King James Version

What Does Acts 13:50 Mean?

Acts 13:50 in the King James Version says “But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against P... — study this verse from Acts chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

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.

52

And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city—This reveals the synagogue's strategic use of social influence. The "devout" (σεβομένας, sebomenas) women were likely God-fearers, Gentile adherents to Judaism who had social standing. Jewish leaders weaponized these influential converts to mobilize civic opposition.

Raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them (ἐπήγειραν διωγμὸν, epēgeiran diōgmon)—The Greek "stirred up" suggests deliberate incitement. This pattern—initial receptivity followed by elite-driven opposition—would mark Paul's ministry throughout Acts. The expulsion from "their coasts" (ὁρίων, horiōn, "borders") was civic banishment, not mere synagogue discipline. Yet this persecution fulfilled Christ's prediction (Matthew 10:23) and scattered the gospel seed further, demonstrating God's sovereignty over even hostile rejection.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pisidian Antioch (not Syrian Antioch) was a Roman colony with significant Jewish and God-fearer populations. Women of status wielded considerable influence in Asia Minor's civic life. Jewish communities often cultivated relationships with elite Gentile sympathizers to gain political leverage. Paul's first missionary journey (AD 47-48) encountered this pattern repeatedly—initial synagogue access, then organized opposition.

Reflection Questions

  1. When the gospel threatens existing power structures, what tactics do opponents use today to "stir up" social opposition?
  2. How does this verse show that persecution can advance rather than hinder God's mission—and how should that shape our response to opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
οἱ1 of 31
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 31

But

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰουδαῖοι3 of 31

the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

παρώτρυναν4 of 31

stirred up

G3951

to urge along, i.e., stimulate (to hostility)

τὰς5 of 31
G3588

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

σεβομένας6 of 31

the devout

G4576

to revere, i.e., adore

γυναῖκας7 of 31

women

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

καὶ8 of 31

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰς9 of 31
G3588

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

εὐσχήμονας10 of 31

honourable

G2158

well-formed, i.e., (figuratively) decorous, noble (in rank)

καὶ11 of 31

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοὺς12 of 31
G3588

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

πρώτους13 of 31

the chief men

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

τῆς14 of 31
G3588

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

πόλεως15 of 31

of the city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

καὶ16 of 31

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπήγειραν17 of 31

raised

G1892

to rouse upon, i.e., (figuratively) to excite against

διωγμὸν18 of 31

persecution

G1375

persecution

ἐπὶ19 of 31

against

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸν20 of 31
G3588

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

Παῦλον21 of 31

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

καὶ22 of 31

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸν23 of 31
G3588

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

Βαρναβᾶν24 of 31

Barnabas

G921

son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite

καὶ25 of 31

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξέβαλον26 of 31

expelled

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῶν27 of 31

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀπὸ28 of 31

out of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν29 of 31
G3588

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

ὁρίων30 of 31

coasts

G3725

a boundary-line, i.e., (by implication) a frontier (region)

αὐτῶν31 of 31

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


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 13:50 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 13:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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