to turn from resistant Jewish audiences to receptive Gentiles, this verse highlights the immediate and powerful impact of their divinely empowered ministry, demonstrating the unstoppable nature of God's saving word as it spread far beyond the city's confines.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct consequence and summary statement of the events immediately preceding it. Paul's powerful sermon in the synagogue of Pisidian Antioch initially drew significant interest from both Jews and "devout proselytes" [Acts 13:43](/acts/13-43 "Acts 13:43 - Initial Positive Reception"). However, the following Sabbath, the massive crowd that gathered to hear the word provoked intense envy and opposition from some Jewish leaders [Acts 13:45](/acts/13-45 "Acts 13:45 - Jewish Opposition and Envy"). In a pivotal moment, Paul and Barnabas boldly declared their intention to turn to the Gentiles, affirming their role as a "light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth" by quoting [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Servant of the Lord, a Light to the Nations") [Acts 13:46-47](/acts/13-46-47 "Acts 13:46-47 - Paul and Barnabas Turn to the Gentiles"). The Gentiles, upon hearing this, rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and "as many as were appointed to eternal life believed" [Acts 13:48](/acts/13-48 "Acts 13:48 - Gentiles Believe and Rejoice"). Acts 13:49 then serves as a triumphant summary of the Gospel's immediate and expansive reach, despite the mounting opposition that would soon lead to the apostles' expulsion from the city [Acts 13:50](/acts/13-50 "Acts 13:50 - Expulsion from Pisidian Antioch").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Pisidian Antioch was a significant Roman colony in the province of Galatia, strategically located on a major trade route. As a Roman colony, it had a mixed population of Romans, Greeks, and Jews, the latter often having established synagogues. The city served as an administrative and cultural hub, making it an ideal place for the Gospel to spread. The Jewish community, while influential, was also diverse in its reception of the new message about Jesus. The "devout proselytes" and "God-fearers" mentioned earlier in [Acts 13](/acts/13 "Acts 13 - Paul's First Missionary Journey") were Gentiles who worshipped the God of Israel but had not fully converted to Judaism. Their presence in the synagogue indicates a spiritual hunger that the Gospel uniquely satisfied. The rapid spread "throughout all the region" suggests that the message was not confined to the urban center but radiated outwards into the surrounding rural areas and smaller towns, likely facilitated by trade routes and personal networks.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Gospel's unstoppable advance** and its inherent power to spread, even in the face of opposition, fulfilling the commission given in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission and the Power of the Holy Spirit"). Secondly, it highlights **divine agency** in the propagation of the word; it is "the word of the Lord," signifying that its dissemination is not merely a human endeavor but is sovereignly directed and empowered by God Himself, echoing the promise that God's word will accomplish its purpose [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - The Efficacy of God's Word"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **inclusion of the Gentiles** as a central aspect of God's redemptive plan, a theme that gains significant momentum in [Acts 13](/acts/13 "Acts 13 - Paul's First Missionary Journey") and continues throughout the rest of the book as the Gospel expands beyond its Jewish origins. Finally, it demonstrates the **dynamic nature of evangelism**, where the message is actively "published" or "carried through" by human agents empowered by the Holy Spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** (G3056) From λέγω (legō), meaning "to speak." This term is profoundly significant, referring to "something said (including the thought)," a "topic," "reasoning," or "utterance." In a theological context, especially as "the word of the Lord," it refers to the divine message, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which encompasses the good news of salvation, God's plan, and His revealed truth. It is not merely information but a living, active, and powerful communication from God.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** (G2962) From (supremacy), meaning "supreme in authority," "controller," or "Master." When applied to God, as here, it signifies His absolute sovereignty and divine authority. "The word of the Lord" thus emphasizes that the message originates from God, carries His authority, and is under His control, ensuring its power and ultimate success.
* **published (Greek, _diaphérō'_):** (G1308) From διά (dia, "through") and φέρω (pherō, "to bear"). This verb literally means "to bear through" or "to carry apart." It conveys the idea of active transport and widespread dissemination. It implies that the message was not passively received but actively carried, spread, or reported across the region, suggesting a dynamic and energetic process of proclamation and reception. It can also imply "to differ" or "to be excellent," subtly hinting at the superior quality and impact of the Gospel message.
* **region (Greek, _chṓra'_):** (G5561) Feminine of a derivative of the base of χάσμα (chasma, "chasm") through the idea of "empty expanse." It denotes "room," "a space of territory," or "land." Here, it refers to the surrounding geographical area or countryside beyond the city limits of Pisidian Antioch, indicating that the Gospel's reach was extensive and not confined to urban centers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the word of the Lord":** This phrase identifies the subject of the verse: the divine message, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is not a human invention but originates from God Himself. The "word" (lógos) here refers to the entire message of salvation through Christ, as proclaimed by Paul and Barnabas. Its divine origin ("of the Lord") underscores its authority, power, and inherent efficacy.
* **"was published":** This passive construction (from _diaphérō_) indicates that the spread of the word was not solely due to human effort but was divinely facilitated and empowered. It conveys the sense of the message being "carried through" or "spread abroad" dynamically and widely. It implies an active, energetic dissemination, suggesting that the Gospel was proclaimed, discussed, and shared extensively.
* **"throughout all the region":** This specifies the geographical extent of the Gospel's spread. "All the region" (chṓra) refers to the entire surrounding territory of Pisidian Antioch, not just the city itself. This emphasizes the widespread and comprehensive nature of the Gospel's penetration, reaching beyond the urban center into the surrounding rural areas and communities.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The use of **Divine Agency** is prominent, particularly through the phrase "the word of the Lord" and the passive voice "was published." This structure implicitly attributes the success and spread of the Gospel not primarily to human effort, but to God's sovereign power and initiative. The phrase "throughout all the region" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Generalization**, emphasizing the extensive and pervasive reach of the message, suggesting a rapid and comprehensive dissemination that might not have literally covered every single square inch but certainly conveyed a widespread impact. The "word" itself is treated almost as an entity with agency, capable of being "published," which is a form of **Personification** or **Metonymy**, where the abstract message is given a concrete action, highlighting its dynamic and active nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:49 stands as a powerful testament to the inherent, unstoppable power of God's word and His sovereign plan for global redemption. It illustrates that the Gospel's advance is not dependent on human acceptance or favorable circumstances, but on the divine will and power that propels it forward. This verse directly follows the pivotal moment when the apostles turned to the Gentiles, confirming that God's saving message was indeed intended for all nations, fulfilling ancient prophecies and expanding the scope of His kingdom beyond ethnic boundaries. The rapid and widespread dissemination, even amidst nascent opposition, foreshadows the continued growth of the early church described throughout Acts, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His mission.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - The Efficacy of God's Word"): "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission and the Power of the Holy Spirit"): "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
* [Colossians 1:6](/colossians/1-6 "Colossians 1:6 - The Gospel Bearing Fruit and Growing"): "Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:49 offers profound encouragement and clear direction for believers today. It reminds us that the Gospel message, "the word of the Lord," possesses an inherent, divine power to spread and transform lives, independent of our limitations or the obstacles we face. This should fill us with both humility and confidence: humility, knowing that the ultimate success of evangelism rests with God, and confidence, knowing that when we faithfully proclaim His word, it will accomplish His purposes. Even when faced with resistance or apathy, as Paul and Barnabas experienced, the call to share the good news remains paramount. Our role is to be faithful conduits, allowing the powerful word to be "published" through our lives and testimonies. This verse challenges us to consider how we are actively participating in the dissemination of God's word in our own "region," whether that's our local community, workplace, or global sphere of influence, trusting that God will bring the increase.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that "the word of the Lord" was "published" by divine agency impact your approach to sharing your faith?**
* **In what "region" (your sphere of influence) is God calling you to actively participate in the spread of His word today?**
* **What forms of "opposition" might you encounter when sharing the Gospel, and how can the example of Paul and Barnabas encourage your perseverance?**
* **How does the widespread reception of the Gospel by the Gentiles in Acts 13:49 inform your understanding of God's inclusive love for all people?**

