Acts 13:48
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Original Language Analysis
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνη
when the Gentiles
G1484
ἔθνη
when the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
4 of 19
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ἔχαιρον
they were glad
G5463
ἔχαιρον
they were glad
Strong's:
G5463
Word #:
5 of 19
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐδόξαζον
glorified
G1392
ἐδόξαζον
glorified
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
7 of 19
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
9 of 19
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
11 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπίστευσαν
believed
G4100
ἐπίστευσαν
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
13 of 19
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
τεταγμένοι
ordained
G5021
τεταγμένοι
ordained
Strong's:
G5021
Word #:
16 of 19
to arrange in an orderly manner, i.e., assign or dispose (to a certain position or lot)
Cross References
Ephesians 1:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:Romans 11:7What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blindedJohn 10:16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.John 11:52And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.Acts 2:41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Historical Context
The large Gentile response in Pisidian Antioch triggered Jewish jealousy and persecution (Acts 13:50). This pattern of Gentile receptivity contrasted with Jewish resistance shaped Paul's missionary strategy and theological development.
Questions for Reflection
- How do divine ordination and human belief relate in the salvation experience?
- What does Gentile rejoicing teach about the gospel's liberation from legalistic burdens?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Gentile rejoicing and glorifying 'the word of the Lord' demonstrates recognition that gospel message brings liberation and hope. The phrase 'as many as were ordained to eternal life believed' affirms divine election while describing actual response—God's sovereignty and human responsibility coexist in salvation. Faith follows divine appointment in Luke's narrative.