Acts 13:44
And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
Original Language Analysis
Τῷ
G3588
Τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρχομένῳ
the next
G2064
ἐρχομένῳ
the next
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 14
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
σαββάτῳ
sabbath day
G4521
σαββάτῳ
sabbath day
Strong's:
G4521
Word #:
4 of 14
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνήχθη
came
G4863
συνήχθη
came
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
9 of 14
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
12 of 14
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
Historical Context
Pisidian Antioch was a Roman colony in Asia Minor with significant Jewish and Gentile populations. Paul's first sabbath message (13:16-41) had clearly resonated beyond the synagogue, spreading throughout the city during the week. This mass gathering would have filled and overflowed the synagogue, creating visible evidence of Gentile interest that triggered Jewish jealousy (v. 45).
Questions for Reflection
- What in Paul's message (Acts 13:16-41) caused such explosive interest that the whole city gathered to hear more?
- When have you seen God's word draw unexpected crowds or create hunger in unlikely people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. The Greek phrase schedon pasa hē polis (σχεδὸν πᾶσα ἡ πόλις) emphasizes the remarkable scope—'almost the entire city'—gathering to hear the logos tou Theou (λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ), the word of God. This explosive growth in one week reveals the Spirit's sovereign work in Pisidian Antioch, as Gentiles hungered for the gospel that most Jews would reject.
The contrast is stunning: verse 42 shows Gentiles begging Paul to return; verse 44 shows them flooding the synagogue. What began as a Jewish assembly became overwhelmingly Gentile, foreshadowing the church's future composition. The phrase to hear (ἀκοῦσαι, akousai) indicates more than casual listening—they came with expectant faith to receive God's authoritative word, the same response Jesus commended: 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear.'