Acts 13 16

Acts 13:16 kjv

Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

Acts 13:16 nkjv

Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, "Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen:

Acts 13:16 niv

Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: "Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me!

Acts 13:16 esv

So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: "Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.

Acts 13:16 nlt

So Paul stood, lifted his hand to quiet them, and started speaking. "Men of Israel," he said, "and you God-fearing Gentiles, listen to me.

Acts 13 verses

Acts 13 16 Meaning

Paul, standing before the council, presents his life and ministry as a testimony. This verse summarizes his unwavering commitment to proclaiming Jesus' message throughout his life, specifically highlighting his public teachings and his house-to-house ministry among both Jews and Greeks. His core message is repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 13 16 Context

Paul is on trial in Jerusalem before Jewish religious leaders. In Acts 13, Paul begins his missionary journeys, extending the Gospel to the Gentiles. This verse, spoken later in his ministry before the Sanhedrin in chapter 24, reflects the consistent theme of his entire missionary work. He recounts his service and evangelistic efforts, emphasizing his adherence to his understanding of God's law and his commitment to the core Christian message. The verse serves as a defense of his actions, clarifying the central tenets of his preaching and the methods he employed.

Acts 13 16 Word Analysis

• 'Alla (ἀλλὰ): "but," "rather," "yet." It serves as a contrast, setting apart his actions.
• 'Ethos (ἔθος): "custom," "practice," "way of life." It refers to his habitual manner of ministry.
• Poiō (ποιῶ): "to do," "to make," "to perform." Highlights his active involvement in ministry.
• Zeo (ζέω): "to boil," "to be fervent," "to be zealous." Denotes intense spiritual fervor and enthusiasm.
• Thousias (θυσίας): "sacrifices." Metaphorically, refers to offerings, likely of praise and obedience.
• Sontas (σόντας): "being" (present participle of eimi). Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the sacrifices.
• Tōi Theōi (τῷ Θεῷ): "to God." Directs the ultimate purpose of his actions.
• En (ἐν): "in," "by," "with." Indicates the sphere or means of his ministry.
• Oiko (οἴκῳ): "house," "home." Refers to household or private ministry.
• Poiēsasa (ποιήσασα): "having done," "having made." Past participle, indicating fulfillment.
• Suxontes (συξόντες): "being present," "being together." Suggests communal worship and fellowship.
• Legō (λέγω): "to say," "to speak," "to tell." His proclamation of the message.
• Poioumenos (ποιούμενος): "making," "doing" (middle participle). Signifies the ongoing activity of proclaiming.
• Metioumenous (μετιουμένους): "to seek after," "to aim at." Suggests the goal of his proclamation.
• Peri (περὶ): "concerning," "about." Specifies the subject of his teaching.
• Metanoia (μετάνοια): "repentance," "change of mind." A fundamental aspect of conversion.
• Eis (εἰς): "into," "unto." Denotes direction towards something.
• Ton Theon (τὸν Θεόν): "God." The object of repentance.
• Pistis (πίστις): "faith," "belief." The second crucial element.
• Epi (ἐπὶ): "upon," "on," "in." Indicates reliance or trust in.
• Ton Kurion (τὸν Κύριον): "the Lord." Referring to Jesus Christ.
• Iesoun (Ἰησοῦν): "Jesus." The specific name of the Messiah.
• Christon (Χριστόν): "Christ." The Messiah, the anointed one.

Group Analysis:

• "but also used to do in my custom": This phrase highlights Paul's consistent habit and practiced manner of living out his faith and ministry, emphasizing it wasn't sporadic but a deeply ingrained part of his life.
• "serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the plotting of the Jews": This encapsulates the spirit and the difficulties of his ministry – humility, emotional investment (tears), perseverance through trials, and the opposition faced from his own people.
• "and how I did not keep back anything that was profitable for you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house": This speaks to the comprehensive and thorough nature of his teaching, covering both public declarations and private instruction, omitting nothing beneficial.
• "testifying both to Jews and Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ": This clearly states the core, dual message delivered to all people, emphasizing the transformative power of turning from sin (repentance) and placing trust in Jesus Christ.

Acts 13 16 Bonus Section

Paul's testimony in this verse aligns perfectly with Jesus' own mandate in the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20) and His initial preaching (Mark 1:15), underscoring the continuity of divine revelation. His life, as described here, exemplifies the concept of "total ministry," encompassing doctrine, exhortation, public and private discipleship, all conducted with the proper spiritual disposition. The opposition mentioned is consistent with the pattern seen throughout the book of Acts, where Paul and the early church faced significant persecution, particularly from religious establishments. His humility and tears suggest a deep, empathetic connection with those he ministered to and a profound spiritual burden for their souls.

Acts 13 16 Commentary

Paul’s defense emphasizes the comprehensive and faithful nature of his ministry. He did not shy away from any aspect of God’s will or the Gospel message. His ministry was characterized by earnestness, resilience amidst hardship and opposition from Jewish authorities, and a holistic approach that included public proclamation and private instruction. The central themes were repentance towards God, a profound turning from sin, and faith in Jesus Christ, acknowledging His Lordship and salvific work. This dual emphasis—repentance and faith—formed the unshakeable foundation of his teaching to both his own people and the Gentiles.