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William Barclay · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 13
Barclay - Cyprus was a Roman province, famous for its copper mines and its shipbuilding industry. It was sometimes called Makaria, which means the Happy Isle, because it was held that its climate was so perfect and its resources so varied that it was possible to find everything necessary for a happy life there. Paul never chose an easy way. He and Barnabas preached in Paphos, the capital of the island. Paphos was notorious for its worship of Venus, the goddess of love. Paphos was "a great center for the worship of Aphrodite [Venus].…The greatest festival in Cyprus in honor of Aphrodite was the Aphrodisia, held for three days each spring. It was attended by great crowds not only from all parts of Cyprus but also from surrounding countries....Extensive religious prostitution accompanied [Aphrodite’s] rites at Paphos (The Wycliffe Historical Geography of Bible Lands) THOUGHT - The modern reader needs to be aware that the ancient culture that Paul confronted with the Gospel was not much different from modern day culture where ethics and morals have been largely jettisoned by a significant portion of Americans. And yet the Gospel is still the power of God and is able to penetrate into the darkest of cultures! Below is more detail on the mythological figure Aphrodite (main article on Aphrodite). Wikipedia on Aphrodite and Paphos (See also Sanctuary of Aphrodite Paphia; also article on Aphrodite) - The Greeks agreed that Aphrodite had landed at the site of Paphos when she rose from the sea.[11] According to Pausanias (i. 14), her worship was introduced to Paphos from Syria; but much more probably it was of Phoenician origin. Before it was proved by archaeology it was understood that the cult of Aphrodite had been established before the time of Homer (c. 700 BC), as the grove and altar of Aphrodite at Paphos are mentioned in the Odyssey (viii. 362). Archaeology has established that Cypriots venerated a fertility goddess before the arrival of the Greeks, in a cult that combined Aegean and eastern mainland aspects. Female figurines and charms found in the immediate vicinity date as far back as the early third millennium. The temenos was well established before the first structures were erected in the Late Bronze Age: "There was unbroken continuity of cult from that time until 391 AD when the Roman Emperor Theodosius I outlawed all pagan religions and the sanctuary fell into the ruins in which we find it today."[12] Here the worship of the goddess was centered, not for Cyprus alone, but for the whole Aegean world. The Cinyradae, or descendants of Cinyras, were the chief priests, Greek by name but of Phoenician origin. Their power and authority were very great; but it may be inferred from certain inscriptions that they were controlled by a senate and an assembly of the people. There was also an oracle here.[13] Few cities have ever been so much sung and glorified by the poets.[14] The remains of the vast sanctuary of Aphrodite are still discernible, its circumference marked by huge foundation walls. After its destruction by an earthquake it was rebuilt by Vespasian, on whose coins it is represented, as well as on earlier and later ones, and especially in the style on those of Septimius Severus.[15] From these representations, and from the existing remains, Gustav Friedrich Hetsch, an architect of Copenhagen, has attempted to restore the building.[16][17] (For footnotes see original article in Wikipedia) Acts 13:5 When they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they also had John as their helper (NASB95) KJV Acts 13:5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. in the synagogues of the Jews Acts 14,46; 14:1; 17:1-3,17; 18:4; 19:8 they also had John Acts 12:25; 15:37; Colossians 4:10 as their helper Ex 24:13; 1 Ki 19:3,21; 2 Ki 3:11; Mt 20:26; 2 Ti 4:11 Acts 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL TO THE JEW FIRST When they reached Salamis (see map above, see Wikipedia on Salamis) - Apparently the voyage from Seleucia was without incident (including no storms,etc). One can only imagine what good news the crew members on this vessel must have heard from Barnabas and Saul! We will see when we get to heaven! Note their