Devine Scripture

Acts 13:16

What does Acts 13:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 13:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 13:16 means

Paul stood up, using a customary gesture of beckoning with his hand to command attention, and began to address the assembly. His address was directed to both 'Men of Israel' (the ethnic Jews) and 'ye that fear God' (Gentile proselytes or God-fearers who worshiped the God of Israel). This inclusive greeting signals his intention to speak to everyone present who had an interest in the God of Israel. His opening immediately draws them into his discourse, inviting them to listen attentively to the message he is about to deliver concerning God's redemptive history.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Paul stood up, and beckoning with the hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, hearken:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Paul stood up, and beckoning with the hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, hearken:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Paul, getting up and making a sign with his hand, said, Men of Israel, and you who have the fear of God, give ear.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Paul having risen, and having beckoned with the hand, said, `Men, Israelites, and those fearing God, hearken:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then Paul rising up and with his hand bespeaking silence, said: Ye men of Israel and you that fear God, give ear.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Paul, rising up and making a sign with the hand, said, Israelites, and ye that fearGod, hearken.

Context

Following the synagogue rulers' invitation to speak in verse 15, this verse marks the immediate beginning of Paul's sermon. His inclusive address to both Jews and 'God-fearers' sets the broad scope of his message, which will trace Israel's history and culminate in Jesus Christ. This intentional opening precedes the historical overview he provides in verses 17-22, demonstrating his careful approach to establish common ground with his audience before presenting the gospel's specific claims about Jesus.

v.15And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

v.16This passage

v.17The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they sojourned in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm led he them forth out of it.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Micah 3:8

    But as for me, I am full of power by the Spirit of Jehovah, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.

  • Revelation 2:7

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.

  • Acts 3:12

    And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this man? or why fasten ye your eyes on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him to walk?

  • Luke 23:40

    But the other answered, and rebuking him said, Dost thou not even fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

  • Matthew 11:15

    He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

  • Psalms 67:7

    God will bless us; And all the ends of the earth shall fear him.

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