Acts 13:51
What does Acts 13:51 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 13:51 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 13:51 means
In response to being cast out of Pisidian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas 'shook off the dust of their feet against them.' This symbolic gesture, taught by Jesus (Matthew 10:14), signified a public declaration that they were absolving themselves of responsibility for the city's rejection of the gospel, leaving the consequences to those who had refused. They then departed and traveled to Iconium, demonstrating their unwavering determination to continue spreading the gospel despite persecution. Their focus remained on obedience to their divine commission.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But they, shaking off the dust of that place from their feet, came to Iconium.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they having shaken off the dust of their feet against them, came to Iconium,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But they, shaking off the dust of their feet against them, came to Iconium.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But they, having shaken off the dust of their feet against them, came to Iconium.
Context
Following their expulsion from Pisidian Antioch by the hostile Jewish leaders in verse 50, this verse describes Paul and Barnabas's specific response: shaking off the dust from their feet. This action fulfills a directive from Jesus, marking a clear break with the rejecting city. Their immediate departure to Iconium demonstrates their resilience and commitment to their missionary mandate. This sets the stage for their continued ministry in a new location, while the following verse highlights the enduring joy of the disciples left behind.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 3:11
persecutions, sufferings; what things befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: and out of them all the Lord delivered me.
- Acts 14:1
And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.
- Acts 14:19
But there came Jews thither from Antioch and Iconium: and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.
- Acts 14:21
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch,
- 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.
- Acts 16:2
The same was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
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