Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
ACTS 13:46KJVWhat does Acts 13:46 mean?
Acts 13:46 means that Paul and Barnabas, speaking boldly, told their Jewish listeners that God’s message was offered to them first, but since they rejected it, the apostles would now take that message to the Gentiles instead. The verse highlights a turning point where the focus of their preaching shifts from Jews who refused the message to non-Jews who might receive it.
In the setting of Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas are in Antioch of Pisidia, speaking in a synagogue. After many Jews opposed their teaching about Jesus, Paul and Barnabas respond directly to this rejection. The verse shows both the apostles’ courage and the seriousness of the listeners’ decision, making clear that the opportunity for “everlasting life” is now being extended to others who were not originally the primary audience.
The Greek behind Acts 13:46
- “waxed bold” (παρρησιάζομαι, parrēsiazomai): This word means to speak openly or fearlessly. It shows that Paul and Barnabas were not timid or apologetic but spoke with confidence, even in the face of opposition.
- “put it from you” (ἀπωθέομαι, apōtheomai): This word means to push away or reject. It emphasizes that the listeners’ refusal was an active choice, not just a passive disinterest.
- “judge yourselves unworthy” (κρίνω, krinō + ἀνάξιος, anaxios): The Greek here carries the sense that by rejecting the message, the listeners are declaring themselves not fit for eternal life. It is a self-imposed judgment, not something forced upon them.
Why Acts 13:46 matters
- Acts 13:46 clarifies that the apostles did not abandon the Jewish people lightly; the message was offered to them first as a priority, respecting their place in God’s plan.
- The verse highlights personal responsibility—those who reject the message are making a choice that has real consequences for themselves.
- This moment marks a significant shift in the book of Acts, showing the gospel’s expansion beyond Jewish communities to include Gentiles, which shapes the rest of the story in Acts.