Acts 13:50
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 13:50
50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
Chapter Context
Acts 13 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, sacrifice, faith. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 13:50
50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
Analysis
But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city—This reveals the synagogue's strategic use of social influence. The "devout" (σεβομένας, sebomenas) women were likely God-fearers, Gentile adherents to Judaism who had social standing. Jewish leaders weaponized these influential converts to mobilize civic opposition.
Raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them (ἐπήγειραν διωγμὸν, epēgeiran diōgmon)—The Greek "stirred up" suggests deliberate incitement. This pattern—initial receptivity followed by elite-driven opposition—would mark Paul's ministry throughout Acts. The expulsion from "their coasts" (ὁρίων, horiōn, "borders") was civic banishment, not mere synagogue discipline. Yet this persecution fulfilled Christ's prediction (Matthew 10:23) and scattered the gospel seed further, demonstrating God's sovereignty over even hostile rejection.
Historical Context
Pisidian Antioch (not Syrian Antioch) was a Roman colony with significant Jewish and God-fearer populations. Women of status wielded considerable influence in Asia Minor's civic life. Jewish communities often cultivated relationships with elite Gentile sympathizers to gain political leverage. Paul's first missionary journey (AD 47-48) encountered this pattern repeatedly—initial synagogue access, then organized opposition.
Reflection
- When the gospel threatens existing power structures, what tactics do opponents use today to "stir up" social opposition?
- How does this verse show that persecution can advance rather than hinder God's mission—and how should that shape our response to opposition?
Cross-References
- References Paul: Acts 13:43, 13:45, 14:19, 17:13
- Parallel theme: Acts 6:12, 8:1, 14:2, 21:27, Isaiah 66:5, 2 Timothy 3:11