Acts 13:51

KJV

But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} they shook off {G1621} the dust {G2868} of their {G846} feet {G4228} against {G1909} them {G846}, and came {G2064} unto {G1519} Iconium {G2430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, Sha’ul and Bar-Nabba shook off the dust of their feet against them and went on to Iconium;

Berean Standard Bible

So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.

American Standard Version

But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:51 records a pivotal moment in Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey, detailing their decisive response to the intense rejection of the Gospel message in Antioch of Pisidia. Following a period of significant ministry marked by both widespread acceptance and fierce opposition, the apostles performed a symbolic act of disassociation and judgment against those who refused to believe, before resolutely moving on to the next city, Iconium, to continue their divinely appointed mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 13:51 concludes a significant narrative arc within Paul's first missionary journey, specifically detailing his and Barnabas's ministry in Antioch of Pisidia. The chapter opens with their commissioning by the Holy Spirit and the church in Antioch (Syrian) and their initial success in Cyprus. Upon arriving in Pisidian Antioch, Paul delivers a foundational sermon in the synagogue, tracing salvation history from Abraham to Jesus, culminating in the offer of salvation through Christ. This message initially garners widespread interest among both Jews and Gentiles, leading to a large gathering the following Sabbath. However, the success, particularly the apostles' turning to the Gentiles as explicitly stated in [Acts 13:46](/acts/13-46 "Acts 13:46 - Paul and Barnabas Turn to the Gentiles"), incites bitter jealousy and opposition from some Jewish leaders. These leaders then incite prominent citizens and devout women, leading to the persecution of Paul and Barnabas and their expulsion from the region, as described in [Acts 13:50](/acts/13-50 "Acts 13:50 - Persecution and Expulsion from Antioch"). Verse 51, therefore, serves as the immediate consequence and the apostles' divinely instructed response to this rejection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of "shaking off the dust of their feet" was a deeply rooted Jewish custom. When Jews traveled through Gentile territory, they would often shake off the dust from their sandals upon re-entering Jewish land or before entering a synagogue. This ritual was performed to signify cleansing themselves from the perceived defilement of Gentile lands, maintaining ritual purity. By performing this act in Antioch of Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas were symbolically treating the Jewish inhabitants who rejected their message as if they were Gentiles, or even worse, as those who had willfully rejected the truth of God and thus forfeited their privileged status. This gesture was a powerful visual declaration of judgment and disassociation, signifying that the apostles bore no further responsibility for the unbelief of those who refused the Gospel. Furthermore, Antioch of Pisidia was a Roman colony, strategically important, and part of the Roman province of Galatia, making it a key stop for the spread of the Gospel into the wider Roman world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it highlights the **divine instruction and apostolic practice** of responding to rejection. The act of "shaking off the dust" was not a spontaneous display of anger but a solemn act of obedience to Jesus's specific command to His disciples when their message was rejected, as recorded in [Matthew 10:14](/matthew/10-14 "Matthew 10:14 - Jesus' Instruction to Shake Off Dust") and [Luke 10:11](/luke/10-11 "Luke 10:11 - Shaking Off Dust as a Testimony"). This underscores that the apostles were acting in accordance with Christ's directives. Secondly, it emphasizes the **consequence of rejecting the Gospel**. The symbolic gesture underscored the severe spiritual implications of refusing God's saving message, indicating that the unbelievers would be held accountable for their decision. Thirdly, it showcases **perseverance and resilience in ministry**. Despite intense hostility and expulsion, Paul and Barnabas did not abandon their mission. Their immediate departure to Iconium demonstrates their unwavering commitment to spreading the Good News wherever there was an open door, a principle of persistent evangelism seen throughout Acts, such as their continued preaching in [Acts 14:7](/acts/14-7 "Acts 14:7 - Paul and Barnabas Continue to Preach in Lystra and Derbe").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shook off (Greek, _ektinássō'_):** This verb, meaning "to shake violently," describes a forceful and deliberate action. It implies a complete and intentional detachment, not a casual brushing away. In this context, it signifies a decisive act of disassociation and a solemn declaration that the apostles were absolved of responsibility for the spiritual fate of those who rejected their message. It is a performative act, publicly demonstrating the finality of their witness in that place.
* **dust (Greek, _koniortós'_):** This refers to fine, airborne particles, often associated with travel and the ground of a foreign or defiled land. In the Jewish cultural context, dust from Gentile lands was considered impure. By shaking off this dust, Paul and Barnabas were not merely cleaning their feet but ritually declaring that they would carry none of the "impurity" or spiritual defilement of the unbelieving city with them. It represented a severing of ties and a symbolic judgment against those who refused the truth.
* **came (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This common verb means "to come or go" and here signifies a purposeful movement. It highlights the apostles' immediate and resolute progression to the next destination. Despite facing severe opposition and expulsion, their mission was not halted but redirected. The swiftness of their departure underscores their commitment to the Great Commission and their understanding that the Gospel must continue to be proclaimed, even in the face of rejection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But they shook off the dust of their feet against them,"**: This clause describes the apostles' decisive and symbolic action. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a contrast or transition, marking their response to the preceding persecution and expulsion. The act of shaking off dust from their feet "against them" (the unbelieving Jews and inciting leaders) was a public, solemn, and prophetic gesture. It declared that the apostles had fulfilled their obligation to proclaim the Gospel and that the responsibility for rejecting it now lay entirely with the hearers. It was a visible sign of judgment and disassociation, signifying that the apostles would carry no spiritual defilement or responsibility from that unrepentant community.
* **"and came unto Iconium."**: This second clause details the immediate consequence and continuation of their mission. Following their symbolic act of judgment, Paul and Barnabas did not linger or despair. Instead, they promptly departed from Antioch of Pisidia and traveled to Iconium, approximately 80 miles to the southeast. This demonstrates their unwavering commitment to their divine commission, their resilience in the face of adversity, and their understanding that God's mission must continue to advance, even when met with hostility. Their journey to Iconium marked the next phase of their evangelistic endeavors.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 13:51 employs several effective **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, specifically the act of "shaking off the dust of their feet." This action, rooted in Jewish custom and explicitly commanded by Jesus, is a powerful symbolic gesture. It represents a formal act of disassociation, a declaration of innocence concerning the fate of those who reject the message, and a solemn pronouncement of impending judgment upon the unresponsive community. It is a visual metaphor for severing ties and leaving the consequences of unbelief with the unbelievers. Additionally, the verse demonstrates **Narrative Progression** and **Contrast**. It marks a clear transition in the apostles' journey, moving from a place of intense opposition to a new mission field. The "but" at the beginning of the verse highlights the contrast between the persecution they faced and their resolute, divinely guided response, emphasizing their steadfastness in the face of adversity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:51 profoundly illustrates the divine pattern for Gospel proclamation: faithful witness, even in the face of rejection, followed by a strategic shift to new fields. The apostles' act of shaking off the dust was not an expression of personal pique but a solemn, divinely sanctioned declaration of judgment, signifying that the responsibility for unbelief lay squarely with those who heard and rejected the truth. This act underscored the gravity of rejecting God's gracious offer of salvation and served as a prophetic warning of the spiritual consequences. It also highlights the principle that while believers are called to faithfully sow the seed of the Gospel, they are not ultimately responsible for the harvest; that responsibility rests with the hearer's response to the Holy Spirit.

