Acts 13:45
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
Original Language Analysis
ἰδόντες
saw
G1492
ἰδόντες
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 18
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλους
the multitudes
G3793
ὄχλους
the multitudes
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
6 of 18
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἐπλήσθησαν
they were filled
G4130
ἐπλήσθησαν
they were filled
Strong's:
G4130
Word #:
7 of 18
to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time)
ζήλου
with envy
G2205
ζήλου
with envy
Strong's:
G2205
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὸ
by
G5259
ὑπὸ
by
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
12 of 18
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παύλου
Paul
G3972
Παύλου
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
14 of 18
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
λεγομένοις
those things which were spoken
G3004
λεγομένοις
those things which were spoken
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Cross References
Jude 1:10But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.Acts 18:6And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.Acts 19:9But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.Acts 5:17Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,1 Thessalonians 2:16Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.1 Peter 4:4Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
Historical Context
This occurred during Paul's first missionary journey (c. AD 47-48) in Pisidian Antioch. The synagogue initially welcomed Paul (v.42), but when 'almost the whole city' gathered the next Sabbath (v.44), the Jewish leaders' jealousy erupted. This marked a pivotal moment: Paul announced he would turn to the Gentiles (v.46), establishing the pattern for his entire ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How might envy disguise itself as theological concern in church conflicts today?
- When have you witnessed spiritual leaders opposing God's work because it threatened their position or popularity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
They were filled with envy (ἐπλήσθησαν ζήλου)—the Jews' opposition to Paul stemmed not from theological conviction but from jealousy at seeing Gentile crowds flock to hear the gospel. The verb plēthoō (filled) indicates being completely dominated by this emotion.
Contradicting and blaspheming (ἀντιλέγοντες καὶ βλασφημοῦντες)—their response escalated from mere disagreement (antilegō, speaking against) to blasphēmeō (blasphemy, slander). By rejecting God's Messiah and reviling His name, they committed the very blasphemy they accused Jesus of. This pattern—religious leaders opposing God's work out of envy—echoes the Sanhedrin's jealousy in Acts 5:17 and Pilate's recognition that envy motivated Jesus's crucifixion (Matthew 27:18). Their reaction fulfilled Jesus's warning that persecution would come from religious authorities (John 16:2).