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 13:46KJV
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Acts 13:46 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“put” Greek G683 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 7:27 But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?
  • Acts 7:39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,
  • Romans 11:2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,

“necessary” Greek G316 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 10:24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
  • Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

“bold” Greek G3955 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
  • Acts 14:3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
  • Acts 26:26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

“seeing” Greek G1894 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 21:46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
  • Acts 15:24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?