Acts 13:46
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.
Acts 13:46 · King James Version
Meaning
Paul and Barnabas were addressing the Jewish audience in Antioch in this passage. They explained that they had initially come to share the word of God with the Jewish people because they believed it was necessary for them to hear it first. However, when the Jewish people rejected the message and showed themselves to be unworthy of receiving the gift of eternal life, Paul and Barnabas decided to turn their attention to the Gentiles. This signifies a shift in their mission from primarily focusing on the Jewish community to spreading the message of salvation to non-Jewish individuals as well. The verse illustrates the importance of sharing the word of God with all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. It also serves as a reminder that God's message is meant for everyone, and those who reject it may miss out on the opportunity for everlasting life.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Acts, Paul and Barnabas boldly proclaim to the Jews that it was necessary for the word of God to be preached to them first. By doing so, they emphasize the importance of sharing the message of salvation with the Jewish community before turning to the Gentiles. The phrase "seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life" conveys the idea that by rejecting the word of God, the Jews were denying themselves the opportunity for eternal life. This serves as a reminder of the responsibility individuals have in responding to the gospel message. The decision to turn to the Gentiles highlights the universal nature of the gospel, extending salvation to all who are willing to receive it. Through a theological interpretation of this verse, we see the significance of sharing God's message with all people, regardless of their background or origins, as well as the importance of responding to the call of salvation with faith and humility.
Acts 13:46 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Paul and Barnabas spake out boldly, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first be spoken to you. Seeing ye thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
World English Bible
Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, and said, “It was necessary that God’s word should be spoken to you first. Since indeed you thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
Douay-Rheims
Then Paul and Barnabas said boldly: To you it behoved us first to speak the word of God: but because you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold we turn to the Gentiles.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Paul and Barnabas spake boldly, and sayde, It was necessarie that the woorde of God shoulde first haue beene spoken vnto you: but seeing yee put it from you, and iudge your selues vnworthie of euerlasting life, loe, we turne to the Gentiles.