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Acts 13:48
Verse
Context
A Light for the Gentiles
47For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”48When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.49And the word of the Lord spread throughout that region.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
As many as were ordained to eternal life believed - This text has been most pitifully misunderstood. Many suppose that it simply means that those in that assembly who were fore-ordained; or predestinated by God's decree, to eternal life, believed under the influence of that decree. Now, we should be careful to examine what a word means, before we attempt to fix its meaning. Whatever τεταγμενοι may mean, which is the word we translate ordained, it is neither προτεταγμενοι nor προορισμενοι which the apostle uses, but simply τεταγμενοι, which includes no idea of pre-ordination or pre-destination of any kind. And if it even did, it would be rather hazardous to say that all those who believed at this time were such as actually persevered unto the end, and were saved unto eternal life. But, leaving all these precarious matters, what does the word τεταγμενος mean? The verb ταττω or τασσω signifies to place, set, order, appoint, dispose; hence it has been considered here as implying the disposition or readiness of mind of several persons in the congregation, such as the religious proselytes mentioned Act 13:43, who possessed the reverse of the disposition of those Jews who spake against those things, contradicting and blaspheming, Act 13:45. Though the word in this place has been variously translated, yet, of all the meanings ever put on it, none agrees worse with its nature and known signification than that which represents it as intending those who were predestinated to eternal life: this is no meaning of the term, and should never be applied to it. Let us, without prejudice, consider the scope of the place: the Jews contradicted and blasphemed; the religious proselytes heard attentively, and received the word of life: the one party were utterly indisposed, through their own stubbornness, to receive the Gospel; the others, destitute of prejudice and prepossession, were glad to hear that, in the order of God, the Gentiles were included in the covenant of salvation through Christ Jesus; they, therefore, in this good state and order of mind, believed. Those who seek for the plain meaning of the word will find it here: those who wish to make out a sense, not from the Greek word, its use among the best Greek writers, and the obvious sense of the evangelist, but from their own creed, may continue to puzzle themselves and others; kindle their own fire, compass themselves with sparks, and walk in the light of their own fire, and of the sparks which they have kindled; and, in consequence, lie down in sorrow, having bidden adieu to the true meaning of a passage so very simple, taken in its connection, that one must wonder how it ever came to be misunderstood and misapplied. Those who wish to see more on this verse may consult Hammond, Whitby, Schoettgen, Rosenmuller, Pearce, Sir Norton Knatchbull, and Dodd.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad--to perceive that their accession to Christ was a matter of divine arrangement as well as apostolic effort. and glorified the word of the Lord--by a cordial reception of it. and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed--a very remarkable statement, which cannot, without force, be interpreted of anything lower than this, that a divine ordination to eternal life is the cause, not the effect, of any man's believing.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But they shook off the dust of their feet against them,.... As Christ directed his apostles to do; See Gill on Mat 10:14. And came unto Iconium, a city in Lycaonia; here it is placed both by Ptolomy (c) and Strabo (d); Pliny says (e), that "there was a tetrarchy granted out of Lycaonia, on that part which borders on Galatia, consisting of fourteen cities, the most celebrated city being Iconium.'' It was called by the Syrians , "Ik-ona", which signifies "the bosom of sheep"; the country round about it being famous for feeding great numbers of sheep; and here afterwards was a church of Christ, a bosom for his sheep; it is now in the hands of the Turks, and is called "Conia", or "Cogne". (c) Geograph. l. 5. c. 6. (d) Ib. l. 12. (e) Nat. Hist. l. 5. c. 27.
Acts 13:48
A Light for the Gentiles
47For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”48When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.49And the word of the Lord spread throughout that region.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christ the Center
By David Platt3.3K43:34MAT 16:18MAT 16:24JHN 3:30JHN 6:37JHN 12:32ACT 2:36ACT 11:24ACT 13:48ACT 18:9HEB 13:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing Christ intimately, trusting Him completely, proclaiming Him boldly, and obeying Him sacrificially. It highlights that the church is built on the foundation of Christ and the proclamation of His glory. The call is to lay down our lives for His mission, leading to ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment in Him.
(Genesis) 17 - Noah's House Saved, the World Condemned
By S. Lewis Johnson1.5K54:23NoahGEN 8:22ACT 13:48HEB 11:7REV 7:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of the judgment that will come at the second coming of Jesus Christ. He compares it to the judgment of the Flood, where there was no warning given. The preacher urges the audience to seek refuge in Jesus Christ, who offers atonement for sins and eternal life. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's sin, believing in Christ, and surrendering oneself to Him. The sermon concludes with a prayer for those who have not yet come to know Christ and a reminder of the mysterious impulse of the Holy Spirit in bringing people to faith.
