What role did "leading men of the city" play in Acts 13:50? Setting the Scene (Acts 13:44-49) • Paul and Barnabas are in Pisidian Antioch. • After an initial warm reception in the synagogue, almost the whole city gathers the next Sabbath to hear the word of God. • Jealous Jewish leaders contradict and slander the apostles, who then turn openly to the Gentiles. • Many Gentiles rejoice and believe, and “the word of the Lord spread through that whole region” (v. 49). Key Verse “ But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their district.” (Acts 13:50) Who Were the “Leading Men of the City”? • Civic rulers—wealthy, influential magistrates who oversaw the administration of Pisidian Antioch. • Comparable to “city officials” (Acts 17:6), “authorities” (Acts 16:19), and “town clerk” (Acts 19:35) mentioned elsewhere in Acts. • The Greek term (πρώτοι τῆς πόλεως) points to those at the top of the social and political hierarchy—men whose endorsement or opposition carried legal weight. Their Specific Role in Verse 50 • Responded to agitation by unbelieving Jews and prominent “God-fearing women.” • Used civic authority to “stir up persecution” (organize, sanction, and legitimize harassment). • Exercised executive power to “expel” Paul and Barnabas—likely by issuing an official order or leveraging social pressure strong enough to force departure. • Functioned as gatekeepers: when they opposed the apostles, continued ministry inside the city became impossible. Why They Acted • Social Stability: The rapid spread of the gospel threatened established religious and civic order (cf. Acts 16:20-21; 17:6-7). • Political Prudence: Aligning with influential synagogue leaders and elite women preserved their own status. • Spiritual Blindness: Like Herod (Acts 12:1-3) and Gallio (Acts 18:12-17), they became instruments of opposition to the gospel. Luke’s Pattern of Opposition by the Influential • Philippi—“magistrates” beat and imprison Paul and Silas (Acts 16:19-24). • Thessalonica—“city officials” pressured Jason and other believers (Acts 17:5-9). • Corinth—Jews bring Paul before proconsul Gallio (Acts 18:12-17). • Ephesus—civic assembly nearly erupts into violence (Acts 19:23-41). The “leading men” of Pisidian Antioch fit this recurring theme: earthly power often resists the advance of Christ’s kingdom (Psalm 2:1-3). The Larger Story God Was Writing • Opposition spread the gospel farther: Paul and Barnabas moved on to Iconium, carrying the message with them (Acts 13:51-52; 14:1). • God turned hostility into momentum, fulfilling Jesus’ commission to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). • Believers received joy and the Holy Spirit even in persecution (Acts 13:52; Romans 8:35-39). Takeaway for Today • Earthly influencers can hinder or help gospel work, but ultimate authority belongs to Christ (Matthew 28:18). • Hostile civic powers cannot stop God’s mission; they often accelerate it (Philippians 1:12-14). • Like Paul and Barnabas, believers remain faithful, shake the dust off, and keep proclaiming the word wherever the Lord leads next (Acts 13:51-52; 2 Timothy 4:2). |
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