Acts 13:47
For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 20
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Τέθεικά
saying I have set
G5087
Τέθεικά
saying I have set
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
7 of 20
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
φῶς
a light
G5457
φῶς
a light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
10 of 20
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
ἐθνῶν
of the Gentiles
G1484
ἐθνῶν
of the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
11 of 20
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἕως
unto
G2193
ἕως
unto
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
17 of 20
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
Cross References
Isaiah 49:6And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.Isaiah 42:6I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;Luke 2:32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.Isaiah 45:22Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.Hosea 1:10Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.Isaiah 60:3And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.Isaiah 42:1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.Acts 1:8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.Matthew 28:19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Amos 9:12That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.
Historical Context
In Pisidian Antioch (AD 48), Jewish opposition drove Paul to explicit Gentile focus. This pattern (Jews first, then Gentiles after rejection) repeated throughout Paul's ministry, though he never abandoned hope for Jewish salvation (Romans 9-11).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Old Testament prophecy establish the legitimacy of Gentile mission?
- What principles guide prioritizing ministry to responsive audiences versus persistent outreach to resistant groups?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Paul's quotation of Isaiah 49:6 applies the Servant's mission to Christian witnesses, showing Gentile inclusion fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. The phrase 'a light to the Gentiles' and 'salvation unto the ends of the earth' establishes the universal scope of gospel mission. This biblical foundation justified Paul's strategic turn from resistant Jews to receptive Gentiles.