Acts 13:38-52 - Jews Reject, Gentiles Accept, The Gospel
The doctrine of justification by faith, so closely associated with the work of Paul, is here stated for the first time. In Jesus there is forgiveness. For those who trust in Him past sins are absolutely put away, never to be named again, never to be brought up at any future judgment day. Our record is as clear as the sand which has been swept smooth by the ocean waves. We are not only forgiven, but justified. We are treated as though we had never sinned, and are justified from all things. It is a present fact. You may not feel justified or forgiven, but if you are trusting in Jesus, you are at this moment as certainly and as fully justified as have been the saints in heaven.
Pride, as well as jealousy of the Gentiles who were crowding into the fold, stirred the Jews to antagonism, but they could not eradicate the seed which had been so profusely scattered. Large numbers believed, and as they experienced salvation in Christ, they discovered that they were in line with an eternal purpose. This is the meaning of ordained in Acts 13:48. If with such slight opportunities, the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit, Acts 13:52, should we not possess the same experience? [source]
Chapter Summary: Acts 13
1Paul and Barnabas are chosen to go to the Gentiles 6Of Sergius Paulus, and Elymas the sorcerer 13Paul preaches at Antioch that Jesus is Christ 42The Gentiles believe; 44but the Jews talked abusively against Paul, 46whereupon they turn to the Gentiles, of whom many believe 50The Jews raise a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, who go to Iconium
Greek Commentary for Acts 13:49
Was spread abroad [διεπερετο] Imperfect passive of διαπερω diapherō to carry in different directions By the recent converts as well as by Paul and Barnabas. This would seem to indicate a stay of some months with active work among the Gentiles that bore rich fruit. [source]
Throughout all the region [δι ολης της χωρας] Antioch in Pisidia as a Roman colony would be the natural centre of a Roman Regio, an important element in Roman imperial administration. There were probably other Regiones in South Galatia (Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveller and Roman Citizen, pp. 102-12). [source]
What do the individual words in Acts 13:49 mean?
Was carriedthenthewordof theLordthroughalltheregion
Greek Commentary for Acts 13:49
Imperfect passive of διαπερω diapherō to carry in different directions By the recent converts as well as by Paul and Barnabas. This would seem to indicate a stay of some months with active work among the Gentiles that bore rich fruit. [source]
Antioch in Pisidia as a Roman colony would be the natural centre of a Roman Regio, an important element in Roman imperial administration. There were probably other Regiones in South Galatia (Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveller and Roman Citizen, pp. 102-12). [source]