Devine Scripture

Acts 13:45

What does Acts 13:45 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 13:45 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 13:45 means

When the Jews in the synagogue saw the vast crowds responding to Paul and Barnabas, they were 'filled with jealousy.' This envy stemmed from the apostles' growing influence and the perceived threat to their own authority and position. Consequently, they began to contradict Paul's message and 'blasphemed,' speaking abusively against the things he was saying. This marks a turning point of open hostility and rejection from the Jewish leaders, highlighting the deep-seated resistance encountered by the gospel when it challenged established religious power.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when the Jews saw such a great number of people, they were full of envy and said evil words against Paul's preaching.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the Jews having seen the multitudes, were filled with zeal, and did contradict the things spoken by Paul--contradicting and speaking evil.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the Jews, seeing the multitudes, were filled with envy and contradicted those things which were said by Paul, blaspheming.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the Jews, seeing the crowds, were filled with envy, and contradicted the things said by Paul, [contradicting and] speaking injuriously.

Context

In stark contrast to the enthusiastic gathering of 'almost the whole city' in verse 44, this verse immediately introduces intense opposition. The Jewish leaders, filled with jealousy, begin to actively contradict and blaspheme Paul's message. This hostile reaction precipitates Paul and Barnabas's decisive turning point in ministry in verse 46, shifting their focus from primarily Jewish audiences to the Gentiles. It provides the crucial context for understanding the apostles' change in strategy and their bold declaration.

v.44And the next sabbath almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of God.

v.45This passage

v.46And Paul and Barnabas spake out boldly, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first be spoken to you. Seeing ye thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Peter 4:4

    wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

  • Genesis 37:11

    And his brethren envied him; but his father kept the saying in mind.

  • Acts 18:6

    And when they opposed themselves and blasphemed, he shook out his raiment and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

  • Matthew 27:18

    For he knew that for envy they had delivered him up.

  • Numbers 11:29

    And Moses said unto him, Art thou jealous for my sake? would that all Jehovah’s people were prophets, that Jehovah would put his Spirit upon them!

  • James 4:5

    Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?

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