Acts 13:50 (KJV)

What does Acts 13:50 mean?

Acts 13:50 describes how certain Jewish people in the city persuaded respected women and leading men to oppose Paul and Barnabas, resulting in persecution and forcing them to leave the area. The verse shows a coordinated effort by local influencers to drive the apostles out of their region.

Paul and Barnabas were in Pisidian Antioch, sharing their message in the synagogue and the city. After many people responded positively, some Jewish leaders felt threatened and stirred up influential citizens—specifically, "devout and honourable women" and the city's chief men—to take action against the apostles. This led to organized opposition and their expulsion from the community.

The Greek behind Acts 13:50

• ἐπήγειραν (epēgeiran, "stirred up"): This word means to incite or provoke. The Greek here suggests an intentional effort to arouse hostility, not just a casual complaint.
• εὐσχήμων (euskhēmōn, "honourable"): This word refers to people of high social standing or respectability. The verse highlights that those who opposed Paul and Barnabas included not just religious leaders but also prominent citizens.
• ἐξέβαλον (exebalon, "expelled"): This verb means to drive out or forcefully remove. The Greek emphasizes that Paul and Barnabas were not just asked to leave politely; they were actively driven out.

Why Acts 13:50 matters

• Acts 13:50 clarifies that opposition to Paul and Barnabas was not limited to religious leaders but involved influential women and civic leaders, showing the broad social impact of their message.
• The verse highlights how quickly public opinion could be swayed by those in authority, especially when social and religious leaders worked together.
• This moment marks a turning point in Acts, as Paul and Barnabas begin to focus more on Gentile audiences after facing rejection from some Jewish communities.