Impact of the Gospel
By Joshua Daniel1.1K28:14ACT 13:48This sermon by Joshua Daniel focuses on the challenges and blessings of persecution for righteousness' sake, emphasizing the need for steadfast faith and dedication to God even in the face of opposition. Through biblical examples like Paul's missionary journey, the message highlights the transformative power of true conversion and the impact of sharing the gospel in various spheres of life. Joshua Daniel encourages believers to prioritize spiritual growth and genuine faith over worldly distractions, urging them to be diligent in their Christian walk and witness.
Pilgrims Problems No. 6 Election
By Willie Mullan1.1K1:00:44ElectionMAT 23:37JHN 3:16ACT 13:48ROM 8:29EPH 1:41TI 4:91PE 1:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a sovereign seizure, which is supported by seven statements found in the New Testament. The first statement is from 1 Peter 1:1, emphasizing the importance of placing faith in the living God. The second statement is from 1 Timothy 4:9, highlighting the reproach that believers may face for trusting in God. The speaker then emphasizes that God is the savior of all men, especially those who believe. The sermon emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit to move in people's hearts and the importance of preaching the Gospel with the power of the Holy Ghost.
Facing Every Challenge
By Jim Cymbala1.0K22:32ChallengeACT 13:1ACT 13:4ACT 13:42ACT 13:48In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for the Spirit of God to fall on the children and for everyone to have a safe journey home. The sermon then focuses on the story of Barnabas and Saul encountering Sergius Paulus, the governor, who wanted to hear the word of God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being open to God's leading and seizing opportunities to share the gospel. The sermon also highlights the significance of ministering to the Lord through praise, worship, and surrender, and how the Holy Spirit can speak to believers through spiritual gifts.
(Acts) to the Jew First
By Brian Brodersen81059:37ACT 13:33ACT 13:38ACT 13:46ACT 13:48In this sermon, Paul addresses a Jewish audience and appeals to their history and scriptures. He emphasizes the resurrection of Jesus as the good news and declares it as the message they bring. Paul summarizes the message by highlighting God's fulfillment of raising Jesus and the witness of many. The sermon is similar to Peter's message on the day of Pentecost, leading some to question if Paul copied Peter, but it is likely a summary of Paul's own preaching.
Joannes Chrysostomus
By John Gill0PredestinationDivine SovereigntyJER 1:5MAT 25:34ACT 13:48ROM 8:29ROM 9:11EPH 1:42TH 2:132TI 1:91PE 1:2REV 17:8John Gill discusses the teachings of Joannes Chrysostomus, emphasizing his belief in the doctrine of eternal predestination. Chrysostom interprets various scriptures to affirm that God has appointed certain individuals to eternal life, highlighting the divine foreknowledge and purpose behind God's choices. He explains that God's election is based on His knowledge of individuals' future actions and faith, illustrating the balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Gill notes that Chrysostom's views align with the understanding that God's decrees are made in accordance with His foreknowledge of grace. This sermon underscores the profound mystery of God's plan for salvation and the assurance it brings to believers.
The Twofoldness of Divine Truth
By Robert Govett0JHN 5:40ACT 2:38ACT 13:40ACT 13:48ACT 16:14ACT 17:11ACT 17:30EPH 1:4PHP 2:122TH 2:13Robert Govett preaches about the twofoldness of truth in the Scripture, emphasizing the harmony of seemingly opposing doctrines found in the Bible. He explores the coexistence of God's sovereignty and man's responsibility, the extent of redemption, the perseverance of the saints, justification by faith or works, the nature of God, the Saviour, worship, means of edification, the Church, the dispensations of God, the Word of God, and the status of men before God. Govett encourages embracing both sides of the truth presented in the Bible, acknowledging the complexity and depth of God's character and His Word.
