Acts 13:49 - The Gentiles Ask to Hear the Gospel
And the word of the Lord
This phrase refers to the message of the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection for the salvation of humanity. In the context of Acts, "the word of the Lord" often signifies the teachings and doctrines that the apostles were spreading. The phrase underscores the divine origin of the message, emphasizing that it is not merely human wisdom but a revelation from God. This aligns with passages like 1 Thessalonians 2:13, where Paul commends the Thessalonians for accepting the word of God as it truly is.
spread
The term "spread" indicates the rapid dissemination and acceptance of the Gospel message. This reflects the fulfillment of Jesus' command in Acts 1:8, where He instructed His disciples to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The spread of the Gospel is a recurring theme in Acts, demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit working through the apostles and early Christians. The Greek word used here, "diapheromai," suggests a thorough and widespread distribution, indicating the effectiveness of the missionary efforts.
throughout that region
The region referred to here is Pisidian Antioch and its surrounding areas, part of the Roman province of Galatia in modern-day Turkey. This area was a significant center for early Christian missionary activity. The spread of the Gospel in this region is significant because it represents the movement of Christianity beyond the Jewish communities and into the Gentile world, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 49:6, which speaks of being a light to the Gentiles. The cultural and historical context of the region, with its mix of Jewish and Gentile populations, provided a fertile ground for the Gospel to take root and grow.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul and Barnabas
Key figures in the early Christian church, they were missionaries spreading the Gospel. In Acts 13, they are in Pisidian Antioch, a city in modern-day Turkey.
2. Pisidian Antioch
A significant city in the Roman province of Galatia, where Paul and Barnabas preached in the synagogue, leading to both acceptance and opposition.
3. The Word of the Lord
Refers to the Gospel message about Jesus Christ, which Paul and Barnabas were proclaiming.
4. The Region
The surrounding area of Pisidian Antioch, indicating that the message was not confined to the city but was spreading outward.
5. Jewish and Gentile Audiences
The message was initially preached in the synagogue to Jews, but it also reached Gentiles, showing the inclusive nature of the Gospel.
Teaching Points
The Power of the Gospel
The Gospel is inherently powerful and transformative, capable of spreading and impacting entire regions.
The Role of Obedience in Evangelism
Paul and Barnabas's obedience to God's call demonstrates the importance of faithful proclamation in the spread of the Gospel.
Inclusivity of the Gospel Message
The spread of the word to both Jews and Gentiles underscores the universal nature of the Gospel, breaking cultural and ethnic barriers.
God's Sovereignty in Evangelism
The spread of the word is ultimately a work of God, reminding believers to rely on His power and guidance in evangelistic efforts.
The Importance of Community in Gospel Spread
The regional spread suggests that the Gospel often spreads through networks of relationships and communities.
(49) Throughout all the region.--This clearly involves a considerable period of active working. It was not in Antioch only, but in the "region" round about, the border district of the three provinces of Phrygia, Lycaonia, and Galatia, that the new faith was planted. Each town and village in that region presented the spectacle of at least some few men and women who no longer sacrificed to their country's gods, who were no longer content even to worship in the synagogue of the relligio licita of the Jews, but met in small companies here and there, as the disciples of a new Master.
Verse 49. - Spread abroad for published, A.V. As the persecution after the death of Stephen led to the preaching of the Word in Judaea and Samaria and beyond, so here the contradiction and opposition of the Jews led to the free preaching of the gospel for the first time among the heathen population of Pisidia. Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
And
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.
the
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
word
λόγος (logos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.
of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
Lord
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.
spread
διεφέρετο (diephereto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1308: From dia and phero; to bear through, i.e. transport; usually to bear apart, i.e. to toss about; subjectively, to 'differ', or surpass.
throughout
δι’ (di’)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.
[that]
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
region.
χώρας (chōras)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5561: Feminine of a derivative of the base of chasma through the idea of empty expanse; room, i.e. A space of territory.
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Acts 13:49 Catholic BibleNT Apostles: Acts 13:49 The Lord's word was spread abroad throughout (Acts of the Apostles Ac)