“Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.”– Acts 13:46 (KJV)
“Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.”– Acts 13:46 (NLT)
“Boldly, Paul and Barnabas said, “It had to be said first to you, the Word of God. But since you keep rejecting it and keep judging yourselves unfit for eternal life, we’re turning to the outsiders.”– Acts 13:46 (MSG)
What Does Acts 13:46 Mean?
When we read Acts 13:46, we encounter a powerful statement made by Paul and Barnabas as they address the Jewish leaders in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch. This verse encapsulates a pivotal moment in early Christianity, where the gospel message shifts from being primarily addressed to the Jewish people toward the Gentiles. It highlights the boldness of Paul and Barnabas in proclaiming the truth of God’s word while also addressing the rejection of that message by some of the Jewish audience.
The words “waxed bold” signify confidence and courage in sharing their faith, indicating that they were unafraid to speak the truth, even in the face of opposition. It reveals a desire to faithfully communicate the message of salvation that had first been entrusted to the Jewish people. Yet, their response to the rejection of this message sheds light on an important lesson; when the truth is rejected, God’s plan will continue unfolding to fulfill His purpose, even if it means reaching out to those who were initially considered outsiders.
Acts 13:46 Explanation and Commentary
This verse presents a powerful truth about God’s love for all humanity. The phrase “it was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you” emphasizes the importance of the Jewish people in the history of salvation. God chose the Jews to be His special people, through whom He would reveal His nature and plan for redemption. The Old Testament scriptures, filled with prophecies about the coming Messiah, were intended to prepare the hearts of the people for the arrival of Jesus Christ.
However, the crux of the verse lies in the response of the audience. Paul and Barnabas confront the reality of rejection by stating, “seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life.” By rejecting the gospel message, they were, in effect, determining their own fate in relation to eternity. This brings to light a profound truth: God offers salvation to everyone, but it requires an acceptance that can only be received through faith.
As Paul and Barnabas shifted their focus to the Gentiles, it indicates a significant turning point in the mission of the early church. Gentiles had been considered outsiders to the promises of God, but this new direction of spreading the gospel demonstrates the inclusive nature of God’s love. The phrase “we turn to the Gentiles” represents the expansion of God’s covenant promise, showing that salvation through Christ is available to all who believe, regardless of their background.
This moment is echoed in other passages throughout the New Testament, such as in Romans 1:16, where Paul states, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” The emphasis on “first” signifies the priority given to the Jewish people, yet the inclusion of the Gentiles showcases God’s redemptive plan reaching beyond cultural and ethnic barriers.
Context of Acts 13:46
To fully understand Acts 13:46, we need to explore the broader context of the passage. This event is part of Paul’s first missionary journey, which is documented in Acts 13-14. Paul and Barnabas were sent out from the church in Antioch, filled with the Holy Spirit, to preach the good news of Jesus Christ. They traveled to different cities, sharing the gospel with both Jews and Gentiles.
In the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, they were initially welcomed and invited to speak. Paul took the opportunity to recount the history of Israel, the fulfillment of prophecy through Jesus’ life, and the significance of His death and resurrection. This foundational message resonated with many, leading to a mixture of interest, acceptance, and rejection among the listeners.
The tumultuous response eventually led to opposition. Some Jewish leaders became envious of the attention Paul and Barnabas were receiving. They stirred up dissension against them, resulting in a difficult confrontation. In this context, Acts 13:46 emerges as a response to rejection, highlighting the perseverance and determination of the apostles to fulfill their mission despite the challenges.
This moment is significant for us, as it reflects the church’s struggle for growth and acceptance. Today, we often face similar situations where our message of faith may not always be well-received. It serves as a reminder that the gospel is both for us and for those who seem far away. We are called to carry the light of Christ into every corner of the world, just as Paul and Barnabas did.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Acts 13:46
When examining Acts 13:46, we can break down its components to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning. Starting with “Paul and Barnabas waxed bold,” we recognize that boldness is necessary when standing firm in one’s beliefs. It challenges us to reflect on our own courage in sharing the gospel, especially when faced with rejection or skepticism from those around us.
The next key phrase, “It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you,” emphasizes the priority of sharing the gospel with the Jewish people. Recognizing their foundational role in God’s plan helps us appreciate the richness of scripture and the promises made to Israel. We should value our heritage while also acknowledging that God’s love extends to all humanity.
Then we hear the heart-wrenching phrase, “seeing ye put it from you.” This resonates with the universal struggle of accepting the truth. The rejection of the gospel is not merely an outward behavior; it reflects the heart’s unwillingness to embrace the hope and joy found in Christ. By disconnecting themselves from God’s promises, these leaders demonstrated the weighty consequences of disbelief.
The declaration, “we turn to the Gentiles,” indicates a turning of the tide. Paul and Barnabas did not abandon the mission, nor did they lose hope. Instead, they expanded their scope, providing all people the opportunity to hear about Christ. This speaks to us about inclusiveness in our outreach and how we must not limit our efforts in sharing God’s love to those who may seem different or distant from faith.
Lessons to Learn From Acts 13:46
Acts 13:46 teaches us valuable lessons about courage, rejection, and God’s relentless love for humanity. One important lesson is the significance of being bold in our faith. Like Paul and Barnabas, we may face opposition and rejection when sharing the gospel. However, we should not let fear silence us. Instead, we can find strength in God’s promises and the truth that the good news is for everyone.
Another lesson is the importance of understanding God’s timing and plan. While it was necessary for the Jews to hear the gospel first, the ultimate aim was always to reach all people. This teaches us that God’s plan is always broader than we might see. We can trust that God is at work in our lives and in the lives of those around us, orchestrating opportunities for faith to flourish.
The rejection faced by Paul and Barnabas serves as a cautionary reminder that not everyone will accept the gospel. It motivates us to pray for the hearts of those who have yet to embrace the truth, recognizing that people are on different journeys toward faith. Our role is not to force belief but to share authentically and love fully.
Finally, Acts 13:46 inspires us to remain open and inclusive in our efforts to share the gospel. No one is too far gone or unworthy of God’s love. We are reminded that Christ came for all people, and our mission is to declare that message boldly, inviting others to find their place in God’s family regardless of their past or background.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Acts 13:46, we are reminded of the incredible journey of faith that God has set before us. The courage exhibited by Paul and Barnabas serves as an example for all believers today. We must not shy away from sharing the good news, even when facing rejection or hostility. Instead, we can press on, trusting that God is working through our efforts to reach others.
Acts 13:46 calls us to be vigilant in our mission to share the hope of salvation with those who need it most. We are encouraged to help sow seeds of faith within our communities, extending our love and outreach to everyone, including those who may appear far from God. Let us respond with boldness and grace, understanding that God’s ultimate desire is to see all people come to know Him.
For more insights and deeper exploration of the scriptures, we invite you to read about The Rejection of Jesus, God’s Promises in Numbers, or The Gospel of John. Each story reveals more about God’s heart and His unwavering love for us.