missionary strategy in this passage - (1) to the cities, (2) to the synagogues (and if they refuse to listen, to the Gentiles) and carrying out ministry as a team (Paul's speech on the Aeropagus in Acts 17 being and exception). William Ramsay on Seleucia to Salamis - As they were able to make the harbour of Salamis, on the south coast, they were not impeded by westerly winds, which commonly blew throughout the summer (see p. 298). With such winds, they would have run for the Cilician coast, and worked along it westward with the aid of land breezes and the current (p. 299), till they could run across to the north coast of Cyprus, as Barnabas had to do on his next journey (if the Periodoi Barnabæ can be trusted). But they probably started on the opening of the sailing season (March 5). (St Paul the Traveller - online - go to page 46) Darrell Bock feels "the account of Paul's ministry has two parts: his journeys (Acts 11-20) and his trials (Acts 21-28)." They began to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews - The imperfect tense indicates they kept proclaiming it over and over! The Word of God is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Why did they go first to the Jewish Synagogues? (1) The Gospel is "power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Ro 1:16+). In Acts 13:46+ the missionaries addressed the Jews stating "It was necessary (obligation) that the Word of God be spoken to you first...." Paul's unremitting concern was for his people (read Ro 9:1-5+, Ro 10:1+). In addition, Peter had already established that the inauguration of the coming Messianic Kingdom was dependent upon Jewish response to the Gospel (Acts 3:19-20+) Jesus Himself had declared to the twelve disciples "“Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; but rather go to the lost (apollumi literally "perishing" in perfect tense = their enduring state/status) sheep of the house of Israel." (Mt 10:5-6). Finally, Jesus Himself promised the Jews that "from now on you will not see Me until (implies they will see Him and will cry out - cf Zech 12:10-14+) you say, ("Baruch ha ba b'shem Adonai,") ‘BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!’” (Mt 23:39). (2) Gentile proselytes (those Gentiles who had been circumcised, baptized, and offered sacrifices) and God-fearing Gentiles (short of full fledged proselytes) would have been in the synagogue (cf Jesus' call to Paul "to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel." Acts 9:15+) And in Acts 26:17+ Jesus had told Paul (I am)."rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you." (3) The Jews would be the most logical initial contacts because they had knowledge of the OT Scriptures, which the missionaries would use in their "apologetic" presentations (see Paul's first recorded sermon in Acts 13:16-22+ in which he gives a "Walk Thru the Bible" Jewish style, i.e., with focus on the OT). Paul's "procedure here is exactly as at Damascus, where he proceeded to preach in the synagogues immediately after his conversion (Acts 9:20+ = "immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”")" (Ramsay) (4) The Abrahamic Covenant had not been nullified - Ge 12:3 "I will bless those who bless you" (This promise of blessing should motivate us to go to our Jewish friends, etc) (5) The law of natural affinity - to his own ethnicity, the Jews. Stanley Toussaint has some additional thoughts to consider (there is some repetition) - It was necessary that the apostles go to the Jews first for a number of reasons. First, the coming of the earthly kingdom depended on Israel's response to the coming of Christ (cf. Mt. 23:39; Ro 11:26). Second, only after Israel rejected the Gospel could Paul devote himself to the Gentiles. Third, the message of Jesus is fundamentally Jewish in that the Old Testament, the Messiah, and the promises are all Jewish. (On "the Jew first," cf. Acts 3:26; Rom. 1:16.) (Bible Knowledge Commentary) Notice also that synagogues is plural indicating there were two or more Jewish synagogues in Salamis. Ramsay writes "There must have been a large Jewish colony in Salamis, with more synagogues than one. Cypriote Jews are often mentioned in Acts 4:36, 11:20, 21:16; and Barnabas himself was a Cypriote." (St Paul the Traveller - online) That they would go first to the Jewish synagogues would