* [Matthew 10:14](/matthew/10-14 "Matthew 10:14 - Jesus' Command to Shake Off Dust")
* [Luke 10:10-11](/luke/10-10-11 "Luke 10:10-11 - Jesus' Instructions for Rejection")
* [Nehemiah 5:13](/nehemiah/5-13 "Nehemiah 5:13 - Nehemiah's Symbolic Action of Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:51 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating the challenges of sharing their faith in a world that often resists or rejects spiritual truth. This passage reminds us that while our commission is to faithfully proclaim the Gospel, we are not responsible for the outcome of every encounter. Rejection, though painful, is an expected part of Christian witness, and this verse provides a divine model for how to respond: with solemn disassociation from willful unbelief, and with unwavering commitment to the ongoing mission. We are called to discern when to persist and when to move on, trusting that God will hold individuals accountable for their response to His truth. Our focus should remain on obedience to God's call to spread the Good News, rather than being paralyzed by discouragement or spending excessive energy on those who harden their hearts. The apostles' immediate departure to Iconium exemplifies resilience and a steadfast focus on God's kingdom agenda, urging us to maintain momentum in our spiritual journey and evangelistic efforts, always seeking open doors for the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when my efforts to share the Gospel are met with rejection or hostility?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be carrying "dust" (unnecessary burdens, resentments, or responsibilities) from past rejections that I need to symbolically "shake off" and release to God?**
* **What does it mean for me to "move on" to the next opportunity or mission, even when facing setbacks or discouragement in my spiritual endeavors?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of resilience and unwavering commitment to God's call, even when the path is difficult or unwelcoming?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "shaking off the dust of their feet"?**

