Acts 13:42

"‘Behold, you scoffers! Wonder and perish, for I work a work in your days, a work which you will in no way believe, if one declares it to you.’”"

Key Reflection

In Acts 13:42, the apostles encounter resistance and skepticism from some of the Jewish audience after declaring the message of grace and salvation. The phrase "you scoffers! Wonder and perish" reflects a scathing rebuke aimed at those who reject the gospel with derision. Paul is employing a rhetorical technique common in his writings to challenge the hardness of heart displayed by these unbelievers. The key point is that despite their rejection, the apostles declare that God's work, though unseen by them, will be accomplished during their lifetime—a prophecy fulfilled through the spread and acceptance of Christianity among both Jews and Gentiles.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 42. And when the Jews, etc. There is a great variety in the Mss. on this verse; and in the ancient versions. Griesbach and Knapp read it, "And when they were gone out, they besought them that these words might be spoken," etc. The Syriac reads it, "When they departed from them, they sought from them that these words might be spoken to them on another Sabbath." The Arabic, "Some of the synagogue of the Jews asked of them that they would exhort the Gentiles with them," etc. If these readings be correct, then the meaning is, that some of the Jews exhorted the apostles to proclaim these truths at some other time; particularly to the Gentiles. The MSS.

Related Verses

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