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Acts 13:45

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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.

But {G1161} when the Jews {G2453} saw {G1492} the multitudes {G3793}, they were filled {G4130} with envy {G2205}, and {G2532} spake against {G483} those things which were spoken {G3004} by {G5259} Paul {G3972}, contradicting {G483} and {G2532} blaspheming {G987}.

but when the Jews who had not believed saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and spoke up against what Sha’ul was saying and insulted him.

But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and they blasphemously contradicted what Paul was saying.

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed.

Commentary

Acts 13:45 describes a pivotal moment during Paul and Barnabas's preaching in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch. Following a successful sermon that drew large crowds, including many Gentiles and devout Jews, some Jewish listeners reacted negatively.

Context

Paul and Barnabas had just delivered a powerful message tracing God's plan from Israel's history to the coming of Jesus as the promised Messiah. Their message resonated deeply with many, leading to an invitation to speak again the following Sabbath. On that next Sabbath, "almost the whole city" gathered to hear the word of God. This success, particularly the positive response from the Gentiles, provoked a strong reaction from certain members of the Jewish community.

Key Themes

  • Envy/Jealousy: The verse explicitly states they were "filled with envy." This wasn't just disagreement but a deep-seated resentment, likely stemming from seeing Gentiles receive the blessings they felt were exclusively theirs, and perhaps the diminishing of their own influence.
  • Opposition to the Gospel: Their envy manifested in actively opposing the message of salvation through Jesus. They "spake against those things which were spoken by Paul."
  • Contradiction and Blasphemy: The opposition escalated beyond mere disagreement. They were "contradicting" Paul's teaching and "blaspheming," which in this context likely means speaking abusively, slanderously, or impiously against Paul, his message, or even the God who was working through him. This is a serious charge, indicating a strong rejection of the truth.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word translated "envy" is zelos (ζῆλος). While it can sometimes mean positive "zeal" or "ardor," here, coupled with the negative actions that follow, it clearly carries the negative sense of jealousy or envious rivalry. The term "blaspheming" comes from blasphēmountes (βλασφημοῦντες), meaning speaking impiously, reviling, or slandering, often against God or sacred things. It highlights the severity of their opposition, viewing Paul's message as something to be attacked and reviled.

Significance and Application

This verse illustrates a common pattern seen throughout the book of Acts and church history: the spread of the gospel often meets significant opposition, sometimes from unexpected sources. The envy of those who felt threatened by the message or its success among others became a driving force for resistance. It serves as a reminder that not everyone will receive the good news positively, and that negative emotions like jealousy can fuel hostility towards God's work. The response of Paul and Barnabas to this opposition is detailed in the following verses, where they turn their focus more explicitly to the Gentiles, fulfilling prophecy (see Acts 13:47). The passage encourages believers to understand that opposition is part of the journey and to remain faithful in proclaiming the truth despite it.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Jude 1:10 (7 votes)

    But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

  • Acts 18:6 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Acts 19:9 (4 votes)

    But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:16 (4 votes)

    Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

  • Acts 5:17 (4 votes)

    ¶ Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

  • Acts 17:5 (3 votes)

    But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

  • 1 Peter 4:4 (3 votes)

    ¶ Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]: