Acts 13:41
“‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse uses a strong word for "perish" that can mean to "vanish" or "lose color," suggesting a profound, shame-filled astonishment at God's work that leads to utter ruin, not just a simple end. This isn't just about God's judgment; it's about their shocked, disbelieving reaction to an undeniable divine act that ultimately consumes them.
Paul and Barnabas have just faced rejection in Antioch when they preach the Gospel. In response to the Jewish leaders' deliberate rejection and insults, Paul quotes from the prophet Habakkuk, warning that God is about to do an astonishing work in their very generation. This divine action, he declares, will be so unbelievable that those who refuse to trust it will face judgment and destruction.
Paul's words here are sharp and direct, and the way they're worded might surprise you. Why the strong language, and what does it reveal about his audience?
Paul quotes from Habakkuk 1:5, but makes a significant shift. The prophet's original words were directed towards the 'heathen' (or 'nations'). However, Paul, echoing the Greek translation (the Septuagint), addresses the audience as 'despisers.'
Why the Change?
Paul declares God is doing a 'work' that people won't believe. What kind of divine action could be so astonishing, and why is disbelief the natural human response?
The core of Paul's warning is about a divine 'work' – something God is actively doing – that is so extraordinary it defies human comprehension and belief.
A Work of Judgment and Salvation
Understand the original words
kataphronētai · Greek Noun
Those who mock or express contempt, particularly toward God's message or messengers. In a biblical context, it implies a hardened heart that refuses to accept divine truth.
thaumasate · Greek Verb
To be filled with amazement or wonder. Biblically, this often signifies a reaction to divine intervention that is beyond human comprehension or expectation.
aphanisthēte · Greek Verb
To cease to exist, pass away, or be ruined. In a theological sense, it refers to the spiritual destruction or eternal judgment that befalls those who reject God.
Paul's quote from Habakkuk powerfully connects the impending judgment of his day—the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome—to the judgment of the past (Babylonian exile), highlighting a pattern of God's justice against those who refuse to believe His works.
c. 605 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins his campaign against Judah, leading to the first deportation of Jewish captives to Babylon, including Daniel. This event fulfilled earlier prophecies of judgment.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar, conquer Jerusalem, destroy the First Temple, and exile the remaining population. This was a catastrophic fulfillment of God's judgment for disobedience.
c. 600 BC - 400 BC
Prophet Habakkuk's Ministry
Habakkuk likely prophesied in the troubled period leading up to or during the Babylonian exile, confronting God about His justice and foretelling judgment upon Judah and the oppressor nations.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus Christ is crucified in Jerusalem and rises again, initiating a new covenant and the establishment of His kingdom. This event is the ultimate 'work' of God that many would refuse to believe.
This is the original source passage that Paul quotes, describing a 'work' God is doing that the people of that time wouldn't believe, referring to the coming judgment by the Chaldeans.
Matthew 24:2Jesus himself foretold a 'work' of judgment concerning the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, a theme echoed in Paul's warning about disbelief leading to unavoidable destruction.
John 12:37This passage highlights the widespread disbelief of many Jews in Jesus's signs and miracles, mirroring the disbelief Paul addresses when he quotes Habakkuk's prophecy.
Acts 7:51Similar to Stephen's accusation of his audience being stiff-necked and resisting the Holy Spirit, Paul's warning in Acts 13:41 implies a similar hard-heartedness and resistance to God's unfolding work.
Romans 11:8Paul references Isaiah's prophecy about God giving a spirit of 'stupor' to Israel, which aligns with the idea in Acts 13:41 that God works in ways people will refuse to believe or even comprehend.
ellicottActs 13:41: "Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you."
(41) Behold, ye despisers. —The quotation is from the LXX. version, the Hebrew giving “Behold, ye among the heathen.” So, in the next clause, “wonder, and perish” takes the place of “wonder marvellously.” The fact that St. Paul quotes from the prophet ( Habakkuk 1:5 ) whose teaching ( Habakkuk 2:4 ) that “the just by faith shall…
barnesActs 13:41: "Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you."
Behold, ye despisers - Hebrew, "Behold, ye among the pagan." The change from this expression to "ye despisers" was made by the Septuagint translators by a very slight alteration in the Hebrew word - probably from a variation in the copy which they used. It arose from reading בּוגדים bowgadiym instead of בגּוים bagowyim. The Syr…
The verse uses a strong word for "perish" that can mean to "vanish" or "lose color," suggesting a profound, shame-filled astonishment at God's work that leads to utter ruin, not just a simple end. This isn't just about God's judgment; it's about their shocked, disbelieving reaction to an undeniable divine act that ultimately consumes them.
Paul and Barnabas have just faced rejection in Antioch when they preach the Gospel. In response to the Jewish leaders' deliberate rejection and insults, Paul quotes from the prophet Habakkuk, warning that God is about to do an astonishing work in their very generation. This divine action, he declares, will be so unbelievable that those who refuse to trust it will face judgment and destruction.
Paul and Barnabas have just faced rejection in Antioch when they preach the Gospel. In response to the Jewish leaders' deliberate rejection and insults, Paul quotes from the prophet Habakkuk, warning that God is about to do an astonishing work in their very generation. This divine action, he declares, will be so unbelievable that those who refuse to trust it will face judgment and destruction.
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c. AD 40s-50s— this verse
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul travels throughout the Roman Empire, preaching the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. During his first journey, in Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13), he confronts Jewish leaders who reject his message.
c. AD 66-70
Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem
The Roman army besieges and eventually destroys Jerusalem and the Second Temple, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy and the warning Paul echoes from Habakkuk. This was a devastating judgment on Jewish unbelief and rejection of the Messiah.
"“‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”" — The verse uses a strong word for "perish" that can mean to "vanish" or "lose color," suggesting a profound, shame-filled astonishment at God's work that leads to utter ruin, not just a simple end. Th…
