But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Notice how the text highlights "devout women of honorable standing" as the first group incited. This reveals a subtle but powerful truth: often, those who seem most receptive to spiritual things can also be strategically used to oppose God's messengers when influenced by wrong motives. The ancient world, much like our own, shows how piety can be misled, especially when coupled with social influence.
But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel in Antioch of Pisidia and many Gentiles believed, local Jewish leaders became jealous and stirred up opposition. These influential Jewish residents incited prominent Gentile women and the city's leaders against Paul and Barnabas, leading to their expulsion from the city and region. This conflict highlights the growing tension between the apostles' ministry and the established Jewish community, setting the stage for future persecutions Paul would face.
Ever noticed how some people, simply by their position and reputation, can sway opinions? In Antioch, this influence was intentionally weaponized.
This verse highlights a specific tactic used by the opposition: enlisting the help of 'devout and honorable women.' These weren't just any women; they were likely Gentile converts to Judaism ('devout women') who held respected social standing ('honorable estate').
The opposition to Paul and Barnabas wasn't just a verbal disagreement; it escalated dramatically. How did that happen?
The passage shows a clear progression from internal agitation to external expulsion.
Ask a follow-up
The 'chief men' likely represented the civic or judicial leaders, who were then moved by the agitated populace (influenced by the women) to take official action against the apostles.
The verse says Paul and Barnabas were driven 'out of their coasts.' What exactly does that mean?
The word translated as 'coasts' (Greek: horion) doesn't strictly mean the seaside, as we often think of 'coasts' today. It refers more broadly to 'boundaries,' 'borders,' or 'territory.'
Understand the original words
diogmos · Greek Noun
Harassment, oppression, or suffering inflicted upon believers because of their commitment to Christ and their proclamation of His Gospel.
This expulsion wasn't just about religious disagreement; it involved social dynamics where prominent women, influenced by Jewish leaders, swayed their influential husbands to act against Paul and Barnabas.
c. 40s AD
Paul and Barnabas' First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas embark on their first major evangelistic mission, traveling through Asia Minor and establishing early Christian communities.
c. 48 AD
Preaching in Antioch of Pisidia
Paul and Barnabas preach the Gospel in the synagogue of Antioch, leading to a large number of both Jews and Gentiles believing.
c. 48 AD— this verse
Jewish Opposition in Antioch
The local Jewish leaders become jealous and hostile, inciting a persecution against Paul and Barnabas.
c. 48 AD
Expulsion from Antioch
Paul and Barnabas are forced to leave Antioch, shaking the dust off their feet as a testimony against the city.
c. 48 AD
Journey to Iconium
The apostles travel to Iconium, where they continue to preach and face similar opposition and eventual expulsion.
This passage shows Jesus denouncing the Pharisees for their intense efforts to win converts, even going to great lengths to make a single proselyte. It highlights a similar theme of zealous efforts to spread religious influence, though in Acts 13:50, it's used to incite opposition.
1 Thessalonians 2:15Paul directly speaks about the Jewish leaders who opposed him and killed Jesus, and who also opposed the apostles and tried to hinder the gospel. This passage shares the theme of persistent opposition from some Jewish leaders against the early Christian message.
Acts 14:1-7Immediately following this event, Paul and Barnabas experience similar persecution in Iconium, where they face opposition from both Jews and Gentiles. This shows a pattern of resistance that the apostles encountered in their missionary journeys.
2 Timothy 3:11-12Paul reflects on the persecutions he has endured, mentioning those he suffered in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. This passage confirms that the expulsion from Antioch was part of a larger, ongoing struggle against the spread of the gospel.
pulpitActs 13:50: "But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts."
Verse 50. - Urged on for stirred up, A.V.; the devout women of honorable estate for the devout and honorable women, A.V. and T.R.; stirred up a for raised, A.V.; cast them out of their borders for expelled them out of their coasts, A.V. Urged on (παρώτρυναν). The word only occurs here in the New Testament,…
ellicottActs 13:50: "But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts."
(50) The Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women. —The fact stated brings before us another feature of the relations between Jews and Gentiles at this period. They “compassed sea and land to make one proselyte” ( Matthew 23:15 ). They found it easier to make proselytes of women. Such conversions had…
Notice how the text highlights "devout women of honorable standing" as the first group incited. This reveals a subtle but powerful truth: often, those who seem most receptive to spiritual things can also be strategically used to oppose God's messengers when influenced by wrong motives. The ancient world, much like our own, shows how piety can be misled, especially when coupled with social influence.
After Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel in Antioch of Pisidia and many Gentiles believed, local Jewish leaders became jealous and stirred up opposition. These influential Jewish residents incited prominent Gentile women and the city's leaders against Paul and Barnabas, leading to their expulsion from the city and region. This conflict highlights the growing tension between the apostles' ministry and the established Jewish community, setting the stage for future persecutions Paul would face.
After Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel in Antioch of Pisidia and many Gentiles believed, local Jewish leaders became jealous and stirred up opposition. These influential Jewish residents incited prominent Gentile women and the city's leaders against Paul and Barnabas, leading to their expulsion from the city and region. This conflict highlights the growing tension between the apostles' ministry and the established Jewish community, setting the stage for future persecutions Paul would face.
"But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district." — Notice how the text highlights "devout women of honorable standing" as the first group incited. This reveals a subtle but powerful truth: often, those who seem most receptive to spiritual things can…
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Last reviewed October 2026