Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
ACTS 13:16KJVWhat does Acts 13:16 mean?
Acts 13:16 describes Paul standing up and signaling with his hand to get the attention of his listeners, then inviting both Israelites and those who respect God to listen to what he is about to say. The verse sets the stage for Paul’s speech by showing he is addressing a mixed audience and wants everyone to pay close attention.
Paul is in a synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia, speaking to both Jewish people ("Men of Israel") and non-Jews who worship God ("ye that fear God"). By beckoning with his hand, Paul uses a common gesture to quiet the room and signal that something important is about to be said. This introduction shows Paul’s respect for his audience and his desire to include everyone present in what follows.
The Greek behind Acts 13:16
- ἐκτείνας (kataseisas, “beckoning”): This word means to gesture or signal, often with the hand, to get attention. Paul’s use of this gesture shows he is taking a formal role as a speaker and wants the room’s focus.
- ἄνδρες Ἰσραηλῖται (andres Israēlitai, “Men of Israel”): This phrase directly addresses Jewish men, marking them as a primary audience.
- οἱ φοβούμενοι τὸν θεόν (hoi phoboumenoi ton theon, “ye that fear God”): This phrase refers to Gentiles who respected and worshiped the God of Israel, showing Paul’s awareness of a broader audience beyond just Jews.
Why Acts 13:16 matters
- Acts 13:16 clarifies that Paul’s message is meant for both Jews and Gentile God-fearers, highlighting the inclusive nature of his preaching.
- The verse sets the tone for the speech that follows, showing Paul’s authority and the seriousness of his message by the way he commands attention.
- Understanding the audience helps explain the content and approach of Paul’s sermon in the rest of the chapter, which addresses both Jewish history and the wider invitation to faith.