Acts 13:50-52
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)
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This verse highlights how influential "devout women of high standing" became instruments of persecution, showing that even those drawn to God can be swayed to oppose His messengers when manipulated by hostility. Their social position and perceived piety made their opposition particularly potent, ultimately leading to Paul and Barnabas' expulsion.
After Paul and Barnabas shared the gospel and saw many Gentiles embrace it, the local Jewish leaders became jealous and stirred up opposition. They incited prominent, devout women and the city's influential men to turn against the apostles, leading to persecution and Paul and Barnabas being forced out of the region.
Ever notice how some people seem to have a natural ability to sway others? This verse highlights a group of women who wielded significant influence, but not for good.
The passage mentions "devout women of high standing." These weren't just any women; they were Gentile proselytes, women who had already turned away from paganism to worship the one true God.
A Gateway for Influence
This combination made them a powerful force. The local Jewish leaders knew they could appeal to these women, who in turn could influence their husbands and other prominent men in the city. It's a reminder that influence, even when stemming from genuine devotion, can be tragically misdirected.
We often think of persecution coming from outward force, but this verse shows a more subtle, insidious method: using social networks and authority to drive people out.
The text reveals a calculated strategy. The local Jewish leaders didn't just confront Paul and Barnabas themselves; they ignited opposition through influential figures.
A Chain Reaction
This wasn't just a spontaneous outburst; it was a leveraging of social connections and civic authority to silence the Gospel message. It highlights how religious opposition can strategically employ social pressure to achieve its aims.
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
This event highlights how the spread of the gospel often faced fierce resistance, not just from religious authorities, but also by social pressure, particularly from influential individuals within the community who felt their status or beliefs threatened.
c. 46 AD— this verse
Paul and Barnabas visit Pisidian Antioch
During their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas preach the gospel in Pisidian Antioch, a Roman colony in Asia Minor. Many Gentiles and some Jews believe, but opposition grows.
c. 46 AD
Jewish leaders incite opposition
Jewish leaders, envious and angered by the Gentiles' acceptance of the gospel, stir up trouble. They specifically target influential women who had converted to Judaism and the city's leading men.
c. 46 AD
Paul and Barnabas are expelled
The incited leaders persuade the Roman authorities or city magistrates to drive Paul and Barnabas out of Antioch and its surrounding territories.
c. 47 AD
Disciples left behind
After Paul and Barnabas are forced to leave, the disciples in Antioch remain, filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. They likely face ongoing challenges and persecution.
Jesus laments over Jerusalem, expressing a deep desire to gather His people, much like Paul and Barnabas sought to bring people to God, but faced rejection.
Luke 4:29This passage shows a similar forceful rejection and expulsion of Jesus from a synagogue, highlighting a recurring pattern of opposition to God's messengers.
2 Timothy 3:11Paul reflects on the persecutions he endured, including those from Antioch, reminding us that suffering is a part of faithfully following Christ.
Acts 14:22This verse speaks directly to the early disciples' understanding that much tribulation is a normal part of entering the Kingdom of God, directly referencing the experiences detailed in Acts 13 and 14.
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…
This verse highlights how influential "devout women of high standing" became instruments of persecution, showing that even those drawn to God can be swayed to oppose His messengers when manipulated by hostility. Their social position and perceived piety made their opposition particularly potent, ultimately leading to Paul and Barnabas' expulsion.
After Paul and Barnabas shared the gospel and saw many Gentiles embrace it, the local Jewish leaders became jealous and stirred up opposition. They incited prominent, devout women and the city's influential men to turn against the apostles, leading to persecution and Paul and Barnabas being forced out of the region.
After Paul and Barnabas shared the gospel and saw many Gentiles embrace it, the local Jewish leaders became jealous and stirred up opposition. They incited prominent, devout women and the city's influential men to turn against the apostles, leading to persecution and Paul and Barnabas being forced out of the region.
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The word translated 'coasts' might make you picture a seaside town, but the original meaning is broader and speaks to a more definitive expulsion.
The English word 'coasts' in older translations can be misleading. The original Greek word, 'horion,' refers to boundaries or limits.
Beyond the Seashore
This wasn't a minor inconvenience; it was a forceful removal from their mission field. It underscores the severity of the action taken by the opposition – they didn't just want the apostles gone for the day; they wanted them out of their jurisdiction entirely. This was a decisive act to halt the spread of the message.
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.
"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…" — This verse highlights how influential "devout women of high standing" became instruments of persecution, showing that even those drawn to God can be swayed to oppose His messengers when manipulated b…
