New Testament
Acts 13:46
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly: "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first. But since you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles.
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Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
What Acts 13:46 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Paul and Barnabas are speaking with courage and clarity. They emphasize that sharing God's message was essential for the people they were addressing. However, the response they received was one of rejection. By turning away from the message, these individuals were essentially deciding they did not want the gift of eternal life. Paul and Barnabas then made a pivotal choice to reach out to the Gentiles instead. This shift highlights the importance of being open to new opportunities and audiences. It also serves as a reminder that everyone has the choice to accept or reject what is offered to them. The boldness of Paul and Barnabas encourages us to stand firm in our beliefs, even when faced with opposition. Their actions demonstrate that the message of hope and life is for everyone, regardless of background or belief. This moment marks a significant turning point in their mission, showcasing the expansive nature of God's love and the importance of sharing it widely.
How to apply Acts 13:46 to your life
Consider how you respond to new ideas or messages in your life. Are you open to exploring different perspectives? Like Paul and Barnabas, be courageous in sharing your beliefs, but also be willing to adapt when faced with resistance. Everyone deserves a chance to hear the message of hope and love, regardless of their background or beliefs. Embrace inclusivity in your interactions with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
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Illustrated scene from Paul's story: A Light for the Gentiles (Acts 13:13–52)
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Paul
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Acts 13:46
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 13:46 mean?
Acts 13:46 highlights Paul and Barnabas's decision to share God's message with the Gentiles after facing rejection from their own people. They emphasize that it was necessary to speak to the Jews first, but their refusal to accept the message led to a shift in focus to include all people.
What does 'judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life' mean in Acts 13:46?
The phrase 'judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life' indicates that by rejecting the message of salvation, the individuals were making a choice that excluded them from the gift of eternal life. It reflects the serious consequences of rejecting God's offer.
How does Acts 13:46 encourage boldness in sharing beliefs?
Acts 13:46 shows Paul and Barnabas speaking boldly despite opposition, encouraging others to stand firm in their beliefs. Their example serves as a reminder that sharing one's faith courageously is important, even when faced with rejection.
What themes are present in Acts 13:46?
Key themes in Acts 13:46 include boldness in proclaiming the message, the rejection of that message, the concept of eternal life, the opportunity to reach new audiences, and the importance of inclusivity in sharing faith.
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