What does Acts 13:43 mean?

Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. Acts 13:43

Explanation

Acts 13:43 speaks to the aftermath of a gathering, commonly understood as a meeting or worship service, where Paul and Barnabas have been speaking. The verse indicates that following the break-up of this congregation, many of the attendees, specifically Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) who had converted to Judaism (termed “religious proselytes”), were drawn to Paul and Barnabas. Evidently moved by their preaching, these individuals were engaged in further conversation by Paul and Barnabas, who encouraged them to persist in following the path of God’s grace. This encouragement suggests an urging to remain steadfast in their newfound faith and understanding of the Christian message.

Historical Context

This event occurs during Paul’s first missionary journey which is described in Acts 13-14. The missionary journeys were important in the spread of Christianity beyond the Jewish community to the Gentile world. This particular verse is set in the context of a mission to Pisidian Antioch. Paul and Barnabas had been invited to speak in the synagogue, and Paul delivered a sermon summarizing Jewish history and introducing Jesus as the Messiah. The verse indicates the impact of their teachings, demonstrating early Christian missionary activities and the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Church.

Theological Insights

Various theological interpretations can be drawn from this verse:

• Continuity and Fulfillment: Some theologians argue that the presence of Jews and converted Gentiles together signifies the continuity of God’s plan from Judaism to Christianity, with Jesus as the fulfillment of the Jewish Messianic expectation.

• Grace: Emphasizing grace points to a cornerstone of Christian theology—salvation and a right relationship with God are gifts of grace, not earned by works or adherence to the law.

• Great Commission: Paul and Barnabas’s work aligns with Jesus’ “Great Commission” to spread the Gospel to all nations, reflecting early efforts to fulfill this mandate.

Practical Applications

Acts 13:43 suggests several practical applications for daily life:

• Mentorship: Just as Paul and Barnabas guided the new believers, individuals can mentor others who are new to their faith or any discipline.
• Perseverance in Faith: The encouragement to “continue in the grace of God” can be applied as a call for modern believers to remain steadfast in their spiritual walk, despite challenges.
• Inclusivity: The presence of both Jews and Gentiles implies a message of inclusivity, which can translate into an encouragement towards embracing diversity within religious communities and beyond.

Cross-References

• Acts 11:23 – When he came and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
• Acts 14:22 – Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
• Romans 11:5-6 – Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.

Language Study

A key phrase in this verse is “continue in the grace of God” (Greek: “ἐμμένειν τῇ χάριτι τοῦ Θεοῦ”).

• “ἐμμένειν” (emmenien), translated as “continue,” carries a sense of perseverance and remaining in a state or position.
• “χάριτι” (chariti), meaning “grace,” goes beyond the common understanding of favor to encompass a divine influence upon the heart, often associated with transformation and strength.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The act of proselytes (converts) following new religious leaders and embracing different interpretations of their faith has historical parallels. In various religious traditions, such shifts often occur when a new figure arises, claiming continuity with the old but introducing new insights or revelations, as seen in the transition from Jewish beliefs to Christian ones.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, persuasion through speech, as implied in this verse, can be examined in terms of cognitive psychology and neurology. Research into why some individuals are more persuadable than others, or why certain messages resonate more strongly, may shed light on the dynamics at play in such a congregation.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries provide varied insights on Acts 13:43:

• John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible suggests that the persuasion to continue in God’s grace implies that the believers had truly experienced it, as one cannot continue in something they’ve never had.
• The Pulpit Commentary notes that the Gentiles in this verse were attracted by the universality and freedom of the Gospel as presented by Paul.
• Matthew Henry’s Commentary highlights the diligence of Paul and Barnabas in not only making converts but also taking care to establish them in the faith, reflecting a pattern for ministry.