Acts 13:49
And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
Original Language Analysis
διεφέρετο
was published
G1308
διεφέρετο
was published
Strong's:
G1308
Word #:
1 of 10
to bear through, i.e., (literally) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e., (objectively) to toss about (figuratively, report); subjectively, to "diffe
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
the word
G3056
λόγος
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
4 of 10
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 #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 10
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
δι'
throughout
G1223
δι'
throughout
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
7 of 10
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ὅλης
all
G3650
ὅλης
all
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
8 of 10
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
Cross References
Acts 12:24But the word of God grew and multiplied.Acts 19:10And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.Acts 19:26Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:Acts 6:7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.Acts 9:42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
Historical Context
After being expelled from the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch (around AD 47-48), Paul and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles, who received the message with joy (v. 48). Despite opposition from Jewish leaders (v. 50), the gospel spread throughout the region of Galatia. This established the pattern for Paul's subsequent missionary journeys—synagogue rejection leading to Gentile breakthrough.
Questions for Reflection
- What practical steps can you take to ensure that the 'word of the Lord' continues spreading through your witness to those around you?
- How does the ongoing spread of the gospel despite persecution challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty in evangelism?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region (διεφέρετο ὁ λόγος τοῦ κυρίου, diephereto ho logos tou kyriou)—the imperfect tense indicates continuous, ongoing spread. The verb diapherō means 'to carry through, spread abroad,' emphasizing active dissemination, not passive diffusion. The word of the Lord (ὁ λόγος τοῦ κυρίου) refers to the gospel message about Christ, the authoritative divine message proclaimed by Paul and Barnabas.
This verse concludes Paul's first missionary sermon in Pisidian Antioch, demonstrating the unstoppable nature of gospel advancement even amid persecution. The Gentiles' eager reception (v. 48) created a missionary movement where new converts became witnesses. This pattern—gospel preached, believed, then spread by believers—became the New Testament model for church expansion, fulfilling Christ's commission that disciples would be His witnesses 'to the ends of the earth' (Acts 1:8).