What does Acts 13:50 mean?

But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. Acts 13:50

Explanation

Acts 13:50 details an event during the missionary journeys of Paul and Barnabas, where they faced opposition in Pisidian Antioch. There, they had been preaching the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. The mention of “the Jews” here refers to a specific group of Jewish individuals in that city who were opposed to Paul and Barnabas’ teachings and influence. These opponents persuaded influential women who were most likely converts or sympathizers to Judaism, along with the city’s leading men, to turn against Paul and Barnabas. The outcome of this influence was a persecution against the missionaries, leading to their expulsion from the region.

This verse implies not only a literal reaction against Paul and Barnabas but also symbolizes the resistance the early Christian movement often faced from established religious groups and social elites. It holds deeper meanings concerning conflict between new and old beliefs, and how social and political pressures can influence religious affairs.

Historical Context

Acts 13:50 takes place within the broader scope of Paul’s first missionary journey (around AD 46-48), specifically when Paul and Barnabas were in Pisidian Antioch. This city was a Roman colony in the region of Galatia in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Antioch was a cultural and economic hub with a diverse population, including a significant Jewish community.

At this time, Christianity was emerging as a distinct faith from Judaism. Early Christian missionaries such as Paul and Barnabas often began their preaching in Jewish synagogues, but their message also resonated with non-Jews (“Gentiles”). This created tension with some Jewish community leaders who felt that the message undermined traditional Jewish laws and threatened the status quo.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse demonstrates several key insights:

• The perception of early Christianity as a disruptive force to the existing Jewish religious structure.
• The exercise of free will in accepting or rejecting the Christian message.
• The inevitable reality of persecution and opposition as part of the Christian experience, which is echoed by Jesus’ own warnings to his disciples that they would face persecution.

Different denominations may draw varying insights from the verse. For instance, Protestant traditions may emphasize the perseverance in faith despite societal pressures, while Catholic interpretations might focus on the apostolic courage of Paul and Barnabas as examples for the faithful.

Practical Applications

Acts 13:50 can be interpreted to offer guidance for contemporary believers:

• The verse encourages resilience and faithfulness in the face of opposition or persecution.
• It serves as a reminder that societal influence and power can be used to sway opinion against what may be just or true, urging discernment in whom to follow or support.
• For modern missionaries and evangelists, the passage reaffirms that rejection and resistance are part of the mission field experience.

Cross-References

• Acts 14:2 – “[But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.]”
• John 15:20 – “[Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.]”
• 2 Timothy 3:12 – “[Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.]”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek language of this verse include:

• Ἰουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi): Usually translated as “Jews,” but contextually implying those specific Jewish individuals opposed to the missionaries.
• σεβόμεναι (sebomenai): Translated as “devout,” indicating that the women spoken of held strong religious convictions.
• ἐπείσθησαν (epeisthēsan): Translated as “stirred up” or “persuaded,” showing the strategy of the opponents to rally others against Paul and Barnabas.
• ἐκδιώκω (ekdiōkō): Meaning “expelled,” which suggests forceful removal or a severe form of rejection.

The interpretation of these terms in context provides a clearer picture of the opposition’s actions and the nature of the women and city leaders involved.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing early Christianity with other ancient religious movements, it’s clear that proselytizing religions often faced opposition. However, unlike some mystery cults or philosophical schools of the time, Christianity actively engaged with and sought converts from different societal strata, challenging existing religious paradigms.

Judaism itself, while being the root of Christian beliefs, did not generally seek converts in the same way, which partly explains the tension between the two groups.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective doesn’t directly apply to interpreting this verse. However, social science might provide insight into the group dynamics at play — how minority movements can threaten majorities and prompt social conflict, the role of influential leaders in shaping public opinion, or the psychological aspects of religious conversion and resistance.

Commentaries

Commentary on Acts 13:50 varies:

• John Calvin interprets the actions of these Jews as being motivated by envy and spite, seeing their religious influence threatened by the successful preaching of the apostles.
• The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary points to the political power wielded by the women mentioned in the verse, indicative of the social structure of the time where certain high-standing women held significant influence.
• Matthew Henry comments on the discouraging nature of persecution but also suggests that such trials often serve to spread the Gospel more widely, as the expelled missionaries move on to new regions.