On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said. 46 Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
48 The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, 49 and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. 50 The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. 51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 The disciples were filled with joy and the holy Spirit.
As Paul and Barnabas continue their mission in Antioch of Pisidia, nearly the whole city turns out to hear the word of the Lord (v. 44). This sudden popularity provokes jealousy among some of the Jews, who begin contradicting Paul and stirring up opposition (v. 45). This reaction marks a shift in their mission: Paul boldly declares that the word of God was to be spoken first to the Jews, but since they “reject it and condemn [themselves] as unworthy of eternal life,” the apostles will now turn to the Gentiles (v. 46).
This statement echoes Isaiah’s prophecy: “I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth” (Isa. 49:6). Paul’s citation of this passage reflects not only his Christ-centered reading of the Old Testament but also the fulfillment of Jesus’ command to preach to all nations (cf. Matt. 28:19; Luke 24:47). The rejection by some of the Jews does not mean abandonment, but rather the unfolding of God’s universal plan, which was always intended to include all peoples (cf. Rom. 1:16; 11:11-15).
In response, the Gentiles rejoice and glorify God because they were no longer outsiders to God's plan of salvation, but had been welcomed into the covenant promises foretold by the prophets and fulfilled in Christ. Their joy is not merely emotional—it is the fruit of receiving the good news that they, too, are called into communion with God. Luke then adds, “All who were destined for eternal life came to believe” (v. 48), a phrase that affirms the primacy of God’s grace while still preserving human freedom. This does not mean that only a select few are chosen and others excluded, but that those who were open to God's call responded in faith. As Scripture teaches, God “wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4), yet He never forces belief. This moment reflects what Jesus taught: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him” (John 6:44)—a drawing that invites, but does not compel. The Gentiles’ belief is thus a sign of God’s grace at work in receptive hearts, not a predetermined exclusion of others.
However, the success of the mission brings opposition. Influential figures in the city stir up persecution, leading to Paul and Barnabas being expelled (v. 50). As they depart, they perform a symbolic act—shaking the dust from their feet (v. 51). This was a Jewish gesture expressing complete dissociation from those who rejected God (cf. Matt. 10:14; Luke 9:5). It signals that the responsibility for rejection lies with the hearers. Yet the passage ends not in despair but in joy: the disciples “were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit” (v. 52), revealing that they had acted in accordance with God's will, and that rejection by men does not rob one of the peace and presence of God.
Almighty God, may we never be discouraged when the message of salvation is rejected, but filled with joy and the Holy Spirit, carry Your light to all who will receive it. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
O Lord, guide every soul who seeks You
Sources
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: The Pentateuch. Four Courts Press, 2017
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
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