The verse highlights an immediate, fervent hunger for the message, as people—not waiting for the formal end of the service—begged for more teaching as they were leaving. This wasn't just a polite request; it was a desperate plea to continue hearing these life-changing "words."
As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Paul preached in the synagogue, many Jews were eager to hear more, while others, resistant to his message, began to leave. The people remaining, including Gentiles and Jewish proselytes, pleaded with Paul and Barnabas to continue teaching them about these things the following Sabbath. This set the stage for a larger outreach to both Jews and Gentiles in the coming week.
Did everyone in the synagogue embrace Paul's message? This verse reveals a fascinating mix of reactions and a surprising invitation.
As Paul finished his sermon in the synagogue at Antioch, the text tells us that as they were going out, a request was made. While some scholars debate the exact reading, the most likely sense is that a portion of the Jewish congregation, and possibly Gentiles present as listeners or proselytes, were deeply moved.
Not Everyone Stayed
An Urgent Plea
Why specifically the 'next Sabbath'? This phrase holds a deeper meaning than just a future meeting.
The request for the message to be preached on the 'next Sabbath' is significant. It points to a deliberate anticipation and a desire for continued spiritual nourishment within the rhythm of Jewish life.
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A Pattern of Hearing
Hunger for Truth
Understand the original words
synagōgēs · Greek Noun
A Jewish place of assembly used for prayer, reading of the Scriptures, and teaching. It served as the central community hub for Jewish life and worship outside the Temple.
chariti · Greek Noun
God’s unmerited favor and enabling power toward humanity. It is the basis of salvation and the ongoing strength provided by God for the believer's life and perseverance.
The request for the message to be preached again on the next Sabbath reveals the deep spiritual hunger stirred by Paul's preaching, setting the stage for a pivotal moment where the Gospel's reach begins to dramatically expand beyond the Jewish community.
c. 40 BC - 10 BC
Roman Influence in Antioch
Antioch in Pisidia, a prominent city in Asia Minor, was growing in importance under Roman rule, fostering a diverse population including a significant Jewish community. This established community would have had established synagogues and traditions.
c. AD 40s
Early Jewish Diaspora Communities
Jewish communities were scattered throughout the Roman Empire, maintaining their religious practices and traditions in various cities, including those in Asia Minor. These communities often included both native-born Jews and converts (proselytes).
c. AD 47-48— this verse
Paul and Barnabas's First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas embark on their first major missionary journey, traveling through Cyprus and Asia Minor, establishing churches and sharing the Gospel message. This journey included their significant visit to Antioch in Pisidia.
c. AD 48
Preaching in Antioch Synagogue
Paul and Barnabas are invited to speak in the synagogue in Antioch. Paul delivers a powerful sermon, recounting salvation history and proclaiming Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, leading to great interest.
c. AD 48
Audience's Eagerness for More
Following Paul's sermon, many listeners, both Jews and Gentiles who were present, were deeply moved and eagerly requested that the message be shared again on the following Sabbath. This indicates a strong desire for further teaching.
c. AD 48
Jewish Opposition and Gentile Interest
While many desired more teaching, significant opposition arose from some Jewish leaders. However, the Gentile crowd and many Jewish proselytes were drawn to the message, creating a dynamic of both acceptance and conflict.
This passage highlights the disciples' pursuit of spiritual sustenance, echoing the crowd's desire for more of God's word beyond mere physical needs.
Matthew 13:23Jesus' parable of the sower speaks to the different responses to God's word; here, the people's request shows a receptive heart, unlike some who walked away.
Hebrews 4:12The powerful, penetrating nature of God's word is emphasized, explaining why people would be so eager to hear it again, as described in Acts 13:42.
Acts 17:11The Bereans eagerly examining the Scriptures daily mirrors the spirit of the people in Antioch who wanted to hear more, showing a hunger for truth.
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…
The verse highlights an immediate, fervent hunger for the message, as people—not waiting for the formal end of the service—begged for more teaching as they were leaving. This wasn't just a polite request; it was a desperate plea to continue hearing these life-changing "words."
As Paul preached in the synagogue, many Jews were eager to hear more, while others, resistant to his message, began to leave. The people remaining, including Gentiles and Jewish proselytes, pleaded with Paul and Barnabas to continue teaching them about these things the following Sabbath. This set the stage for a larger outreach to both Jews and Gentiles in the coming week.
As Paul preached in the synagogue, many Jews were eager to hear more, while others, resistant to his message, began to leave. The people remaining, including Gentiles and Jewish proselytes, pleaded with Paul and Barnabas to continue teaching them about these things the following Sabbath. This set the stage for a larger outreach to both Jews and Gentiles in the coming week.
"As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them,…" — The verse highlights an immediate, fervent hunger for the message, as people—not waiting for the formal end of the service—begged for more teaching as they were leaving. This wasn't just a polite r…
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Last reviewed October 2026
