Act 13:46 | NETfull | STEP | Both Paul and Barnabas replied courageously, “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we are turning to the Gentiles.

Acts 13:46

46 Both Paul and Barnabas replied courageously, ^{▼▼ Grk “Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out courageously and said.” The redundancy is removed in the translation and the verb “replied” is used in keeping with the logical sequence of events. The theme of boldness reappears: Acts 4:24–30; 9:27–28.} “It was necessary to speak the word of God ^{▼▼ Grk “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken.” For smoothness and simplicity of English style, the passive construction has been converted to active voice in the translation.} to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy ^{▼▼ Or “and consider yourselves unworthy.”} of eternal life, we ^{▼▼ Grk “behold, we.” In this context ἰδού (idou) is not easily translated into English.} are turning to the Gentiles. ^{▼▼ This turning to the Gentiles would be a shocking rebuke to 1st century Jews who thought they alone were the recipients of the promise.}