King James Version

What Does Acts 13:49 Mean?

Acts 13:49 in the King James Version says “And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.”

Acts 13:49 · KJV

Context

47

For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

48

And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

49

And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

50

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.

51

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region (διεφέρετο ὁ λόγος τοῦ κυρίου, diephereto ho logos tou kyriou)—the imperfect tense indicates continuous, ongoing spread. The verb diapherō means 'to carry through, spread abroad,' emphasizing active dissemination, not passive diffusion. The word of the Lord (ὁ λόγος τοῦ κυρίου) refers to the gospel message about Christ, the authoritative divine message proclaimed by Paul and Barnabas.

This verse concludes Paul's first missionary sermon in Pisidian Antioch, demonstrating the unstoppable nature of gospel advancement even amid persecution. The Gentiles' eager reception (v. 48) created a missionary movement where new converts became witnesses. This pattern—gospel preached, believed, then spread by believers—became the New Testament model for church expansion, fulfilling Christ's commission that disciples would be His witnesses 'to the ends of the earth' (Acts 1:8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

After being expelled from the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch (around AD 47-48), Paul and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles, who received the message with joy (v. 48). Despite opposition from Jewish leaders (v. 50), the gospel spread throughout the region of Galatia. This established the pattern for Paul's subsequent missionary journeys—synagogue rejection leading to Gentile breakthrough.

Reflection Questions

  1. What practical steps can you take to ensure that the 'word of the Lord' continues spreading through your witness to those around you?
  2. How does the ongoing spread of the gospel despite persecution challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty in evangelism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
διεφέρετο1 of 10

“was published”

G1308

to bear through, i.e., (literally) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e., (objectively) to toss about (figuratively, report); subjectively, to "diffe

δὲ2 of 10

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγος4 of 10

“the word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ5 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου6 of 10

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

δι'7 of 10

“throughout”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ὅλης8 of 10

“all”

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τῆς9 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χώρας10 of 10

“the region”

G5561

room, i.e., a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 13:49 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 13:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 19:10Acts 12:24Acts 6:7Philippians 1:13-14Acts 19:26Acts 9:42

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