Acts 13:50 reads: "But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts."

This verse captures a significant moment in the Apostle Paul's missionary journey, highlighting the resistance and opposition he faced from the Jewish leaders and prominent citizens. Below is an interpretation and analysis based on insights from public domain commentaries.

Summary of Meaning

In Acts 13:50, we observe:

• Religious Opposition: The mention of "Jews" stirring up trouble denotes a common theme of persecution faced by early Christians, particularly from established religious authorities who saw the new movement as a threat to their traditions and beliefs (Matthew Henry).
• Influence of Women and Leaders: The phrase "devout and honorable women" points to the significant role of women in the early church. Their social standing and influence are emphasized, showing how they could sway public opinion against Paul and Barnabas (Albert Barnes).
• Persecution as a Tool: The action of expelling Paul and Barnabas illustrates the lengths to which the authorities would go to suppress the spread of the Gospel. This aligns with the larger narrative of the early church, where persecution was often a catalyst for growth (Adam Clarke).

Connections to Other Bible Verses

Acts 13:50 establishes several inter-Biblical dialogues and connections. Here are some relevant biblical cross-references:

• Matthew 10:14: "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet." This verse mirrors the rejection and opposition faced by the apostles.
• Acts 8:1: "And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem..." This highlights the ongoing theme of persecution in the early church.
• 1 Peter 5:8: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." This speaks to spiritual vigilance against opposition, akin to that faced in Acts 13:50.
• Galatians 4:29: "But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now." This carries the thematic element of cultural and spiritual conflict.
• 2 Timothy 3:12: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." This warns believers of the inevitable challenges that arise from their faith.
• John 15:20: "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you..." This highlights the expectation of persecution as part of the Christian experience.
• Acts 14:19: "And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead." This depicts the ongoing journey of suffering and its role in the spread of the church.

Thematic Analysis

Several themes arise from Acts 13:50, further elucidating the experience of the early church:

• Persecution and the Preservation of Faith: The resistance Paul and Barnabas experienced serves as a reminder of the challenges believers may encounter, which strengthens their resolve and reliance on God.
• The Role of Community Influencers: The active role of notable figures against the apostles suggests how community dynamics can impact the spread of the Gospel.
• Cultural Tensions: There is a clear conflict of interest as the traditional Jewish faith confronts the new teachings of Christianity, which reflects broader societal changes.

Conclusion

Acts 13:50 encapsulates the trials faced by early Christian missionaries, emphasizing the importance of unwavering faith amidst opposition. Through cross-referencing biblical texts, we gain deeper insight into the narrative, enhancing our understanding of early church dynamics.

For those engaged in a Bible cross-reference study, this verse showcases the significance of the connections between scriptures as seen in the life of Paul and invites further investigation into related themes across the Bible.