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

Acts 13:16 marks the commencement of Paul's recorded sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, his first significant address to a mixed Jewish and Gentile audience during his first missionary journey. The verse primarily serves as a formal introduction, where Paul secures the attention of both the "Men of Israel" (Jews by birth and converts) and "you who fear God" (Gentiles attracted to Judaism, often called God-fearers). It signals a crucial moment of outreach to both core constituencies within the synagogue, setting the stage for the proclamation of the Gospel.

Acts 13 16 Context

Acts chapter 13 inaugurates Paul's first missionary journey with Barnabas, commissioned by the Holy Spirit from Antioch (Acts 13:2-3). After traversing Cyprus and encountering sorcerer Elymas, they arrive at Perga in Pamphylia, then move inland to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath, they enter the synagogue (Acts 13:14). Following the usual reading of the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders invite the visitors, assuming them to be respected teachers or rabbis, to speak words of exhortation (Acts 13:15). Verse 16 directly follows this invitation, setting the scene for Paul's pivotal sermon. This speech, rooted in Israelite history and culminating in Jesus as the Messiah, is one of the longest recorded in Acts and establishes Paul's primary missionary approach. It signifies a transition from solely Jewish focus to intentional Gentile outreach within the context of Jewish worship spaces.

Acts 13 16 Word analysis

• Then (δὲ, de): A conjunction signifying a sequential transition or logical development, connecting Paul's action to the preceding invitation.
• Paul (Παῦλος, Paulos): The Greek name of Saul, now recognized as the prominent apostle to the Gentiles. This is one of his early significant addresses recorded in Acts.
• stood up (ἀναστὰς, anastas): A participial form of "to stand up." In this synagogue setting, standing indicates readiness to speak formally, command attention, and convey authority. It implies a public and recognized address, much like a teacher or leader would.
• and motioning with his hand (κατανεύσας τῇ χειρὶ, kataneusas tē cheiri): A common, almost universal, non-verbal gesture used to secure silence and draw the audience's attention before an important address. It’s a physical plea for an audience to listen respectfully.
• said (εἶπεν, eupen): Signifies the formal commencement of his verbal address after gaining attention.
• Men of Israel (Ἄνδρες Ἰσραηλῖται, Andres Israēlitai): A direct, respectful form of address to those of Jewish lineage, affirming Paul's shared identity and acknowledging his primary audience as God's chosen people, to whom the promises were given.
• and you who fear God (καὶ οἱ φοβούμενοι τὸν Θεὸν, kai hoi phoboumenoi ton Theon): This phrase is crucial. It refers to Gentiles who had adopted certain Jewish beliefs and practices, worshipped the one God, were often regular attendees at synagogue services, but had not undergone full conversion to Judaism (e.g., circumcision for men). Paul includes them specifically, indicating their importance as a receptive audience for the Gospel message.
• listen! (ἀκούσατε, akousate): An imperative verb, a direct command to give attention. It introduces the expectation that what follows is profoundly significant and demands careful consideration.

Acts 13 16 Bonus section

The audience Paul addresses—the "Men of Israel" and "you who fear God"—represents two key demographics in early Christian missions. The "God-fearers" often formed a crucial bridge community. Being part-way between paganism and Judaism, they found the monotheistic, ethically demanding yet covenantally open message of Christianity very appealing without having to undertake the full Mosaic Law or circumcision. They were vital for the rapid spread of the Gospel, acting as initial recipients who often led their households or communities to faith. Paul's intentional address to them is not just polite; it reveals a calculated understanding of the social and spiritual landscape of the Diaspora synagogue and its potential for Gospel dissemination. This verse, therefore, implicitly sets a pattern for mission that moves from the historical foundations of Israel to its broader, ultimate fulfillment in a Christ that transcends ethnic boundaries, an inclusivity central to Paul's theology.

Acts 13 16 Commentary

Acts 13:16 serves as a programmatic opening to Paul's extensive sermon, highlighting his sensitivity and strategic approach to evangelism. By first addressing "Men of Israel," Paul respectfully grounds his message in the familiar context of God's covenant people, recognizing his own heritage and God's historical plan. The inclusion of "you who fear God" demonstrates a crucial strategic foresight: Paul understood the spiritual hunger and moral preparedness of these Gentiles. They were monotheistic, familiar with the Old Testament scriptures, and ethically upright—making them prime candidates for accepting Jesus as the Messiah. This intentional inclusion signals the expansive, inclusive nature of the Gospel even from this early stage. Paul's gesture and direct command to "listen!" underscore the importance of the message he is about to deliver, a message that will unfold Israel's history as a prelude to Christ and salvation for all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike. It encapsulates Paul's commitment to delivering the good news to the "Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Rom 1:16).