And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.

ACTS 13:42KJV
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Acts 13:42 (KJV)

What does Acts 13:42 mean?

Acts 13:42 describes how, after the Jewish people left the synagogue, the Gentiles asked Paul and Barnabas to speak to them again about the message they had just heard, requesting that these teachings be shared with them on the following Sabbath. This verse highlights the interest and eagerness of the Gentile listeners to hear more about the gospel message.

In this scene, Paul and Barnabas have just finished speaking in a synagogue in Antioch, addressing both Jews and those who worshipped with them. As the Jewish attendees depart, the Gentiles—non-Jewish people present—express a strong desire to hear more, showing that the message is reaching beyond its original audience. This moment marks a turning point where Gentiles openly seek to learn about the teachings of Jesus.

The Greek behind Acts 13:42

  • ἔθνη (ethnē, "Gentiles"): This word refers to non-Jewish people or nations. Its use here emphasizes that the message of Jesus is attracting people outside the Jewish community, showing the expanding reach of the early Christian movement.
  • παρεκάλουν (parekaloun, "besought"): This verb means to urge, invite, or strongly request. The Greek here carries the sense of earnest pleading, highlighting the Gentiles’ genuine interest and eagerness to hear more.
  • λόγοι (logoi, "words"): This term often means "words" or "teachings." Here, it points to the specific message Paul and Barnabas had just delivered, which the Gentiles wanted to hear again in detail.
  • σαββάτῳ (sabbatō, "sabbath"): The mention of the Sabbath shows that the Gentiles were willing to wait for the next synagogue gathering, respecting the Jewish custom and schedule, and indicating their commitment to learning more.

Why Acts 13:42 matters

  • Acts 13:42 shows that the message about Jesus was not limited to Jews but was drawing interest from Gentiles, foreshadowing the broader mission to all nations.
  • The verse highlights the hunger and openness of the Gentile audience, which contrasts with the mixed or resistant responses often seen among the Jewish listeners in Acts.
  • This moment sets up the events that follow, where Paul and Barnabas will increasingly turn their attention to Gentile audiences, shaping the direction of the early church’s outreach.

Where else these words appear

“gone” Greek G1826 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 17:15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
  • Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
  • Acts 27:43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:

“next” Greek G3342 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
  • Luke 11:51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
  • Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

“synagogue” Greek G4864 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
  • Acts 13:5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

“sabbath” Greek G4521 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 12:1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
  • Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
  • John 5:10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.