Acts 13:44

What does Acts 13:44 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 13:44 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 13:44 means

On the very next Sabbath, an astonishing event occurred: 'almost the whole city' gathered to hear the word of God, indicating an overwhelming public response to Paul's message. This widespread interest suggests that the gospel had made a significant impact throughout Antioch of Pisidia, drawing people from various backgrounds, not just the synagogue attendees. This massive turnout underscores the power of God's word to attract vast multitudes and highlights the growing momentum of the early Christian missionary movement.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the next sabbath almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the next sabbath almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And on the Sabbath after, almost all the town came together to give hearing to the word of God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And on the coming sabbath, almost all the city was gathered together to hear the word of God,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But the next sabbath day, the whole city almost came together, to hear the word of God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And on the coming sabbath almost all the city was gathered together to hear the word ofGod.

Context

Building on the initial positive response and personal follow-up in verses 42-43, this verse describes an unprecedented turnout on the subsequent Sabbath. The gathering of 'almost the whole city' demonstrates the explosive impact of Paul's message. This massive attendance provides the immediate context for the jealousy and opposition that arises from the Jews in verse 45, showing how widespread acceptance of the gospel can provoke hostility from those resistant to its truth.

v.43Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

v.44This passage

v.45But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 60:8

    Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?

  • Psalms 110:3

    Thy people offer themselves willingly In the day of thy power, in holy array: Out of the womb of the morning Thou hast the dew of thy youth.

  • Isaiah 11:10

    And it shall come to pass in that day, that the root of Jesse, that standeth for an ensign of the peoples, unto him shall the nations seek; and his resting-place shall be glorious.

  • Genesis 49:10

    The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh come; And unto him shall the obedience of the peoples be.

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