Acts 13:43
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.
Original Language Analysis
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγῆς
when the congregation
G4864
συναγωγῆς
when the congregation
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
4 of 27
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
ἠκολούθησαν
followed
G190
ἠκολούθησαν
followed
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
5 of 27
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
6 of 27
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσηλύτων
proselytes
G4339
προσηλύτων
proselytes
Strong's:
G4339
Word #:
12 of 27
an arriver from a foreign region, i.e., (specially), an acceder (convert) to judaism ("proselyte")
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παύλῳ
Paul
G3972
Παύλῳ
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
14 of 27
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Βαρναβᾷ
Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾷ
Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
17 of 27
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 of 27
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
ἔπειθον
persuaded
G3982
ἔπειθον
persuaded
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
21 of 27
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
22 of 27
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
ἐπιμένειν
to continue
G1961
ἐπιμένειν
to continue
Strong's:
G1961
Word #:
23 of 27
to stay over, i.e., remain (figuratively, persevere)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριτι
in the grace
G5485
χάριτι
in the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
25 of 27
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
Cross References
Acts 11:23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.2 John 1:9Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.Hebrews 13:9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.Hebrews 12:15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;Acts 2:10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,Acts 14:3Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.Acts 17:17Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.Acts 13:50But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.Acts 28:23And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
Historical Context
The 'religious proselytes' were Gentile converts to Judaism who had undertaken full law-observance. Paul's message that grace, not law, sustains spiritual life offered them freedom they hadn't known.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you 'continue in the grace of God' without either adding works or presuming on God's kindness?
- What does this teach about grace as both entry point and ongoing sustenance for Christian life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Many Jews and 'religious proselytes' followed Paul and Barnabas after the synagogue service, seeking further instruction. The apostles' exhortation to 'continue in the grace of God' emphasizes that Christian life begins and continues by grace. This phrase guards against both legalistic additions to grace and presumption that takes grace for granted, maintaining gospel balance.