What does Acts 13:26 mean?

Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. Acts 13:26

Explanation

The verse Acts 13:26, as found in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, addresses two distinct groups: the “children of the stock of Abraham” and those who “feareth God.” The first group is explicitly Jewish, descendants of Abraham by blood. The second group is more inclusive, encompassing God-fearing Gentiles who may be present. Paul is speaking to an audience in a synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia on his first missionary journey. The phrase “to you is the word of this salvation sent” signifies that the message of salvation through Jesus Christ is intended for both Jews and Gentiles. It implies that the salvation offered through Jesus is universal and not limited to the Jewish people alone.

Historical Context

Acts 13:26 takes place within a speech delivered by Paul in a synagogue setting during his first missionary journey. Paul and his companions had been traveling and preaching in the region, and upon arriving in Antioch in Pisidia (present-day Turkey), they were invited to speak to the Jewish congregation. This verse embodies a pivotal moment in the early Christian movement, as it captures the transition from Christianity being a sect within Judaism to a universal faith open to all who believed, regardless of their ethnic or cultural backgrounds.

Theological Insights

In terms of theology, this verse demonstrates early Christian beliefs about the universality of the gospel message. From a Jewish perspective, the emphasis on lineage from Abraham was significant because it identified them as God’s chosen people. Paul’s inclusion of God-fearing Gentiles suggests the expanding nature of God’s covenant, as seen in the Christian theology which holds that through Jesus, salvation was made accessible to all—not by lineage or adherence to the law but by faith. From a more Calvinistic point of view, one might argue that the use of “whosoever feareth God” implies that salvation is extended to those predestined to reverence God. Arminian theology, conversely, would interpret it as an open call to all individuals who choose to fear God and accept the message of salvation.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied to modern life by emphasizing inclusivity within Christian communities. It reminds believers that the message of salvation is not restricted by ethnicity, social status, or past religious affiliations. Additionally, the concept of fearing God could be seen as living with a respect for God’s authority, leading lives that reflect the ethical and moral foundations of Christian teachings. The practical take-away is a call to spread the word of salvation to all and to encourage unity among diverse groups of people within the faith.

Cross-References

• Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
• Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
• Acts 10:34-35: “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”

Language Study

In the phrase “children of the stock of Abraham,” “stock” translates from the Greek word “genos,” which refers to offspring or descent, indicating a common ancestor. “Feareth” is from the Greek “phobeomai,” denoting reverence or fear in a respectful sense, which implies worshipful submission. “Salvation” is taken from “soteria,” encompassing deliverance, preservation, and safety, often with a focus on eternal salvation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In a broader religious context, many ancient myths and belief systems have concepts of select groups or chosen people, such as the Egyptian belief in pharaohs as divine or Hinduism’s caste system. Jewish tradition holds that they are God’s chosen people by virtue of their descent from Abraham, which is acknowledged in this verse. However, Christianity breaks from this exclusivity by opening salvation to all who revere God, paralleling some aspects of religious inclusiveness seen in Buddhism’s universal call to enlightenment.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, this verse touches on the concepts of ethnicity and group identity. Studies in genetics and anthropology have shown that while there are genetic markers identifying different ethnic groups, all humans share a common ancestry. This scientific understanding of shared human origins aligns with the theological implication in Acts 13:26 that the “word of this salvation” is intended for all people, reflecting a unity among humankind.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars commonly agree that Acts 13:26 emphasizes the inclusive nature of the Christian message. John Calvin comments on the use of “stock of Abraham” to mean that Paul was addressing Jews who took pride in their heritage, yet he points out that the inclusion of God-fearers signifies the gospel’s wider reach. Matthew Henry notes the significance of Paul’s audience, comprising both Jews and devout converts to Judaism, indicating the need for both groups to understand the new covenant in Christ. Modern commentaries, such as the Expositor’s Bible Commentary, also highlight that the speech signifies a key moment where the Christian faith is shown to extend beyond Jewish boundaries.