Question 1

What does Acts 13:49 mean?

Accepted Answer

Acts 13:49 says that the message about Jesus, called "the word of the Lord," spread widely across the whole region. The verse highlights how the news about Jesus did not stay in one place but quickly reached many people in the surrounding area. In this part of Acts, Paul and Barnabas are in the city of Antioch in Pisidia, sharing the message of Jesus with both Jews and non-Jews. After some local opposition, they continue to speak boldly, and many people respond. This verse sums up the result: the message traveled far beyond the city, showing how quickly and widely the early Christian message was shared.

Question 2

The Greek behind Acts 13:49

Accepted Answer

λόγος (logos): This word, translated as "word," often means a message or teaching, not just a single word. Here, it refers to the whole message about Jesus and what God has done. διαφέρω (diapherō): Translated as "published," this Greek word carries the sense of something being spread abroad or carried through. It suggests active movement and wide distribution, emphasizing that the message was not just spoken quietly but was actively spreading everywhere. ὅλη (holē): This word means "all" or "whole," stressing that the message reached the entire region, not just a small part.

Question 3

Why Acts 13:49 matters

Accepted Answer

Acts 13:49 shows that the message about Jesus quickly spread beyond a single group or city, highlighting the early Christian movement's rapid growth. The verse emphasizes that the "word of the Lord" was not limited to a select few but was meant for everyone in the region, reflecting the inclusive nature of the message. By connecting this verse to the wider story in Acts 13, readers see how opposition did not stop the message; instead, it continued to spread, showing the resilience and determination of the early believers.

Acts 13:49 (KJV)