### FAQ
**What does "the word of the Lord" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: In Acts 13:49, "the word of the Lord" refers specifically to the Gospel message that Paul and Barnabas were proclaiming. This encompasses the good news about Jesus Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and the salvation offered through faith in Him. It's the divine revelation of God's plan for humanity's redemption, delivered through the apostles' preaching. It's not just a set of facts, but a powerful, living message that carries God's authority and transformative power, as seen in the immediate response of those who believed in [Acts 13:48](/acts/13-48 "Acts 13:48 - Gentiles Believe and Rejoice").

**Why was the word "published" so quickly and widely in Pisidian Antioch?**

Answer: The rapid and widespread publication of the word can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it was divinely empowered; the phrase "the word of the Lord was published" implies God's active hand in its dissemination, fulfilling His commission for the Gospel to spread to the ends of the earth [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Secondly, the apostles, particularly Paul, were zealous and effective communicators. Thirdly, Pisidian Antioch was a significant Roman city on major trade routes, facilitating the movement of people and ideas. Finally, the receptivity of the Gentiles, who "were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord" [Acts 13:48](/acts/13-48 "Acts 13:48 - Gentiles Believe and Rejoice"), created a fertile ground for the message to take root and spread rapidly through personal networks and testimonies.

**What was the significance of the apostles turning to the Gentiles, as mentioned just before this verse?**

Answer: The apostles' declaration to turn to the Gentiles in [Acts 13:46-47](/acts/13-46-47 "Acts 13:46-47 - Paul and Barnabas Turn to the Gentiles") was a pivotal moment in the early church's mission. While the Gospel was initially offered to the Jews, their widespread rejection in Pisidian Antioch prompted Paul and Barnabas to formally pivot their primary focus to the non-Jewish population. This was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, particularly [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Servant of the Lord, a Light to the Nations"), which indicated that God's salvation would extend to the Gentiles. This turn marked a significant expansion of the Gospel's reach and reinforced the universal nature of God's redemptive plan, setting the trajectory for much of the rest of the book of Acts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:49, describing the widespread publication of "the word of the Lord," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus is not merely the subject of the "word of the Lord" but is, in fact, the living "Word" (Greek, _Logos_) made flesh, as declared in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). The dissemination of the Gospel message is, therefore, the spread of the knowledge of Christ—His redemptive life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection—which alone brings salvation. The power inherent in "the word of the Lord" to be "published throughout all the region" is a reflection of Christ's own authority and His commission to His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"). The rapid expansion of the Gospel among the Gentiles, as seen here, directly fulfills Christ's promise that He would draw all people to Himself [John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People to Himself") and that His kingdom would extend to the "ends of the earth" [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission and the Power of the Holy Spirit"). Thus, Acts 13:49 is not just a historical account of missionary success, but a vibrant testimony to the ongoing, irresistible advance of Christ's kingdom through the power of His living Word.

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

Acts 19:10

And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

Acts 12:24

But the word of God grew and multiplied.

Acts 19:26

Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

Philippians 1:13

So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other [places];

Philippians 1:14

And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Acts 9:42

And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

Acts 6:7

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.