prove to be Saul/Paul's pattern for the rest of his ministry, in accord with what he wrote in Romans 1:16 "to the Jew first and also to the Greek." THOUGHT - What a privilege Gentile believers have today to share the Gospel with their Jewish acquaintances! Have you ever shared the Gospel with a Jewish person? Remember Paul's pattern - to the Jew first! Three wonderful ministries with which I have had the privilege of being associated for almost 2 decades are the following (if you do not support any Jewish outreach, you might want to check them out if the Spirit leads) - Chosen People Ministries, The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry and .Jews for Jesus. And to encourage you to reach out (you might be surprised at the reception by your Jewish friend!) watch a few of the Jewish Testimonies - I Met the Messiah - here is one by popular author Joel Rosenberg discussing the first page of his first novel which described the 9-11 attack before it occurred in 2001.) One Caveat - If you share the Gospel with your Jewish friend, be prepared that they may bring up the great Christian reformer Martin Luther's treatment of the Jews and his legacy in Nazi Germany! (See article). Wikipedia - Tradition says that Barnabas preached in Alexandria and Rome, and was stoned to death at Salamis in about AD 61 (ED: WHICH WOULD BE ABOUT 12 YEARS AFTER BARNABAS FIRST VISIT HERE IN ACTS 13).. He is considered the founder of the Church of Cyprus. His bones are believed to be located in the nearby monastery named after him. Synagogues (4864)(sunagoge from sunágo = lead together, assemble together) refers to a group of people “going with one another” (sunago) literally describes a bringing together and eventually, sunagoge came to mean the place where the Jews congregated together. The word was used to designate the buildings other than the Jewish Temple (in Jerusalem) where the Jews also congregated for worship. Historically, the Synagogues originated in the Babylonian captivity after the 586 BC destruction of the temple by Nebuchadnezzar and served as places of worship and instruction. Synagogues should have been (and frequently were) a place of teaching and proclamation of the Gospel (Mt 4:23, 9:35, 12:9, 13:54, Mk 6:2, Lk 4:15, 16, Lk 4:44, 6:6, 13:10, Jn 6:59, 18:20, Acts 9:20 = Paul immediately "began to proclaim Jesus," Acts 13:5 = Paul proclaimed "the word of God," Acts 14:1 = place Paul, et al, spoke and where "a large number of people believed," Acts 17:17, 18:4, 18:19, 19:8 = Paul, et al reasoned with various audiences in synagogues). PAUL'S PATTERN: TO THE JEW FIRST LOCATION REFERENCE Damascus Jerusalem Salamis Pisidian Antioch Iconium Philippi Thessalonica Berea Athens Corinth Ephesus Rome Acts 18:19; 19:8 Messianic commentator Steven Ger adds that "Within every Jewish community was at least one synagogue. In fact, the Jewish population of Salamis was sufficiently extensive to require and sustain several synagogues. The synagogue served as a communal Jewish oasis in the midst of the vast Gentile world, enabling the Jewish community to remain educated in their faith and observant in their practices. In addition, the synagogue also served as a center in which interested Gentiles might investigate Judaism; an environment in which they could, as God-fearers, proselytes of the gate or full proselytes, worship the one true God. The variegated matrix of the first century synagogue would understandably prove fertile soil for responding positively to news of the Jewish messiah. Paul would capitalize on this accessible network of synagogues to strategically propagate the gospel, using the synagogues, city by city, as a strategic bridge to penetrate the Roman world....There is no indication in either Acts or the epistles that Paul viewed following this model as incongruous or incompatible with his calling as the "apostle to the Gentiles." Throughout Paul's missionary career, he first shared the gospel with the Jews and affiliated Gentiles within the synagogue prior to directly approaching the Gentiles. Paul's commitment to this principle was so great that in the event the city's Jewish population was too small to sustain a synagogue, Paul first went instead to the Jewish place of prayer (Acts 16:11-13). It was only after the Jews in the synagogue had staunchly and overtly