Acts 13:45

"The next Sabbath, almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of God."

Key Reflection

In Acts 13:45, the gathering of almost the entire city on the Sabbath to hear the preaching of Paul and Barnabas highlights the immediate impact and curiosity surrounding their message. This event underscores the unprecedented nature of such a public assembly in a Jewish context, where religious gatherings typically involved only adherents. The sudden surge in attendance suggests that the proclamation of Christianity was attracting widespread attention and interest, marking a pivotal moment in the spread of the Gospel beyond its initial Jewish community.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 45. They were filled with envy. Greek, zeal. The word here denotes wrath, indignation, that such multitudes should be disposed to hear a message which they rejected, and which threatened to overthrow their religion. Spake against. Opposed the doctrine that Jesus was the Messiah; that the Messiah would be humble, lowly, despised, and put to death, etc. Contradicting. Contradicting the apostles. This was evidently done in their presence, Ac 13:46, and would cause great tumult and disorder. And blaspheming. See Barnes "Mt 9:3". The sense evidently is, that they reproached and vilified Jesus of Nazareth; they spake of him with contempt and scorn.

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