That They Much Dispose Persons With Their Mouths to Praise and Glorify God, Is No Sign
By Jonathan Edwards01SA 25:16ISA 66:5DAN 3:28MRK 2:12LUK 7:16ACT 4:21ACT 13:48Jonathan Edwards discusses how the mere act of praising and glorifying God with our mouths is not a certain indicator of true religious affections, as even those without grace can exhibit high affections towards God. He emphasizes the importance of examining the heart and motives behind expressions of praise, highlighting that genuine grace goes beyond outward displays of admiration and must be rooted in a transformed heart. Edwards warns against mistaking emotional responses or verbal expressions of gratitude as evidence of true spiritual renewal, citing examples from Scripture where even graceless individuals praised and glorified God fervently.
An Everlasting Task for Arminians
By William Gadsby0ISA 43:11ACT 4:12ACT 13:48ROM 11:6EPH 2:1EPH 2:8PHP 1:62TI 1:9JAS 1:18William Gadsby challenges Mr. Smyth's views on salvation, questioning whether it depends on free will or God's grace. He delves into various aspects of salvation, such as mercy, redemption, regeneration, justification, sanctification, and adoption, to emphasize the importance of understanding the true grounds of salvation. Gadsby urges Smyth to provide a clear answer on what salvation absolutely depends, highlighting the eternal significance of knowing the foundation of one's faith and the danger of building expectations on a false premise.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
As many as were ordained to eternal life believed - This text has been most pitifully misunderstood. Many suppose that it simply means that those in that assembly who were fore-ordained; or predestinated by God's decree, to eternal life, believed under the influence of that decree. Now, we should be careful to examine what a word means, before we attempt to fix its meaning. Whatever τεταγμενοι may mean, which is the word we translate ordained, it is neither προτεταγμενοι nor προορισμενοι which the apostle uses, but simply τεταγμενοι, which includes no idea of pre-ordination or pre-destination of any kind. And if it even did, it would be rather hazardous to say that all those who believed at this time were such as actually persevered unto the end, and were saved unto eternal life. But, leaving all these precarious matters, what does the word τεταγμενος mean? The verb ταττω or τασσω signifies to place, set, order, appoint, dispose; hence it has been considered here as implying the disposition or readiness of mind of several persons in the congregation, such as the religious proselytes mentioned Act 13:43, who possessed the reverse of the disposition of those Jews who spake against those things, contradicting and blaspheming, Act 13:45. Though the word in this place has been variously translated, yet, of all the meanings ever put on it, none agrees worse with its nature and known signification than that which represents it as intending those who were predestinated to eternal life: this is no meaning of the term, and should never be applied to it. Let us, without prejudice, consider the scope of the place: the Jews contradicted and blasphemed; the religious proselytes heard attentively, and received the word of life: the one party were utterly indisposed, through their own stubbornness, to receive the Gospel; the others, destitute of prejudice and prepossession, were glad to hear that, in the order of God, the Gentiles were included in the covenant of salvation through Christ Jesus; they, therefore, in this good state and order of mind, believed. Those who seek for the plain meaning of the word will find it here: those who wish to make out a sense, not from the Greek word, its use among the best Greek writers, and the obvious sense of the evangelist, but from their own creed, may continue to puzzle themselves and others; kindle their own fire, compass themselves with sparks, and walk in the light of their own fire, and of the sparks which they have kindled; and, in consequence, lie down in sorrow, having bidden adieu to the true meaning of a passage so very simple, taken in its connection, that one must wonder how it ever came to be misunderstood and misapplied. Those who wish to see more on this verse may consult Hammond, Whitby, Schoettgen, Rosenmuller, Pearce, Sir Norton Knatchbull, and Dodd.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad--to perceive that their accession to Christ was a matter of divine arrangement as well as apostolic effort. and glorified the word of the Lord--by a cordial reception of it. and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed--a very remarkable statement, which cannot, without force, be interpreted of anything lower than this, that a divine ordination to eternal life is the cause, not the effect, of any man's believing.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But they shook off the dust of their feet against them,.... As Christ directed his apostles to do; See Gill on Mat 10:14. And came unto Iconium, a city in Lycaonia; here it is placed both by Ptolomy (c) and Strabo (d); Pliny says (e), that "there was a tetrarchy granted out of Lycaonia, on that part which borders on Galatia, consisting of fourteen cities, the most celebrated city being Iconium.'' It was called by the Syrians , "Ik-ona", which signifies "the bosom of sheep"; the country round about it being famous for feeding great numbers of sheep; and here afterwards was a church of Christ, a bosom for his sheep; it is now in the hands of the Turks, and is called "Conia", or "Cogne". (c) Geograph. l. 5. c. 6. (d) Ib. l. 12. (e) Nat. Hist. l. 5. c. 27.