Acts 13:43

Authorized King James Version

Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

λυθείσης

G3089

was broken up

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συναγωγῆς

G4864

when the congregation

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

ἠκολούθησαν

G190

followed

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

πολλοὶ

G4183

many

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαίων

G2453

of the Jews

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

σεβομένων

G4576

religious

to revere, i.e., adore

#12

προσηλύτων

G4339

proselytes

an arriver from a foreign region, i.e., (specially), an acceder (convert) to judaism ("proselyte")

#13

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

Παύλῳ

G3972

Paul

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

Βαρναβᾷ

G921

Barnabas

son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite

#18

οἵτινες

G3748

who

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

#19

προσλαλοῦντες

G4354

speaking

to talk to, i.e., converse with

#20

αὐτοὺς

G846

them

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

#21

ἔπειθον

G3982

persuaded

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

#22

αὐτοὺς

G846

them

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

#23

ἐπιμένειν

G1961

to continue

to stay over, i.e., remain (figuratively, persevere)

#24

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#25

χάριτι

G5485

in the grace

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

#26

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#27

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing grace relates to the doctrine of soteriology and God's unmerited favor in salvation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes grace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of grace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

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Paul