Acts 13:26
“Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul begins by embracing their shared heritage – both those of Abraham's line and those who, regardless of background, "fear God." The powerful message isn't just about salvation; it is the word of this salvation, sent directly from God and meant for them, underscoring its immediate, personal relevance.
{ "themes": [ "Salvation offered first", "Abrahamic lineage and faith", "God's sovereign sending", "Urgency of the message" ] }
Paul kicks off his sermon in Antioch with a bold address. Who exactly is he speaking to, and why does it matter?
Paul begins by addressing two distinct groups within the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia:
Paul's careful wording shows his intentionality. He acknowledges the unique heritage of the Jews while also embracing those Gentiles who had already shown reverence for the God of Israel. This sets the stage for his message that salvation, offered through Jesus, is not just for one group but is available to all who believe.
Paul declares that the 'word of this salvation' has been sent. What does this phrase reveal about the message he's about to deliver?
Paul doesn't just say "salvation is here." He calls it the "word of this salvation." This phrase is powerful:
Understand the original words
adelphoi · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, brothers often refers to fellow members of the covenant community or those sharing a common spiritual ancestry. It emphasizes the communal bond of God's people.
huioi genous Abraam · Greek Noun phrase
A theological designation for the Jewish people as descendants of the patriarch Abraham, emphasizing their role as the historical recipients of God's promises and covenant.
phoboumenoi ton Theon · Greek Verb phrase (participle)
A term describing individuals, often Gentiles, who worshiped the God of Israel and revered the Jewish scriptures without necessarily undergoing full conversion to Judaism. It denotes a reverent awe and submissive attitude toward God.
sōtēria · Greek Noun
Paul's address in Acts 13:26 is powerful because he's speaking in Pisidian Antioch, a city with a significant Jewish population and many 'God-fearers.' He's directly engaging people who have a deep connection to Abraham's promises and a yearning for God, offering them the fulfillment of that hope in Jesus Christ.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham Receives God's Promise
God promises Abraham countless descendants and a land, establishing a foundational covenant. This promise, deeply cherished by Abraham's descendants, is the bedrock of Jewish identity and hope for a coming savior.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus and the Law
God liberates the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, giving them the Law through Moses. This event solidifies their identity as God's chosen people and sets the stage for a prophesied salvation through a descendant of Abraham.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Exile of Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, scattering its people. This event serves as a stark reminder of disobedience and the consequences of straying from God's covenant.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile of Southern Kingdom
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem and destroy the Temple, exiling many Judeans. This profound crisis shakes the Jewish people's understanding of God's promises and their place in the world.
This verse echoes the promise made to Abraham that in him and his descendants, all nations would be blessed, directly connecting to Paul's address to Abraham's descendants and those who 'fear God'.
Isaiah 55:11This passage speaks of God's word going forth and not returning empty, paralleling Paul's declaration that the 'word of this salvation' has been sent to them, implying its divine origin and purpose.
Luke 24:47Jesus Himself commanded that 'repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning with Jerusalem,' which Paul is now fulfilling by proclaiming this salvation first to the Jews and proselytes.
Romans 1:16Paul's strong declaration that he is 'not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek,' directly undergirds the message being proclaimed in Acts 13.
ellicottActs 13:26: "Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent."
(26) Children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God. —The two classes are, as before (see Note on Acts 13:16 ), again pointedly contrasted with each other. To you is the word of this salvation sent.—The demonstrative pronoun implies that the salvation which St. Paul proclaimed rested on the work of Jesus the Saviour (Acts 13:23)…
barnesActs 13:26: "Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent."
Men and brethren - Paul now exhorts them to embrace the Lord Jesus as the Messiah. He uses, therefore, the most respectful and fraternal language. Children of the stock of Abraham - Descendants of Abraham; you who regard Abraham as your ancestor. He means here to address particularly the native-born Jews; and this appellation is used because they valu…
Paul begins by embracing their shared heritage – both those of Abraham's line and those who, regardless of background, "fear God." The powerful message isn't just about salvation; it is the word of this salvation, sent directly from God and meant for them, underscoring its immediate, personal relevance.
{ "themes": [ "Salvation offered first", "Abrahamic lineage and faith", "God's sovereign sending", "Urgency of the message" ] }
{ "themes": [ "Salvation offered first", "Abrahamic lineage and faith", "God's sovereign sending", "Urgency of the message" ] }
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The divine offer of deliverance, reconciliation, and eternal life provided through Jesus Christ. It encompasses the rescue from the penalty of sin and the restoration of a relationship with God.
c. 3rd-1st century BC
Growth of Proselytes
During the Hellenistic period, many non-Jews ('Gentiles') are drawn to Judaism, adopting its monotheism and practices. These 'God-fearers' are eager for spiritual connection but remain outside the covenant people.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth, a descendant of Abraham, is crucified and then resurrected. His followers proclaim Him as the promised Messiah and the bringer of salvation.
c. AD 45-49
First Missionary Journey Begins
Paul and Barnabas embark on their first major missionary journey, taking the message of Jesus to Jewish communities in the Diaspora and to Gentiles. This marks a significant expansion of the early Christian mission.
"“Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation." — Paul begins by embracing their shared heritage – both those of Abraham's line and those who, regardless of background, "fear God." The powerful message isn't just about salvation; it is the word…