rejected that gospel that Paul would even attempt a direct approach to the Gentiles, even when, as in Athens, he was aggravated by the Gentiles' overt idolatry (Acts 17:16). In both word and deed, the apostle to the Gentiles was unambiguous in articulating the inherent priority of Jewish evangelism (see Rom. 1:16)." (Acts-Twenty-First Century Commentary) Proclaim (2605)(kataggello from kata = an intensifier, down + aggelos = messenger and aggello = to declare, report) literally means to "declare down". It means to announce, with focus upon the extent to which the announcement or proclamation extends and so to proclaim throughout. It means to declare plainly, openly and loudly! It was used of solemn religious messages. Marvin
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Barclay points out that "These were intensely superstitious times—and most great men, even an intelligent man like Sergius Paulus, kept private wizards, fortune-tellers who dealt in magic and spells. Bar-Jesus, or Elymas—an Arabic word which means the skillful one—saw that if the governor was won for Christianity he would no longer be needed. Paul dealt effectively with him." (Daily Study Bible - Acts) Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence - Sergius was clearly an intelligent man, but just as important, he was understanding and prudent (KJV). Intelligence is the most common translation but I think that "intelligence" is not the most accurate reflection of the original Greek term (sunetos) for it speaks more of one who is wise, understanding, prudent (the KJV translation), able to see the various aspects of a given situation and arrive at the best assessment, one which allows for the best course of action, which is a wonderful outset for the leader of a country, Sergius of course being the ruling authority over the entire island (province) of Cyprus. As a medical doctor I have had the privilege of being around many extremely intelligent men and women (high IQ's), but sadly not all of them manifested a "sunetos" spirit of understanding and prudence in the everyday affairs of life. As further support for the thought that "intelligence" is not the best rendering of sunetos is the fact that the Septuagint uses sunetos to translate the Hebrew word for wise (chakam, cf Ge 41:33, 39, Ex 31:6 where "skillful" = literally a "wise heart"; Dt 1:13, 15 it translates "experienced", etc). In a word Sergius was a man possessing sunesis (understanding). THOUGHT - Many opponents of Christianity make the accusation that the good news of the Gospel is only welcomed by those of lower social class and lower intelligence. Sergius Paulus immediately crushes that ridiculous "straw man" argument! Longnecker notes that "Cyprus was an island of great importance from very early times, being situated on the shipping lanes between Syria, Asia Minor, and Greece. In 57 B.C. it was annexed by Rome from Egypt and in 55 B.C. incorporated into the province of Cilicia. In 27 B.C. it became a separate province governed on behalf of the emperor Augustus by an imperial legate. In 22 B.C. Augustus relinquished its control to the senate, and, like other senatorial provinces, it was administered by a proconsul." (Expositor's Bible Commentary) Intelligence (4908)(sunetos from suniemi = understand) is an adjective describing a person with good sense, one who is wise, one who is able to understand (suniemi = to put together things so to speak and make sense out of them, think of our English "synthesize"), one who is sagacious (acutely insightful and wise; skillful in statecraft or management), one who is prudent (term used in KJV). It is interesting that sunetos in the Septuagint is frequently associated with a trait that is desirable in one who is in a leadership position (e.g., Ge 41:33, 39, Ex 31:6, Dt 1:13, 15, Da 11:33 = "insight," Pr 12:23 for "prudent," etc) which is not surprising as understanding and conduct are an indissoluble unity. The word group of sunetos, suniemi, et al, is also not surprisingly very common in the Septuagint in the Wisdom literature where the focus is on "wisdom" and not on "intelligence" per se. Sunetos - 4x in 4v - Matt. 11:25; Lk. 10:21; Acts 13:7; 1 Co. 1:19 - clever(1), intelligence(1), intelligent(2). The KJV translates all uses with the English word prudent. which I think (as