Acts 13 51

Acts 13:51 kjv

But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

Acts 13:51 nkjv

But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium.

Acts 13:51 niv

So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium.

Acts 13:51 esv

But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.

Acts 13:51 nlt

So they shook the dust from their feet as a sign of rejection and went to the town of Iconium.

Acts 13 verses

Acts 13 51 Meaning

Acts 13:51 describes Paul and Barnabas's definitive act of rejection against those in Pisidian Antioch who opposed their message. They performed a symbolic gesture, commanded by Jesus, to signify the severance of their responsibility for that group's unbelief and to convey the coming judgment upon them. This act marked a departure from the unreceptive audience and a continuation of their mission to a new city.

Acts 13 51 Context

Acts 13:51 follows a critical juncture in Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey. They had arrived in Pisidian Antioch, and Paul delivered a powerful sermon in the synagogue, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah. Many Jews and God-fearing Gentiles responded positively, inviting them to preach again the following Sabbath. However, when large crowds, including Gentiles, gathered, the Jewish leaders became envious and began to contradict and blaspheme. Paul and Barnabas, boldly declared that because the Jewish people had rejected the word of God, they would now turn to the Gentiles, in fulfillment of Isaiah 49:6. This turning sparked intense opposition, leading to the Jewish leaders and city authorities stirring up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and driving them out of the city's territory. Verse 51 details their response to this expulsion and rejection. The historical context reflects the early church's outreach primarily to Jewish communities first, followed by an expansion to Gentile audiences as Jewish unbelief intensified.

Acts 13 51 Word analysis

• But: Greek: De (δέ). A strong adversative conjunction, signaling a contrast or shift from the previous events (persecution and expulsion) to the apostles' resolute action. It underscores their active response rather than passive resignation.
• they: Referring to Paul and Barnabas. Emphasizes their unified, determined action.
• shook off: Greek: Ektinaxantes (ἐκτινάξαντες). A strong, graphic participle meaning "to shake out," "to shake vigorously," or "to shake off." It conveys a definitive and forceful rejection. This is an active, deliberate action, not a passive reaction.
• the dust: Greek: ton koniorton (τὸν κονιορτὸν). Literally, fine dry particles of earth. In Jewish thought, even foreign dust could be considered defiling, requiring ritual cleansing upon returning to Judea. Here, it symbolizes defilement, association, or accountability for that city's rejection of God's message.
• from their feet: Greek: apo tōn podōn autōn (ἀπὸ τῶν ποδῶν αὐτῶν). Specificity of location underscores that any "attachment" to the rejecting community is fully removed. It highlights a complete break and removal of responsibility.
• against them: Greek: eis autous (εἰς αὐτοὺς). Literally, "into them" or "towards them." This phrase makes it explicit that the act was a direct protest and condemnation against the people of Pisidian Antioch who rejected them. It serves as a prophetic warning, signifying their guilt and the coming judgment if they persist in their unbelief.
• and went: Greek: Elthon te (ἦλθον τε). Signifies movement, continuing their journey without delay. This demonstrates their obedience to the command to leave where they are not received.
• to Iconium: Greek: eis Ikionion (εἰς Ἰκόνιον). The specific next city on their missionary itinerary. It shows the continued advancement of the gospel despite opposition.

Word-group analysis:

• "shook off the dust from their feet against them": This phrase encapsulates a profound symbolic gesture directly commanded by Jesus (Matt 10:14, Mk 6:11, Lk 9:5, Lk 10:11). It conveyed several layers of meaning:
  • Judgment and Warning: It was a strong public declaration that the responsibility for rejecting the gospel now rested solely on those who refused it. It signified a divine judgment would follow.
  • Separation and Non-Accountability: The missionaries were separating themselves entirely from the spiritual responsibility for the fate of those who refused. They were cleansed from any complicity in the city's impending condemnation.
  • Protest: It served as a visible protest against their hostility and unbelief.
  • Divine Command: Paul and Barnabas were acting in direct obedience to Jesus' instructions to His disciples when faced with outright rejection. This shows their faithfulness even in the face of adversity.
• "and went to Iconium": This demonstrates the unstoppable nature of the gospel mission. Rejection in one place did not deter them but simply redirected them to the next mission field. It highlights their resilience, commitment to the Great Commission, and the sovereign movement of God's plan. The missionary endeavor was not defined by local success or failure, but by obedience to divine call.

Acts 13 51 Bonus section

The act of shaking off the dust has Old Testament precedents of symbolic actions conveying messages (e.g., Jer 19:10-11, Ezek 4-5), though Jesus repurposes and clarifies its specific application for evangelism. The early church understood this gesture as a grave warning. It's not a display of personal anger but a sober, divinely ordained prophetic act. This verse implicitly teaches about the boundaries of persistence in evangelism; while patience is crucial, there comes a point where continued effort in the face of deliberate and hostile rejection is unfruitful, and the focus should shift to more receptive fields, thereby preserving the message's sacredness (cf. Matt 7:6). The apostles' immediate move to Iconium signifies that the gospel is not static or limited by human resistance; it must press onward in fulfillment of God's global plan for salvation.

Acts 13 51 Commentary

Acts 13:51 captures a pivotal moment of apostolic determination and adherence to Christ's teachings. Paul and Barnabas's action was not one of defeat but of solemn judgment and resolute redirection. By shaking off the dust, they performed a physical, observable act symbolizing a spiritual truth: those who reject God's word brought through His messengers bring judgment upon themselves. The act absolved the apostles of responsibility for the people's unbelief, placing the burden of spiritual accountability directly on the inhabitants of Antioch. Furthermore, their immediate departure to Iconium underscored the urgency and divine impetus of their mission. It shows that gospel ministry is dynamic and adapts to reception: where one door closes, God often opens another. This incident serves as a model for missionaries and believers today, teaching them how to respond to opposition and rejection while continuing to advance the gospel with unwavering resolve.