Acts 13:42
And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐξιόντων
were gone
G1826
Ἐξιόντων
were gone
Strong's:
G1826
Word #:
1 of 19
to issue, i.e., leave (a place), escape (to the shore)
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 19
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τὴς
G3588
τὴς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγῆς
the synagogue
G4864
συναγωγῆς
the synagogue
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
5 of 19
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρεκάλουν
besought
G3870
παρεκάλουν
besought
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
8 of 19
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνη
the Gentiles
G1484
ἔθνη
the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
10 of 19
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
εἰς
G1519
εἰς
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μεταξὺ
the next
G3342
μεταξὺ
the next
Strong's:
G3342
Word #:
13 of 19
betwixt (of place or person); (of time) as adjective, intervening, or (by implication) adjoining
σάββατον
sabbath
G4521
σάββατον
sabbath
Strong's:
G4521
Word #:
14 of 19
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
αὐτοῖς
G846
αὐτοῖς
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
This occurred in Pisidian Antioch (modern Turkey) circa AD 47-48 during Paul's first missionary journey. The synagogue provided a ready audience for the gospel, as God-fearing Gentiles (σεβόμενοι) regularly attended to learn about the one true God. The 'next sabbath' request reflects Jewish worship patterns that structured the week around Sabbath gatherings.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the Gentiles' urgent request reveal about spiritual hunger versus religious familiarity—and which characterizes your own approach to Scripture?
- How does this verse demonstrate God's sovereign plan to include all nations, and how should that shape our understanding of the church's mission today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought (παρεκάλουν τὰ ἔθνη)—The Greek parekáloun means 'earnestly pleaded' or 'urgently requested,' revealing the Gentiles' spiritual hunger. This pivotal moment marks the turning point in Paul's first missionary journey where Gentile interest surpasses Jewish reception.
That these words might be preached to them the next sabbath—The Gentiles didn't ask for a different message but for these same words (τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα)—Paul's sermon about Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel's promises (13:16-41). Their request for the 'next sabbath' shows they understood this wasn't casual entertainment but life-transforming truth requiring the assembly of the whole community. This response fulfills Jesus's prophecy that the gospel would go 'to the ends of the earth' (Acts 1:8) and foreshadows Paul's pattern: 'to the Jew first, and also to the Greek' (Romans 1:16).