Answer: The act of "shaking off the dust of their feet" was a deeply symbolic and intentional gesture rooted in Jewish custom and explicitly commanded by Jesus. For Jews, shaking off dust from Gentile lands before re-entering Jewish territory was a way to maintain ritual purity. When Paul and Barnabas performed this act in Antioch of Pisidia, they were symbolically treating the unbelieving inhabitants as Gentiles or even worse, as those who had rejected God's truth and thus forfeited their spiritual privilege. It was a solemn declaration that the apostles had fulfilled their duty to proclaim the Gospel and were now absolved of responsibility for the spiritual fate of those who stubbornly refused to believe. It served as a public warning and a prophetic sign of judgment, indicating that the consequences of their unbelief would rest upon them. Jesus commanded this action in [Matthew 10:14](/matthew/10-14 "Matthew 10:14 - Jesus' Instruction to Shake Off Dust") and [Luke 10:11](/luke/10-11 "Luke 10:11 - Shaking Off Dust as a Testimony") for His disciples when their message was rejected.

**Why did Paul and Barnabas go to Iconium immediately after being expelled?**

Answer: Paul and Barnabas went to Iconium immediately because their mission was divinely appointed and driven by the Holy Spirit, not by human reception or opposition. Their expulsion from Antioch of Pisidia did not signal the end of their ministry but a redirection. By promptly moving on, they demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the Great Commission (e.g., [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")), their resilience in the face of adversity, and their understanding that the Gospel must continue to be proclaimed wherever there is an open door. This immediate transition underscores a key principle of apostolic ministry: to remain focused on the mission and not be deterred or paralyzed by rejection, but to seek out new opportunities for sharing the Good News.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:51, though depicting the apostles' response to rejection, powerfully echoes and foreshadows the experience of Christ Himself. The rejection Paul and Barnabas faced, culminating in the symbolic shaking off of dust, mirrors the ultimate rejection of Jesus by His own people. Just as the apostles were cast out, Jesus was "despised and rejected by men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")), and indeed, "He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - The Word Became Flesh")). The solemn act of shaking off dust, signifying judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the one appointed by God to judge the living and the dead ([Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Peter's Sermon on Cornelius")). The apostles' perseverance in moving to Iconium, despite hostility, reflects Christ's own unwavering commitment to His mission, even as He faced the cross. He faithfully proclaimed the kingdom, knowing that not all would believe, yet He pressed on towards Jerusalem, fulfilling His Father's will ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")). Thus, the apostles' actions in Acts 13:51 are not merely an ancient custom but a divinely inspired pattern of ministry that finds its perfect model and ultimate vindication in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who endured the ultimate rejection to secure salvation for all who believe.

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

Matthew 10:14

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Acts 18:6

And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook [his] raiment, and said unto them, Your blood [be] upon your own heads; I [am] clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

Luke 9:5

And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

Acts 14:21

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and [to] Iconium, and Antioch,

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 14:1

¶ And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

Mark 6:11

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.