And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss is that the Greek word translated "ordained" doesn't necessarily mean a predetermined, unchangeable decree from God. Instead, it often carries the sense of being "arranged," "ordered," or "disposed" for something, much like soldiers being placed in order for a mission. This suggests the verse highlights those Gentiles who, at that very moment, were receptive and inclined towards eternal life, demonstrating a willingness that aligned with God's purposes.
And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul and Barnabas had just declared that because the Jews rejected God's message, they would now turn to the Gentiles. Upon hearing this, the Gentiles rejoiced and praised God's word, and a significant number of them believed and embraced eternal life. This passage contrasts the Jewish rejection of salvation with the Gentiles' eager acceptance, highlighting that those "appointed to eternal life" responded positively to the Gospel.
Imagine hearing incredible news – news that completely changes your destiny. That's what happened for these Gentiles. But their response wasn't just a fleeting emotion.
The text tells us the Gentiles were not only glad but actively "glorified the word of the Lord." This shows a deep, active reverence for the message they heard. Their joy wasn't superficial; it was tied to honoring and magnifying God's communication through Paul and Barnabas. This wasn't a passive acceptance but a vibrant embrace of the gospel, recognizing it as a divine treasure.
The phrase 'as many as were appointed to eternal life believed' has sparked debate for centuries. What does it truly mean to be 'appointed' in this context?
This verse touches on the intricate relationship between God's sovereign plan and human response. The Greek word used here, 'tetagmenoi,' doesn't carry the strong sense of an unchangeable, eternal decree of predestination as some have assumed. Instead, it conveys the idea of being set in order, arranged, or disposed.
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Understand the original words
tasso · Greek Verb
The state of being sovereignly placed, ordained, or assigned by God; it emphasizes the divine initiative in the process of salvation and the accomplishment of God's purposes.
pisteuo · Greek Verb
The positive response of the human heart to the message of the Gospel, involving repentance, reliance upon, and surrender to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
This verse speaks to a critical moment where the gospel's embrace by Gentiles, previously excluded by Jewish tradition, becomes a reality. The word 'ordained' is debated, but in context, it highlights God's sovereign action in making Himself known and accessible to all who are willing to receive His saving word, contrasted with the willful rejection by many Jews.
c. 40s AD
Paul's First Missionary Journey
The Apostle Paul, accompanied by Barnabas, embarks on a significant missionary journey through Asia Minor. They preach the gospel in various cities, establishing new Christian communities.
c. 49 AD
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal council convened in Jerusalem to address the issue of Gentile inclusion in the early church. The decision was made that Gentiles did not need to follow all Jewish laws to become Christians.
c. 49-52 AD
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul, now accompanied by Silas, undertakes a second journey, revisiting established churches and venturing into new territories like Macedonia and Greece. He faces opposition from Jewish authorities but finds receptive audiences among Gentiles.
c. 53-57 AD
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul's final major missionary journey, during which he spends a significant amount of time in Ephesus and travels through Macedonia and Greece, further strengthening the churches.
c. 57 AD
Paul's Letter to the Romans
Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, likely from Corinth. This letter profoundly explores themes of salvation, faith, and God's plan for both Jews and Gentiles.
c. 58 AD
Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem
Paul is arrested in Jerusalem after completing his third missionary journey. His Jewish critics accuse him of defiling the Temple, leading to his imprisonment and eventual appeal to Caesar.
c. 58-60 AD
Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea
Paul is held in Roman custody in Caesarea Maritima for approximately two years, awaiting trial. During this time, he has opportunities to speak with Roman officials and Jewish leaders.
This passage speaks of God's foreknowledge and predestination, echoing the idea of God's sovereign plan for salvation that is also present in Acts 13:48 when it mentions those appointed to eternal life.
John 6:44Jesus states that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws him, which resonates with the idea in Acts 13:48 that those who believed were 'appointed' or drawn by God towards eternal life.
Acts 16:14Here, Lydia's heart is opened by the Lord to pay attention to what Paul said, illustrating a divine enabling that aligns with the Gentile believers in Acts 13:48 being 'appointed' for eternal life.
Ephesians 2:8-9This passage emphasizes that salvation is a gift of God through faith, not by works, reinforcing the concept in Acts 13:48 that belief leading to eternal life is ultimately rooted in God's prior appointment or gracious provision.
2 Thessalonians 2:13Paul thanks God that the Thessalonians were chosen by God from the beginning to be saved through the Spirit's work and belief in the truth, directly paralleling the idea of God's selection for eternal life leading to belief as seen in Acts 13:48.
ellicottActs 13:48: "And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed."
(48) They were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord. —Both verbs are in the tense of continued action. The joy was not an evanescent burst of emotion. The “word of the Lord” here is the teaching which had the Lord Jesus as its subject. As many as were ordained to eternal life believed.—Better, as many as were disposed for. The words seem…
barnesActs 13:48: "And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed."
When the Gentiles heard this - Heard that the gospel was to be preached to them. The doctrine of the Jews had been that salvation was confined to themselves. The Gentiles rejoiced that from the mouths of Jews themselves they now heard a different doctrine. They glorified the word of the Lord - They honored it as a message from God; they recog…
What's easy to miss is that the Greek word translated "ordained" doesn't necessarily mean a predetermined, unchangeable decree from God. Instead, it often carries the sense of being "arranged," "ordered," or "disposed" for something, much like soldiers being placed in order for a mission. This suggests the verse highlights those Gentiles who, at that very moment, were receptive and inclined towards eternal life, demonstrating a willingness that aligned with God's purposes.
Paul and Barnabas had just declared that because the Jews rejected God's message, they would now turn to the Gentiles. Upon hearing this, the Gentiles rejoiced and praised God's word, and a significant number of them believed and embraced eternal life. This passage contrasts the Jewish rejection of salvation with the Gentiles' eager acceptance, highlighting that those "appointed to eternal life" responded positively to the Gospel.
Paul and Barnabas had just declared that because the Jews rejected God's message, they would now turn to the Gentiles. Upon hearing this, the Gentiles rejoiced and praised God's word, and a significant number of them believed and embraced eternal life. This passage contrasts the Jewish rejection of salvation with the Gentiles' eager acceptance, highlighting that those "appointed to eternal life" responded positively to the Gospel.
"And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed." — What's easy to miss is that the Greek word translated "ordained" doesn't necessarily mean a predetermined, unchangeable decree from God. Instead, it often carries the sense of being "arranged," "orde…
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Last reviewed October 2026