What's easily missed is the strategic targeting of influential women. These weren't just any women; they were "devout" Gentile converts who already held positions of respect and affluence, making them prime targets to influence their husbands and the city's leadership. The Jews understood that leveraging these women’s standing was a powerful way to incite opposition and secure the apostles' expulsion.
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. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Paul and Barnabas's powerful ministry in Antioch, a significant division arose as many Gentiles eagerly embraced the message while the Jewish leaders stirred up opposition. This ultimately led to the apostles being expelled from the region, forcing them to shake the dust off their feet as a sign of judgment. The expulsion wasn't a quiet departure; it was fueled by incited local women of standing and the city's prominent men, who joined the Jewish leaders in persecuting and driving out Paul and Barnabas.
Who were these 'devout women of high standing,' and why did they side with the opposition against Paul and Barnabas?
This verse highlights a surprising turn of events. The opposition against Paul and Barnabas wasn't just the usual religious leaders. It involved 'devout women of high standing' and 'the leading men of the city.'
The gospel message was received with excitement, but this passage shows a swift and harsh backlash. What fueled this dramatic shift?
Paul and Barnabas had experienced significant success in Antioch, with many Jews and Gentiles turning to faith (Acts 13:43, 48). This verse, however, marks a sharp turning point where that positive reception curdled into hostility.
Ask a follow-up
What does it mean that Paul and Barnabas were 'driven out of their districts,' and why is the word choice significant?
The phrase 'drove them out of their districts' (or 'coasts' in some translations) carries more weight than just being asked to leave town.
This demonstrates that opposition, while painful, doesn't necessarily mean the end of God's plan, but can lead to His work expanding in new ways.
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.
ektinaxantes · Greek Verb
A symbolic act in the ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world signifying the termination of fellowship and the casting off of responsibility for those who rejected a message; it declares that those who heard are now held accountable for their own unbelief.
koniorton · Greek Noun
Fine, powdery soil often associated with the 'defilement' of a place or people that reject God's truth. Shaking it off represented a symbolic cleansing and a warning of judgment.
Ikoniou · Greek Proper Noun
The name of a major city in the Roman province of Galatia; it serves as a geographic location where the gospel is carried forward despite opposition.
mathētai · Greek Noun
A student, learner, or follower of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, this refers to those who have accepted the gospel, identified with Christ, and live in obedience to His teachings.
eplērounto · Greek Verb
A state of being overwhelmed or controlled by an influence. In the New Testament, being filled with the Spirit indicates the active, empowering presence of God enabling believers to manifest divine fruit and bold witness.
charas · Greek Noun
A deep-seated, God-given sense of gladness and delight that transcends outward circumstances. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit's presence and is rooted in the believer's standing before God.
pneumatos hagiou · Greek Noun Phrase
The third person of the Trinity, sent by the Father and the Son to indwell, empower, guide, and sanctify believers. He is the agent of transformation in the Christian life.
The expulsion of Paul and Barnabas from Antioch was part of a pattern of Jewish opposition to the early Christian mission. The text highlights how local Jewish communities, leveraging their influence with both Gentile proselytes and city officials, could create significant persecution and force the apostles to move on.
c. 48 BC
Antioch Becomes Part of Roman Province
Antioch in Pisidia, a major city in Asia Minor, was incorporated into the Roman province of Galatia. This placed it under Roman governance and legal structures.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Pentecost
The foundational events of Christianity occurred in Jerusalem, leading to the formation of the early church and the spread of the Gospel.
c. AD 40-45
Early Spread of Christianity
Christianity began to spread beyond Jerusalem, with followers sharing the message in various cities and regions, including some in Asia Minor.
c. AD 47-49— this verse
Paul and Barnabas' First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas embarked on their first major missionary journey, taking them through Cyprus and various cities in Asia Minor, including Antioch in Pisidia.
c. AD 49
Expulsion from Antioch
Following significant opposition from local Jews, Paul and Barnabas were expelled from Antioch in Pisidia, a direct result of the conflict described in Acts 13.
Jesus laments over Jerusalem, expressing a deep desire to gather its people like a hen gathers her chicks, mirroring the protective and inclusive mission Paul and Barnabas embodied.
Acts 14:5This passage describes a similar situation where hostile Jews and Gentiles plot to stone Paul and Barnabas, highlighting a recurring pattern of opposition to the Gospel.
1 Thessalonians 2:15Paul reflects on the persecution faced by believers, mentioning how the Jews killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and persecuted the apostles, echoing the hostility described in Acts 13:50.
Galatians 5:11Paul speaks about the offense of the cross, suggesting that if he still preached circumcision, the persecution against him would cease, indicating that the core message of salvation through Christ was the source of conflict.
John 15:18Jesus warns his followers that the world will hate them because it hated Him first, providing a theological framework for understanding the persecution Paul and Barnabas experienced.
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…
What's easily missed is the strategic targeting of influential women. These weren't just any women; they were "devout" Gentile converts who already held positions of respect and affluence, making them prime targets to influence their husbands and the city's leadership. The Jews understood that leveraging these women’s standing was a powerful way to incite opposition and secure the apostles' expulsion.
After Paul and Barnabas's powerful ministry in Antioch, a significant division arose as many Gentiles eagerly embraced the message while the Jewish leaders stirred up opposition. This ultimately led to the apostles being expelled from the region, forcing them to shake the dust off their feet as a sign of judgment. The expulsion wasn't a quiet departure; it was fueled by incited local women of standing and the city's prominent men, who joined the Jewish leaders in persecuting and driving out Paul and Barnabas.
After Paul and Barnabas's powerful ministry in Antioch, a significant division arose as many Gentiles eagerly embraced the message while the Jewish leaders stirred up opposition. This ultimately led to the apostles being expelled from the region, forcing them to shake the dust off their feet as a sign of judgment. The expulsion wasn't a quiet departure; it was fueled by incited local women of standing and the city's prominent men, who joined the Jewish leaders in persecuting and driving out Paul and Barnabas.
"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. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and we…" — What's easily missed is the strategic targeting of influential women. These weren't just any women; they were "devout" Gentile converts who already held positions of respect and affluence, making the…
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Last reviewed October 2026
