Acts 13 14

Acts 13:14 kjv

But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

Acts 13:14 nkjv

But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.

Acts 13:14 niv

From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down.

Acts 13:14 esv

but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down.

Acts 13:14 nlt

But Paul and Barnabas traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia. On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services.

Acts 13 verses

Acts 13 14 Meaning

Acts 13:14 describes a significant moment in the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. After sailing from Paphos and having John Mark depart in Perga, the verse highlights their arrival at Antioch in Pisidia. Crucially, it details their immediate customary action: entering the Jewish synagogue on the Sabbath day and taking a seat, signaling their intent to engage with the Jewish community and share the Gospel message within the established worship setting.

Acts 13 14 Context

Acts chapter 13 marks the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey, where he and Barnabas, sent by the Holy Spirit from Antioch of Syria, embark on proclaiming the Gospel to new regions. Their initial travels took them through Cyprus, engaging with Sergius Paulus and confronting Bar-Jesus. As they left Cyprus, the group sailed to Perga in Pamphylia (Acts 13:13), where John Mark, for reasons not explicitly stated, decided to return to Jerusalem. This verse then immediately details Paul and Barnabas's subsequent journey overland from Perga to Antioch of Pisidia. This particular Antioch was a Roman colony, strategically located in the province of Galatia (distinct from Syrian Antioch where the journey began), serving as an administrative and cultural hub. Their immediate action upon arrival, as recorded in verse 14, reveals their established strategy for evangelism: starting their outreach in the local Jewish synagogue on the Sabbath, reflecting a methodical and customary approach to evangelism that would recur throughout their missionary endeavors.

Acts 13 14 Word analysis

• But they: Refers to Paul (Saul at this point of the journey) and Barnabas, after John Mark had departed from them in Perga (Acts 13:13). This emphasizes their continued resolve despite a setback.
• passing through Perga: Perga (Greek: Πέργην, Pergen) was a significant city in Pamphylia. The phrase "passing through" suggests they did not linger or immediately preach there on this occasion, unlike other stops. It might imply a more direct travel to their intended strategic target, Antioch of Pisidia.
• came to Antioch: Antioch (Greek: Ἀντιόχειαν, Antiocheian). This is Antioch of Pisidia, not Antioch of Syria (their sending church), or Antioch of Orontes. It was a prominent city, a Roman colony, important for its strategic location and potential for Gospel dissemination. Luke meticulously distinguishes this Antioch with "in Pisidia" to avoid confusion.
• in Pisidia: Pisidia (Greek: τὴν Πισιδίαν, ten Pisidian) was a region in Asia Minor, to the north of Pamphylia. Specifying the region is crucial for geographical clarity within Luke's detailed historical account.
• and went into the synagogue: The synagogue (Greek: συναγωγὴν, synagogēn) was the central place of Jewish communal worship, teaching, and assembly in the diaspora. For Paul, entering the synagogue was a customary first step in his missionary work, following his principle of "to the Jew first" (Rom 1:16). It provided an immediate audience of those familiar with the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah.
• on the Sabbath day: The Sabbath (Greek: σαββάτῳ, sabbatō), the seventh day of the week, was the established day for Jewish worship and rest. Entering the synagogue on this specific day was expected and allowed them to participate in the regular public reading of Scripture and potentially be invited to speak (as indeed happens in Acts 13:15). It indicates their respect for Jewish customs while introducing new truths.
• and sat down: This posture was common for teachers or invited speakers in a synagogue. It implies an intention to listen, participate, and be prepared to speak if given the opportunity, not merely to observe. It shows a degree of authority or anticipation of interaction.

• "But they, passing through Perga, came to Antioch in Pisidia": This phrase details the logistical journey after the incident with John Mark. It shows their determination to press forward to a major city, bypassing or not focusing on Perga, indicating a strategic direction in their missionary travel chosen perhaps by the Spirit or prior planning.
• "went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day": This group of words highlights Paul's consistent missionary methodology. His starting point in every new city was the Jewish community in the synagogue, on the prescribed day of worship. This was both an acknowledgement of the continuity of God's work among His people Israel and the strategic use of an established forum for sharing the message of Christ with those already familiar with the Old Testament.
• "went into the synagogue...and sat down": These actions taken together reflect a purposeful engagement. They didn't just walk by or casually enter. Entering the synagogue on the Sabbath and taking a seat signifies their participation and readiness to engage in discussion and teaching within the formal setting of Jewish worship, anticipating the opportunity that would be presented to them (Acts 13:15).

Acts 13 14 Bonus section

The journey from Perga to Antioch in Pisidia involved significant overland travel through rugged, mountainous terrain, indicating the apostles' physical resilience and determination in their mission. Antioch in Pisidia was a Roman colony established by Emperor Augustus, strategically important for its trade routes and its role in spreading Roman influence. Its status as a colony also meant it had a diverse population, including many Roman citizens, making it an influential hub for the spread of the Gospel. The narrative of Acts frequently shows Paul leveraging these Roman networks and major cities for wider dissemination of the Christian message. The "sitting down" posture for teaching in the synagogue also carries cultural weight, signifying a role of honor and authority given to a respected speaker.

Acts 13 14 Commentary

Acts 13:14 is a precise record of Paul and Barnabas's continued commitment to their God-appointed mission following the brief interlude in Perga and John Mark's departure. It underlines Paul's standard evangelistic strategy: prioritizing Jewish communities in diaspora synagogues. This was not merely a cultural convenience but a theological principle, "to the Jew first" (Rom 1:16). The synagogue offered an ideal platform, comprising Jews and Gentile God-fearers, already versed in the Old Testament, which provided the framework for the Gospel message about Jesus the Messiah. Their arrival in Antioch of Pisidia, a significant Roman city, and their immediate action to participate in Sabbath worship, sets the stage for a pivotal sermon that would launch extensive discussions and ultimately lead to the widespread proclamation of the Gospel to the Gentiles in that region, following Jewish rejection.