discussed above) better reflects the original meaning of sunetos. Sunetos in the Septuagint - Gen. 41:33; Gen. 41:39; Exod. 31:6; Deut. 1:13; Deut. 1:15; 1 Sam. 16:18; 2 Ki. 11:9; 1 Chr. 15:22; 1 Chr. 27:32; Job 34:10; Job 34:34; Prov. 12:8; Prov. 12:23; Prov. 15:24; Prov. 16:20; Prov. 16:21; Prov. 17:24; Prov. 23:9; Prov. 28:7; Prov. 31:30; Eccl. 9:11; Isa. 3:3; Isa. 5:21; Isa. 19:11; Isa. 29:14; Isa. 32:8; Jer. 4:22; Jer. 9:12; Jer. 18:18; Jer. 49:7; Jer. 50:9; Jer. 50:35; Dan. 1:4; Dan. 6:3; Dan. 11:33; Hos. 14:9 Jack Arnold - Sergius Paulus had all the qualities which are supposed to make people happy, but he was still searching for the truth that brings rest and peace to a troubled soul. The Holy Spirit was operating in a marvelous way. Paul and Barnabas had no idea that they would be able to have a hearing before the governor. However, Sergius Paulus was prepared by the Holy Spirit to hear the gospel and he sent for the missionaries. We can never anticipate how the Holy Spirit is going to work things out. (AMEN!) Sergius Paulus must have known all the Greek and Roman philosophies and been acquainted with the mystery religions of that day, but none of them solved his problem of the heart. Had he reached a state of satisfaction through these philosophies and religions, he would not have hungered for something else. These missionaries appeared before the governor and declared to him “the word of God.” They did not tell the governor stories or jokes or do magic tricks as did Elymas, but they preached the Word of God. (The Blessings, Burdens and Blunders of Missionaries) Ray Stedman on leading of the Holy Spirit - Here is a remarkable example of how the Holy Spirit works. Paul and Barnabas had no idea that they would be able to have a hearing before the governor of the island, the proconsul, the man placed there by the Roman senate and responsible for the control and governance of the whole island. But that man, prompted by the Holy Spirit, though he was a pagan Roman, sent for Paul and Barnabas, and asked them to speak to him the words of truth. You can never anticipate how the Holy Spirit is going to work things out. But Paul and Barnabas came and began to preach to the governor.(Acts 13:1-13 The Strategy Of The Spirit) This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God - In the book Experiencing God, one of Henry Blackaby's main points (at least the one I still recall 15 years later) is to look for where God is acting and determine to join Him! (See summary "Seven Realities for Experiencing God") So how does one determine when God is acting? Luke gives us a beautiful example in this section. Think with me on this -- Sergius Paulus is a rank (and ranking) Roman pagan, and we know from Romans 3:11+ that "there is none who seeks for God," certainly not a man like Sergius Paulus. And yet is summons the missionaries and desires to hear the word of God! This is clearly, unequivocally doing a supernatural work on the stony, uncircumcised heart of this pagan proconsul! And note carefully that the proconsul is not seeking the Word of God because he is a man of intelligence. In fact that even makes this more of a miraculous, supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, for Paul later would write "For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh (LIKE SERGIUS), not many mighty, not many noble (LIKE SERGIUS); 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise (GOD HAS SOVEREIGNLY CHOSEN SERGIUS PAULUS), and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29 so that no man may boast before God." (1 Cor 1:26-29+) THOUGHT - As you go about living your life, do you do so with your senses trained (cf Heb 5:14) to be on the lookout for those lost people (both poor and rich) you encounter in whom God is clearly doing a supernatural work? And then do you boldly join God where He is working? If you begin to live you life with this supernatural, other worldly focus, God's Spirit will bring you into some of the most supernaturally satisfying situations you will ever be blessed to experience in this short life. Summoned (4341)(proskaleo from pros = to + kaleo = to call) is used only in the middle voice and means call to oneself. It is used of the brother of the prodigal son when he "summoned one of the servants" to inquire what was happening in