Devine Scripture

Acts 13:49

What does Acts 13:49 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 13:49 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 13:49 means

As a direct result of the Gentiles' enthusiastic acceptance and belief, 'the word of the Lord was spread abroad throughout all the region.' This verse highlights the rapid and extensive expansion of the gospel message driven by the Holy Spirit's power and the responsiveness of the people. The phrase 'the word of the Lord' refers not only to the spoken message but also to the authority and influence of God's truth. This demonstrates the fruitfulness of turning their ministry toward the Gentiles, reaching far beyond the initial city.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the word of the Lord was spread abroad throughout all the region.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the word of the Lord was spread abroad throughout all the region.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the word of the Lord went through all the country.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the word of the Lord was spread abroad through all the region.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the word of the Lord was published throughout the whole country.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the word of the Lord was carried through the whole country.

Context

Building on the Gentiles' joyful response and belief in verse 48, this verse describes the immediate and widespread impact of the gospel's spread throughout the entire region. This demonstrates the success of Paul and Barnabas's strategic pivot to the Gentiles. However, this growing influence and conversion of many Gentiles also further inflames the Jewish opposition, which escalates into active persecution, as described in verse 50. The rapid spread underscores the power of God's word despite human resistance.

v.48And as the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

v.49This passage

v.50But the Jews urged on the devout women of honorable estate, and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and cast them out of their borders.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 19:10

    And this continued for the space of two years; so that all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

  • Acts 6:7

    And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

  • Philippians 1:13

    so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole prætorian guard, and to all the rest;

  • Acts 9:42

    And it became known throughout all Joppa: and many believed on the Lord.

  • Acts 19:26

    And ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they are no gods, that are made with hands:

  • Acts 12:24

    But the word of God grew and multiplied.

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