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Acts 13:14

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¶ But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

But {G1161} when they {G846} departed {G1330} from {G575} Perga {G4011}, they came {G3854} to {G1519} Antioch {G490} in Pisidia {G4099}, and {G2532} went {G1525} into {G1519} the synagogue {G4864} on the sabbath {G4521} day {G2250}, and sat down {G2523}.

but the others went on from Perga to Pisidian Antioch, and on Shabbat they went into the synagogue and sat down.

And from Perga, they traveled inland to Pisidian Antioch, where they entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and sat down.

But they, passing through from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia; and they went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

Commentary

Acts 13:14 describes a significant geographical and strategic move in the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. After leaving Perga, they arrive at Antioch in Pisidia, where they immediately seek out the local synagogue on the Sabbath day.

Context

This verse marks a crucial transition for Paul and Barnabas. They had recently departed from Perga in Pamphylia, a coastal city, and traveled inland to Antioch in Pisidia, a major Roman colony and a significant city in the region. This journey would have been arduous, potentially involving mountainous terrain. The immediate action upon arrival—going to the synagogue on the Sabbath—highlights the established pattern of Paul's evangelistic strategy. It was in Perga that John Mark departed from them, returning to Jerusalem, a detail that would later cause contention between Paul and Barnabas.

Key Themes

  • Missionary Strategy: Paul's consistent approach was to first reach the Jewish communities and God-fearers gathered in synagogues. This provided a ready audience familiar with the Old Testament scriptures, which served as a foundation for explaining the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This pattern is seen throughout his journeys, for example, in Thessalonica and Corinth.
  • Divine Guidance: The progression of their journey, from the coastal plain into the interior, suggests a purposeful movement guided by the Holy Spirit, as they were sent out by the church in Antioch of Syria (see Acts 13:2).
  • Sabbath Observance: Their choice to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath was not an adherence to Mosaic law for salvation, but a strategic use of the day when people naturally gathered for worship and teaching. It was the prime opportunity to engage with the community.

Linguistic Insights

The term "synagogue" comes from the Greek word synagōgē (συναγωγή), which literally means "a gathering" or "a bringing together." It refers to both the assembly of people and the place where they assembled for worship, study, and community life. The "Sabbath day" (Greek: sabbaton, σάββατον) refers to the seventh day of the week, consecrated for rest and worship in the Jewish tradition.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Strategic Engagement: Like Paul and Barnabas, we are called to be strategic in sharing the Gospel, identifying opportunities and platforms where people are open to hearing.
  • Consistency in Mission: Their immediate action upon arrival demonstrates a consistent commitment to their mission, prioritizing the proclamation of God's Word.
  • Leveraging Existing Structures: The apostles didn't create new structures immediately but utilized the existing social and religious gatherings to introduce the message of Christ. This can inspire us to find natural points of connection within our own communities.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 16:13 (6 votes)

    And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted [thither].

  • Acts 13:5 (5 votes)

    And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to [their] minister.

  • Acts 17:2 (5 votes)

    And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

  • Acts 14:19 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 18:4 (4 votes)

    And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

  • Acts 13:44 (3 votes)

    And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

  • Acts 9:20 (3 votes)

    And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.