Paul and Barnabas weren't just stating a fact about turning to the Gentiles; they were declaring a consequence. The Jews' rejection wasn't just missing an opportunity, it was a self-inflicted judgment that branded them as unworthy of eternal life.
And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having just proclaimed the gospel to the people of Antioch, Paul and Barnabas face outright rejection from the Jewish leadership and many of the people. With bold indignation, they declare that since the community has actively pushed God's message away and judged themselves unworthy of eternal life, the apostles will now shift their focus to the Gentiles. This marks a significant turning point, as the good news is officially extended to a wider audience according to God's broader plan.
Why did Paul and Barnabas feel it was 'necessary' to speak the Word of God to the Jews first, even after facing rejection?
Paul and Barnabas weren't just making this up as they went along. Their actions were rooted in a clear divine plan. Jesus himself commanded them to begin their ministry in Jerusalem and spread outward, prioritizing the Jewish people first. This was a continuation of God's covenant promises, offering them the first opportunity to embrace the Messiah.
When the Jews rejected the message, Paul and Barnabas declared they 'judge themselves unworthy of eternal life.' How can rejecting good news be a judgment on oneself?
This isn't about God condemning people; it's about people condemning themselves through their own choices. When the incredible offer of eternal life through Christ was presented, the Jewish leaders' violent opposition and rejection amounted to a decisive 'no' to God's offer. They didn't just disagree; they actively pushed away the very life they claimed to be waiting for.
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The declaration 'behold, we are turning to the Gentiles' is dramatic. What does this sudden shift signify?
The word 'behold' (or 'lo') signals a critical turning point, a moment of significant revelation and change. It's not a casual dismissal, but a bold, Spirit-led pivot in their mission strategy.
Understand the original words
logos tou Theou · Greek Noun
The Gospel message, the prophetic utterance, or the revelation of God's will and character as revealed in Scripture and ultimately in the person of Jesus Christ.
apotheo · Greek Verb
The quality of being rejected, pushed away, or repudiated; in a biblical context, it signifies the active refusal of God's grace or message by humans.
anaxios · Greek Adjective
The state of being undeserving or unfit; in this context, it refers to the human act of rejecting God's offer of salvation, thereby demonstrating one's own choice to remain separated from God.
aionios zoe · Greek Noun phrase
The unending existence in communion with God, initiated by faith in Jesus Christ, which transcends physical death and is the goal of the Christian hope.
ethnos · Greek Noun
All non-Jewish people or nations; those outside the covenant community of Israel who are now brought into the scope of God’s redemptive plan through Christ.
soteria · Greek Noun
The act of divine rescue from sin, judgment, and death through the grace of God, made available exclusively through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
This verse captures a crucial turning point where the mission to the Gentiles is explicitly embraced, not as a second choice, but as a direct response to the rejection of the Gospel by many in the Jewish community. It underscores God's inclusive plan and the believers' bold obedience to it.
c. 47-48 AD
First Missionary Journey Begins
Paul and Barnabas embark on their first missionary journey, sent out by the church in Antioch. They travel through Cyprus and then into Asia Minor, visiting cities like Perga and Antioch in Pisidia.
c. 48 AD
Preaching in Antioch of Pisidia
In Antioch of Pisidia, Paul preaches powerfully in the synagogue, leading to a great response from many Gentiles and some Jews. This marks a significant moment of Gospel proclamation.
c. 48 AD— this verse
Rejection by Jewish Leaders
The local Jewish leaders, stirred by envy, incite persecution against Paul and Barnabas, expelling them from the city. This opposition highlights the conflict between the Gospel message and entrenched religious views.
c. 48 AD
Turning to the Gentiles
Following the rejection in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas declare they will now focus on the Gentiles, fulfilling Jesus' commission to spread the Gospel to all nations. This shift is a pivotal moment in the early church's outreach.
c. 48-49 AD
Continued Ministry in Asia Minor
Paul and Barnabas continue their journey, facing similar patterns of acceptance and rejection in cities like Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, always making efforts to reach both Jews and Gentiles.
Jesus speaks of those invited to the feast who were 'not worthy' to continue in their refusal, echoing the sentiment that their actions declared them unworthy of the offered blessing.
Romans 1:16This passage highlights the intended order of the gospel message—'to the Jew first, and also to the Greek'—which Paul and Barnabas were following before turning to the Gentiles.
Luke 24:47Jesus commanded that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning with Jerusalem, showing the divine necessity behind Paul and Barnabas's mission.
Isaiah 49:6This prophetic passage foretells the Messiah being a light to the Gentiles, which directly underpins the apostles' shift in ministry when rejected by some Jews.
Acts 22:21Paul recalls Jesus telling him to leave Jerusalem and go to the Gentiles, showing this turning point in Acts 13 was a fulfillment of a direct commission.
ellicottActs 13:46: "Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles."
(46) It was necessary. —The preachers recognised the necessity of following what they looked on as the divine plan in the education of mankind, and so they preached “to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile” ( Romans 2:9-10 ). The former were offered,…
bensonActs 13:46: "Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles."
Acts 13:46-47 . Then Paul and Barnabas — Perceiving that no good impression could be made upon them; waxed bold — Used great freedom of speech; and said, It was necessary — According to the general instructions of our Divine Master; that the word of God…
Paul and Barnabas weren't just stating a fact about turning to the Gentiles; they were declaring a consequence. The Jews' rejection wasn't just missing an opportunity, it was a self-inflicted judgment that branded them as unworthy of eternal life.
Having just proclaimed the gospel to the people of Antioch, Paul and Barnabas face outright rejection from the Jewish leadership and many of the people. With bold indignation, they declare that since the community has actively pushed God's message away and judged themselves unworthy of eternal life, the apostles will now shift their focus to the Gentiles. This marks a significant turning point, as the good news is officially extended to a wider audience according to God's broader plan.
Having just proclaimed the gospel to the people of Antioch, Paul and Barnabas face outright rejection from the Jewish leadership and many of the people. With bold indignation, they declare that since the community has actively pushed God's message away and judged themselves unworthy of eternal life, the apostles will now shift their focus to the Gentiles. This marks a significant turning point, as the good news is officially extended to a wider audience according to God's broader plan.
"And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord…" — Paul and Barnabas weren't just stating a fact about turning to the Gentiles; they were declaring a consequence. The Jews' rejection wasn't just missing an opportunity, it was a self-inflicted judgmen…
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Last reviewed October 2026
