Acts 13:49
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 13:49
49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
Chapter Context
Acts 13 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, faith, obedience. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-52: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 13:49
49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
Analysis
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).
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: Acts 9:42
- Word: Acts 6:7, 12:24, 19:10
- Parallel theme: Acts 19:26