Acts 13:48, commentary and pictures

After the Jews despised the message, thrust the word from them, judged themselves unworthy of everlasting life, and cruelly treated the messengers, Paul and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles in obedience to the Lord's command to be a light to the Gentiles for salvation to the ends of the earth. When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced with gladness and grateful hearts and glorified and honored the word and message of the Lord by believing it. Their joy was because they heard that Christ recognized and accepted them as children of God and that salvation was offered to them.

As many as were ordained and appointed to eternal and everlasting life believed and put their faith in Christ, so the verse illustrates the gospel reaching beyond the Jews to the Gentiles and bringing salvation through faith in Christ. The unbelief and hostility of the Jews did not prevent God's purpose to bring Gentiles into His people and join them to His people like branches grafted into the old olive tree. The verse fulfills the highways-and-hedges call to the marriage supper, for though those first invited rejected the invitation, the wedding was still furnished with guests.

Those who believed praised and glorified God for the light of an intelligent faith and eagerly shared the gospel with others, so the message spread throughout the region. When the synagogues were closed to the apostles, the gospel was preached in homes and public buildings. The verse shows the invitation from the Lord Jesus has come to all classes of people, teaching the need to improve every opportunity to press the invitation that all things are now ready, with joy in heaven over every guest brought in whether high in rank or poor and lowly, and with a work for all who cooperate to carry the message to others.