his father's house (Lk 15:26). In Acts 2:39+ proskaleo speaks of the divine (effectual) call to salvation. In Acts 5:40+ the Sanhedrin called (proskaleo) "the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them." In the present context, proskaleo conveys the sense of Barnabas and Saul being called in an official manner by the one in authority. The translation summoned is an accurate reflection of the fact that Sergius Paulus was the man with authority and thus the verb would also include the sense of their being ordered to come to the proconsul's presence. All of Luke's uses of proskaleo Lk. 7:19; Lk. 15:26; Lk. 16:5; Lk. 18:16; Acts 2:39; Acts 5:40; Acts 6:2; Acts 13:2; Acts 13:7; Acts 16:10; Acts 23:17; Acts 23:18; Acts 23:23; Jas. 5:14 John
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Barclay writes that "One of the amazing things about Acts is the heroism that is passed over in a sentence. Pisidian Antioch stood on a plateau 3,600 feet above sea level. To get to it, Paul and Barnabas would have to cross the Taurus range of mountains (ED: THESE WERE NOT JUST LITTLE HILLS - SEE PICTURE) by one of the hardest roads in Asia Minor, a road which was also notorious for robbers and brigands." (Ibid) And on the Sabbath day - From sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday because the Jews counted time from evening to evening, following Genesis 1. Luke does not state that they actually arrived on the Sabbath day, but that on that day they went to the synagogue. Moody Bible Commentary - At Antioch, Paul established a pattern for ministry by preaching first to Jews and then to Gentiles. Paul followed this strategy in every city with a sizeable Jewish population. In Philippi, according to Acts 16:13, it seems Paul was seeking a "place of prayer," probably for Jewish people. So even in Philippi he sought out Jewish people first.
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Barclay - In classical Greek soteria means 'deliverance' or 'preservation'. It can be used for a man's safe return to his own home or his own country after an absence and a journey. It can mean a 'guarantee of safety' or a 'security against danger'. In the papyri by far the commonest meaning of soteria is 'bodily health'. For instance, a member of the family writes home, 'Write me a letter about your soteria,' or, as we would say, 'Let me know how you are.' (New Testament Words) All of Luke's uses of soteria - Lk. 1:69; Lk. 1:71; Lk. 1:77; Lk. 19:9; Jn. 4:22; Acts 4:12; Acts 7:25; Acts 13:26; Acts 13:47; Acts 16:17; Acts 27:34 Robertson on to the end of the earth - It is a long time from Paul to now, not to say from Isaiah to now, and not yet has the gospel been carried to half of the people of earth. God’s people are slow in carrying out God’s plans for salvation. In the original context of Isaiah 49:6 God the Father is addressing God the Son, the Messiah, Who is the One appointed as a Light to the Gentiles (cf Jn 1:9, Jn 8:12) And how does Jesus now get to the Gentiles? How is this prophecy to be fulfilled? Clearly it will be fulfilled as Paul and Barnabas proclaim Christ, the Light of the world, to the Gentiles. God's will was salvation not just for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles. And so in turning to the Gentiles, Paul and Barnabas are obeying the will of God. In one sense all those who have followed after Paul are playing a role in fulfilling this commission from God, as we seek to take the Gospel of salvation to the unreached people groups (see note) who are at the end of the earth. THOUGHT - In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus, the Light of the world, the Light for the Gentiles, gave His followers a command to "Let your light shine (aorist imperative - Do this now! Don't delay! Just do it!) before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven." (Mt 5:16+). This begs the question - Are you letting your light shine? Are you allowing God's Spirit to use you to bring salvation to the end of the earth, either by considering going as a missionary yourself or by supporting those who are going? As
