Acts 13 47

Acts 13:47 kjv

For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

Acts 13:47 nkjv

For so the Lord has commanded us: 'I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.' "

Acts 13:47 niv

For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "?'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"

Acts 13:47 esv

For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"

Acts 13:47 nlt

For the Lord gave us this command when he said, 'I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.' "

Acts 13 verses

Acts 13 47 Meaning

Acts 13:47 records Paul and Barnabas' pivotal declaration, asserting their divine mandate to shift their focus from the resistant Jewish population to the Gentiles. They quote from Isaiah 49:6, understanding it as a direct command from the Lord (Jesus Christ), appointing them (as agents of the Messiah) to be a 'light to the Gentiles'. This light represents God's truth, revelation, and the good news of salvation, which is to be proclaimed and extend universally "to the ends of the earth," signifying a mission encompassing all peoples and every part of the globe.

Acts 13 47 Context

Acts 13:47 is spoken by Paul and Barnabas in Pisidian Antioch. Prior to this, Paul had preached extensively in the synagogue, presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Many Jews and God-fearing Gentiles had responded positively. However, the Jewish leaders became envious and hostile, openly opposing Paul's message. This verse marks a critical turning point. Paul and Barnabas declare their intent to fully pivot their ministry focus to the Gentiles, quoting Isaiah 49:6 to legitimize this redirection as divinely commanded. Historically, this shift highlights the nascent Christian movement's increasing independence from its Jewish roots and its conscious move towards becoming a global faith, no longer restricted by ethnic or national boundaries. It is a direct polemic against the exclusive claims of some within Judaism who believed salvation was primarily for Israel.

Acts 13 47 Word analysis

• For so (Οὕτως γὰρ): "For so" or "for thus." This introductory phrase indicates that what follows is a direct command or principle. "Thus" emphasizes the authoritative nature of the ensuing divine declaration, linking it directly to the immediate prior statement of turning to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46) as a commanded action.
• the Lord (ὁ Κύριος): Referring to God, Yahweh, but within the Christian context, often also specifically understood as Jesus Christ, who holds divine authority and commissions the apostles. Paul, here, directly attributes the prophecy from Isaiah to the Lord as its source and ongoing commander.
• has commanded (ἐντέταλται): From entellomai (ἐντέλλομαι), meaning "to command," "to order." It's a perfect tense verb, indicating a past action with ongoing effect—a standing command or settled divine decree that remains in force and guides their present actions.
• us (ἡμῖν): Referring to Paul and Barnabas as the current instruments of God's missionary work. They see themselves directly commissioned by the Lord to fulfill this very prophecy. While the original Isaiah passage is directed to the Servant (the Messiah), Paul's application of "us" suggests that as the Servant's representatives, they carry out His mission.
• I have made you (Τέθεικά σε): From tithemi (τίθημι), meaning "to place," "to put," "to set," "to appoint." This aorist tense indicates a decisive, completed action in the past, establishing the status or role of "you." In Isaiah 49:6, "you" (singular se) refers to the Servant of the Lord (the Messiah). Paul applies this Messianic role and calling to himself (and implicitly to his fellow missionaries and the church) as agents fulfilling the Servant's mission. It means God appointed or established this role for them.
• a light (εἰς φῶς): phos (φῶς). More than just illumination, "light" in biblical theology represents divine truth, spiritual revelation, righteousness, guidance, life, and the very presence of God and salvation. Here, it refers to the spiritual illumination that comes through the gospel of Christ, displacing the darkness of ignorance and sin. The preposition "εἰς" (eis, "into" or "for") denotes the purpose or result: appointed to be light.
• for the Gentiles (ἐθνῶν): ethnos (ἔθνος), meaning "nations," "peoples," usually referring to non-Israelite nations. This is a crucial element, emphasizing the universal scope of the gospel message beyond the boundaries of Israel. This contrasts sharply with prior understanding that salvation was exclusive to Israel.
• that you may bring (τοῦ εἶναί σε): Literally, "for you to be." This infinitive phrase functions as a purpose clause, stating the ultimate goal or outcome of being a light. It is for "you" (referring back to Paul and Barnabas/the missionary agent) to exist for the purpose of bringing.
• salvation (εἰς σωτηρίαν): soteria (σωτηρία), meaning "salvation," "deliverance," "preservation." This refers to holistic salvation—deliverance from sin, death, and God's wrath, bringing spiritual health, peace, and eternal life through Christ. It's the ultimate beneficial result of the "light" reaching the nations.
• to the ends of the earth (ἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς): This phrase signifies the ultimate geographical and metaphorical reach of the mission. Heos eschatou tes ges (ἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς) means "until the uttermost part of the earth" or "to the farthest reaches of the earth." It speaks to the comprehensive, universal spread of the gospel, encompassing every people group and every inhabited place. It reflects God's cosmic plan for redemption to include all humanity, breaking down all barriers.

Acts 13 47 Bonus section

The application of Isaiah 49:6, originally concerning the "Servant of the Lord" (Messiah), to Paul's missionary work is a crucial hermeneutical move known as re-contextualization or dynamic fulfillment. Paul does not claim to be the Messiah, but rather identifies himself as an authorized agent who participates in the Messiah's mission, extending Christ's light to the nations. This is a profound example of how early apostles understood their own calling as intrinsically linked to and empowered by Christ's identity and redemptive work. This verse also strongly echoes the Great Commission (e.g., Acts 1:8) and foreshadows Paul's continued commitment to Gentile ministry despite persistent Jewish opposition throughout his journeys. It cements the theological foundation for the church's global mission.

Acts 13 47 Commentary

Acts 13:47 represents a seismic shift in the early Christian mission. Paul and Barnabas, confronted by persistent Jewish rejection in Pisidian Antioch, find divine justification in a Messianic prophecy from Isaiah 49:6. Their declaration marks a turning point from primarily Jewish evangelism to a full-fledged, deliberate mission to the Gentiles. They interpret the Servant's role (Christ's role) of being a "light to the Gentiles" as directly applicable to their own apostolic ministry. This means they are not replacing Christ, but extending His saving work and light into the world. The term "light" encapsulates revelation, truth, and salvation found in Christ. Its universal reach "to the ends of the earth" emphasizes God's redemptive purpose for all humanity, dismantling ethno-religious exclusivity and setting the trajectory for the global spread of Christianity. This passage underscores that while the gospel was initially "to the Jew first," God's ultimate plan always embraced the nations. It is a divine imperative, compelling Paul and all future believers to participate in the cosmic mission of bringing God's salvation to every corner of the world.

• Example: Just as a lighthouse directs ships through treacherous waters, the gospel, carried by believers, illuminates the path to salvation for those lost in spiritual darkness, irrespective of their background or location.
• Example: Paul's pivot echoes God's inclusive heart, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of His redemptive love. The command "to the ends of the earth" compels modern missions to target unreached people groups.