Acts 13:46
What does Acts 13:46 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 13:46 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 13:46 means
Responding boldly to the Jewish opposition, Paul and Barnabas declared that it was necessary for the word of God to be spoken to the Jews first. However, since the Jews were thrusting it away and effectively judging themselves unworthy of eternal life through their rejection, the apostles announced their turning to the Gentiles. This pivotal statement marks a strategic shift in their ministry. It underscores God's original plan for the gospel to go to the Jew first, but also His sovereign intention to extend salvation to the Gentiles when the Jews rejected it.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then Paul and Barnabas without fear said, It was necessary for the word of God to be given to you first; but because you will have nothing to do with it, and have no desire for eternal life, it will now be offered to the Gentiles.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And speaking boldly, Paul and Barnabas said, `To you it was necessary that first the word of God be spoken, and seeing ye do thrust it away, and do not judge yourselves worthy of the life age-during, lo, we do turn to the nations;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then Paul and Barnabas said boldly: To you it behoved us first to speak the word of God: but because you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold we turn to the Gentiles.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly and said, It was necessary that the word ofGod should be first spoken to you; but, since ye thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, lo, we turn to the nations;
Context
Following the intense jealousy, contradiction, and blasphemy from the Jews in verse 45, this verse records Paul and Barnabas's bold and decisive response. This declaration to 'turn to the Gentiles' marks a significant theological and strategic pivot in their mission. It is supported by an Old Testament prophecy in verse 47, which provides divine justification for this shift. This turning point directly results in the joyful reception of the gospel by the Gentiles, as described in verse 48, altering the course of their missionary outreach.
v.45But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed.
v.46This passage
v.47For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee for a light of the Gentiles, That thou shouldest be for salvation unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 11:11
I say then, Did they stumble that they might fall? God forbid: but by their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy.
- Acts 18:5
But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was constrained by the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
- John 1:11
He came unto his own, and they that were his own received him not.
- John 4:22
Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews.
- Isaiah 55:5
Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not; and a nation that knew not thee shall run unto thee, because of Jehovah thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.
- Acts 3:26
Unto you first God, having raised up his Servant, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.
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