As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This wasn't just a casual request; the wording suggests people were so impacted they stopped as they were leaving to beg Paul and Barnabas to continue teaching. The urgent plea to hear "these words" again highlights the profound effect of the message on those present.
As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Paul and Barnabas finished their powerful sermon in the synagogue, a significant split emerged. While some Jews and many Gentile God-fearers were captivated, many other Jews rejected the message and began to leave. It was during this exit that a fervent request was made by those who were moved, asking for the apostles to continue teaching them these profound truths the following Sabbath.
Imagine a powerful message that leaves people wanting more, not just a little, but urgently. This verse captures that feeling.
As Paul and Barnabas finished their message, a significant portion of the crowd didn't just politely thank them and leave. The text suggests a lively, immediate response: "as they were going out, they besought them." This isn't a passive "thank you, come again." It's an earnest plea, a deep desire expressed right there and then. They didn't want to wait for a regular service; they wanted these specific 'words'—this proclamation of faith—to be delivered to them again soon.
The response to Paul's message wasn't uniform. This verse hints at a spiritual divide and a new opening.
The scholarly notes bring up variations in the ancient texts, with some suggesting the request came specifically from Gentiles, while others say it was a mixed group. Regardless of the exact makeup, what's clear is that while some among the original Jewish listeners were hardening their hearts (as indicated in verse 45), others, and potentially a significant Gentile presence, were deeply moved. This moment marks a turning point where the message of Christ is clearly and powerfully reaching beyond the Jewish community, finding fertile ground in the hearts of those who were eager to hear.
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The text highlights a crucial moment of decision for the listeners in Antioch. The departure of some Jews and the eagerness of others, including Gentiles, shows the dividing line forming between those who would accept the gospel and those who would not, underscoring the transformative power of Paul's message.
c. AD 44
Paul and Barnabas in Antioch
Barnabas and Paul minister in Antioch, a major Gentile center, for about a year. It is here that the followers of Jesus are first called 'Christians'.
c. AD 47-49
First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas travel through Cyprus and Asia Minor, establishing churches and teaching in synagogues and public gatherings.
c. AD 49
Jerusalem Council
A pivotal council addresses whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish law. The decision allows Gentiles to be part of the covenant community without full conversion to Judaism.
c. AD 50
Paul's Second Missionary Journey Begins
Paul, now traveling with Silas, revisits churches established on his first journey and ventures into new regions like Macedonia and Achaia.
c. AD 52
Paul in Ephesus
Paul spends over two years in Ephesus, a thriving Roman city, engaging in extensive ministry. This period allows for significant growth in the region's Christian community.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is imprisoned in Rome, during which time he writes several epistles, including Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon, continuing to shepherd the churches from afar.
c. AD 62— this verse
Paul Preaches in Antioch
During a visit to Antioch, Paul preaches in the synagogue. As he speaks, a significant portion of the Jewish listeners, perhaps finding his message challenging, begin to depart.
Jesus uses a farming metaphor to talk about the urgency of the harvest and sowing, showing that sometimes the 'harvest' is ready for reaping even when people don't expect it, much like this crowd's immediate eagerness.
Matthew 13:16-17Jesus speaks about the blessing of seeing and hearing His teachings, which directly parallels the people's desire in Acts to hear Paul's message again, highlighting their spiritual hunger.
Acts 17:11The Bereans eagerly examined the Scriptures daily to see if Paul's teachings were true, showing a similar spirit of earnest inquiry and a desire for deeper understanding of God's word.
Romans 10:14-15This passage emphasizes the need for someone to be sent to preach and how beautiful the feet of those who bring the good news are, connecting to the crowd's plea for the message to be preached again.
ellicottActs 13:42: "And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath."
(42) And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue. —The better MSS. give simply, as they were going out, the Received text being apparently an explanatory interpretation. The reading, “the Gentiles besought,” is an addition of the same character, the better MSS. giving simply, they besought, or were beseeching. What follows shows, indeed, that so…
barnesActs 13:42: "And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath."
And when the Jews ... - There is a great variety in the mss. on this verse, and in the ancient versions. Griesbach and Knapp read it, "And when they were gone out, they besought them that these words might be spoken, etc." The Syriac reads it, "When they departed from them, they sought from them that these words might be spoken to them on another Sab…
This wasn't just a casual request; the wording suggests people were so impacted they stopped as they were leaving to beg Paul and Barnabas to continue teaching. The urgent plea to hear "these words" again highlights the profound effect of the message on those present.
As Paul and Barnabas finished their powerful sermon in the synagogue, a significant split emerged. While some Jews and many Gentile God-fearers were captivated, many other Jews rejected the message and began to leave. It was during this exit that a fervent request was made by those who were moved, asking for the apostles to continue teaching them these profound truths the following Sabbath.
As Paul and Barnabas finished their powerful sermon in the synagogue, a significant split emerged. While some Jews and many Gentile God-fearers were captivated, many other Jews rejected the message and began to leave. It was during this exit that a fervent request was made by those who were moved, asking for the apostles to continue teaching them these profound truths the following Sabbath.
"As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath." — This wasn't just a casual request; the wording suggests people were so impacted they stopped as they were leaving to beg Paul and Barnabas to continue teaching. The urgent plea to hear "these words…
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Last reviewed October 2026