Acts 13:50

But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

But {G1161} the Jews {G2453} stirred up {G3951} the devout {G4576} and {G2532} honourable {G2158} women {G1135}, and {G2532} the chief men {G4413} of the city {G4172}, and {G2532} raised {G1892} persecution {G1375} against {G1909} Paul {G3972} and {G2532} Barnabas {G921}, and {G2532} expelled {G1544} them {G846} out of {G575} their {G846} coasts {G3725}.

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the women ‘God-fearers’ of high social standing and the leading men of the city, and they organized persecution against Sha’ul and Bar-Nabba and expelled them from their district.

The Jews, however, incited the religious women of prominence and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their district.

But the Jews urged on the devout women of honorable estate, and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and cast them out of their borders.

Acts 13:50 (KJV) describes a pivotal moment in the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, highlighting the intense opposition they faced in Antioch of Pisidia.

Context

Following a period of significant success where Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the Gospel, first in the synagogue and then widely among the Gentiles (as detailed in Acts 13:46-48), the message of the Lord spread throughout the region (Acts 13:49). This widespread acceptance, however, provoked a strong backlash from certain Jewish factions who, rather than engaging with the message, sought to suppress it and the missionaries.

Key Themes

  • Opposition to the Gospel: This verse starkly illustrates the recurring theme in the book of Acts where the spread of God's Word is met with fierce resistance, particularly from those who feel their established authority or traditions are threatened.
  • Persecution of Missionaries: Paul and Barnabas, as pioneers of Christian missions, frequently encountered hostility and physical danger. This expulsion was just one of many instances of persecution that early believers endured.
  • Influence of Key Figures: The opposition was not random but orchestrated by "the Jews" who skillfully enlisted influential members of the community: "the devout and honourable women" and "the chief men of the city." These individuals, likely respected proselytes or God-fearers and civic leaders, lent their social standing to the persecution, making it more effective.
  • Divine Purpose Amidst Adversity: Despite being expelled, this act inadvertently contributed to the further spread of the Gospel as Paul and Barnabas moved on to new territories, fulfilling their calling to preach the word (Acts 14:1).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "stirred up" (anestēsan - ἀνέστησαν) denotes an active instigation or incitement, indicating a deliberate effort to rouse hostility. The phrase "devout and honourable women" (sebomenas gynaikas tas euskhēmonas - σεβομένας γυναῖκας τὰς εὐσχήμονας) refers to women of high social standing who were religiously inclined, possibly Gentile converts to Judaism or God-fearers. Their involvement highlights how influential community members, even those considered pious, could be swayed to oppose the burgeoning Christian movement. "Chief men of the city" (tous prōtous tēs poleōs - τοὺς πρώτους τῆς πόλεως) indicates the leading citizens or magistrates, whose endorsement of the persecution gave it official or semi-official weight.

Practical Application

Acts 13:50 serves as a powerful reminder that the proclamation of the Gospel often encounters resistance. Believers today should not be surprised when their faith or evangelistic efforts meet with opposition, whether overt persecution or subtle social pressure. The verse also underscores the significant role of influence within a community; those in positions of respect or authority can either facilitate or hinder the spread of truth. Ultimately, it demonstrates that even when driven out, God's mission continues, and His messengers are simply directed to new fields for ministry, as Jesus himself instructed (Matthew 10:23).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 13:45

    But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

  • Acts 14:2

    But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

  • Acts 14:19

    ¶ And there came thither [certain] Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

  • Acts 17:13

    But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

  • Acts 21:27

    ¶ And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

  • 2 Timothy 3:11

    Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of [them] all the Lord delivered me.

  • Acts 16:37

    But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast [us] into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
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