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Barclay - “The Jews saw the heathen as chaff to be burned; Jesus saw them as a harvest to be reaped for God.” And his Church must have a like vision of a world for Christ." The Jews incited the devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city - In the present context presumably the "devout (sebo) women" were God-fearers but if so they were easily influenced by the Jews. These women are in striking contrast to Lydia "a worshiper (sebo) of God," and who was saved by the Gospel as God opened her heart ( Acts 16:14+). Robertson on devout women - The Jews were apparently not numerous in this city as they had only one synagogue, but they had influence with people of prominence, like “the devout women of honourable estate” (tas sebomenas gunaikas tas euschēmonas), the female proselytes of high station, a late use of an old word (euschemon) used about Joseph of Arimathea (Mark 15:43). The rabbis went after these Gentile women who had embraced Judaism (cf. Acts 17:4 = "a number of the leading women" in Thessalonica) as Paul had made an appeal to them. The prominence of women in public life here at Antioch is quite in accord with what we know of conditions in the cities of Asia Minor. “Thus women were appointed under the empire as magistrates, as presidents of the games, and even the Jews elected a woman as Archisynagogos, at least in one instance at Smyrna” (Knowling). In Damascus Josephus (War II. 20, 21) says that a majority of the married women were proselytes. Strabo (VIII. 2) and Juvenal (VI. 542) speak of the addiction of women to the Jewish religion. Incited (3951)(parotruno from pará = intensively + otrúnō = to spur, exhort, urge, incite) means to stir up (as in stirring up a strong emotion against), agitate, arouse, incite. Gilbrant adds that In classical Greek parotrunō means “to urge on.” Among other uses it is found with the idea of stirring up anger and, in medical contexts for example, the use of medicine and fluids to “stimulate” sluggish digestion. The word is absent from the Septuagint. However, the Jewish historian Josephus (Antiquities 7.6.1) used the word in relating how the Ammonite princes stirred up their ruler to spurn King David’s ambassadors Devout (4576)(sebo) refers God-fearers, worshipers of God, unconverted Gentiles who were attracted to the legacy of Israel but did not assume all the obligations of the Jewish law. Friberg adds that sebo is found "only middle in the NT and always of the worship of a deity worship, venerate, adore (MK 7.7); as a religious technical term applied to Gentiles who accepted Judaism's belief in one God and attended the synagogue but did not become Jewish proselytes by undergoing male circumcision." (Analytical Lexicon) Sebo - 10x - devout(1), God-fearing(3), worship(4), worshiper(2). Matt. 15:9; Mk. 7:7; Acts 13:43; Acts 13:50; Acts 16:14; Acts 17:4; Acts 17:17; Acts 18:7; Acts 18:13; Acts 19:27 Prominence (2158)(euschemon from eu = good + scheme = figure, shape, appearance) means comely (in accord with propriety), prominent (having a quality that thrusts itself into attention, conspicuous in position or importance). Respected - Receiving deferential regard. Five uses in the NT - Mk. 15:43; Acts 13:50; Acts 17:12; 1 Co. 7:35; 1 Co. 12:24. Robertson on leading men of the city - Probably city officials (the Duumviri, the Praetors, the First Ten in the Greek Cities of the east) or other “foremost” men, not officials. The rabbis were shrewd enough to reach these men (not proselytes) through the women who were proselytes of distinction And instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas - "they incited a mob against Paul and Barnabas" (NLT) This is likely what Paul mentions in 2 Ti 3:11+ where he describes "persecutions (diogmos) and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch." This persecution (aka "tribulation") would surely serve as an object lesson to the disciples in Iconium when Paul and Barnabas returned for their follow-up visit "strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22+) The disciples would know that Paul and Barnabas were preaching what they had practiced, which always undergirds the sobriety and sincerity of one's sermon message! Instigated (1892)(epegeiro from epi = upon + egeiro = to raise) means to wake up, awaken or arouse and in the only 2 NT uses (Acts 13:50; Acts 14:2) figuratively means to incite, stir up, instigate. Epegeiro is used widely in the Septuagint where it means to “be aroused against someone” or “rise up or revolt against someone.” Epegeiro - 16x in the Septuagint. 