Acts 13:40
Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 11
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
μὴ
lest that
G3361
μὴ
lest that
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
3 of 11
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐπέλθῃ
come
G1904
ἐπέλθῃ
come
Strong's:
G1904
Word #:
4 of 11
to supervene, i.e., arrive, occur, impend, attack, (figuratively) influence
ἐφ'
upon
G1909
ἐφ'
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰρημένον
which is spoken of
G2046
εἰρημένον
which is spoken of
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
8 of 11
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
Cross References
Malachi 4:1For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.Habakkuk 1:5Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.Malachi 3:2But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' sope:Hebrews 12:25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:Hebrews 3:12Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.Hebrews 2:3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;Isaiah 29:14Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
Historical Context
Paul was preaching in Pisidian Antioch's synagogue during his first missionary journey (c. AD 47-48). The congregation included both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles (v.16, 26). Habakkuk's original prophecy (605 BC) warned Judah of impending Babylonian conquest—a judgment so stunning they wouldn't believe it even when told. Paul saw parallels: the cross and resurrection were God's "unbelievable work" of redemption, yet many would reject it to their destruction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's use of Habakkuk show that rejecting Christ is not just missing an opportunity but inviting judgment?
- What "unbelievable work" of God in your generation might you be tempted to dismiss or despise?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets—Paul pivots from gospel promise (v.39) to prophetic warning with beware (βλέπετε), an urgent imperative demanding vigilance. Lest that come upon you (μὴ ἐπέλθῃ ἐφ' ὑμᾶς) warns of divine judgment actively arriving, not passively happening. He introduces a quotation from Habakkuk 1:5, where God warned Israel of the Babylonian invasion they would refuse to believe. Paul applies this typologically: as ancient Israel rejected warnings of judgment, so now synagogue-goers risk rejecting the greater work—Messiah's resurrection and offered justification.
The phrase which is spoken of in the prophets (τὸ εἰρημένον ἐν τοῖς προφήταις) grounds the warning in Scripture's authority. This isn't Paul's threat but God's ancient word finding new fulfillment. Those who despise the gospel of grace (v.41) will experience judgment more severe than Babylon—eternal separation from the salvation they spurned.