1 Sam. 3:12; 1 Sam. 22:8; 2 Sam. 18:31; 2 Sam. 22:49; 1 Chr. 5:26; 2 Chr. 21:16; Isa. 10:26; Isa. 13:17; Isa. 19:2; Isa. 42:13; Isa. 43:14; Jer. 47:7; Amos 6:14; Mic. 5:5; Nah. 1:8; Zech. 9:13; Persecution (1375)(diogmos from dioko = to chase, to pursue) literally refers to a chase or pursuit and figuratively means to put to flight or to pursue with repeated acts of enmity. One can almost picture the scene, as the mob was chasing Paul and Barnabas, who were trying to run and at the same time shake the dust off of their sandals. . Robertson on drove them out - forcible expulsion plainly as public nuisances. Just a few days before they were the heroes of the city and now! (cf Jesus hailed with Hosannas on His "Triumphal Entry" and then only a few days later with cries "Crucify! Crucify!" - Paul was practicing 1 Cor 11:1+!) Larkin comments that "The magistrates banish them from the municipality. Since the magistrates’ tenure was only for a year, the banishment is in effect temporary. Though the church’s battle is for human hearts and minds and its weapons are spiritual, Christians must be prepared to face governmental attempts to restrict their evangelizing activities. Today, with the militant advance of Islam, the revival of traditional religions tied to resurgent nationalism, and secular humanism’s systematic attack on religious faith expressions in public life, Christians have many opportunities to encounter the tactics employed against Paul and Barnabas at Pisidian Antioch." (IVP Commentary - Acts 13:1--21:16 Paul's Missionary Journeys) And drove them out of their district - "and ran them out of town" (NLT). Drove out is ekbállō which pictures them as being thrown out or expelled. It is interesting that in secular Greek ekballo was used to describe "the pushing back of invading enemies, of expulsion from government, and casting out of demons." (Gilbrant) I like those uses for Paul and Barnabas were God's militia-men" invading the domains of darkness, but in this case the power of darkness influenced the Jews, who influenced the Gentiles and served to "push back" further intrusions of the Gospel message (but as we see in Acts 13:52), God's Gospel and God's Spirit, rescued some "from the domain of darkness, and transferred (them) to the kingdom of His beloved Son" (Col 1:13). The Gospel Paul proclaimed opened "their eyes so that they (turned) from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God" to "receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in" Jesus (Acts 26:18). At the end of his life, Paul gives a reminder to Timothy that persecutions were to be expected in ministry but that God provides deliverance... Now you (TIMOTHY) followed (THIS IS A PERFECT "DESCRIPTIVE DEFINITION" OF DISCIPLESHIP) my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch (THE VERY TOWN HE OUT OF WHICH HE IS RUN), at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all (HOW MANY?) the Lord rescued (rhuomai) me! (AND HERE IS A PROMISE NOT FOUND IN MOST COLLECTIONS OF GOD'S PROMISES) Indeed, all (ALL) who desire (THE QUALIFIER - IF YOU DON'T DESIRE TO LIVE GODLY IT IS NOT LIKELY THE UNGODLY WILL PERSECUTE YOU!) to live godly (HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE? ONLY...) in Christ Jesus (IN HIM, IN DEPENDENCE ON HIS SPIRIT) will be persecuted (THE WORD MEANS CHASED LIKE A PACK OF HOUNDS CHASING THE FOX!) (2 Timothy 3:10-12+) Acts 13:51 But they shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. KJV Acts 13:51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. But they shook off the dust Acts 18:6; Matthew 10:14; Mark 6:11; Luke 9:5 Iconium Acts 14:1,19,21; 16:2 Acts 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Pisidian Antioch > Iconium > Lystra > Derbe MISSIONARIES SHAKE DUST CUT COMMUNICATION But - Term of contrast. They shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them - Paul and Barnabas responded just as Jesus had instructed the 12 disciples (Mt 10:5) to preach that the "Kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Mt 10:7), telling them “Whoever does not receive (dechomai = favorable reception - put out the welcome mat for) you, nor heed (akouo - listen and obey) your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet." (Mt 10:14, cf Mk 6:11)