Acts 13:44

“And the next sabbath day, etc.] The same which is before called the “sabbath between”, which was between the first and tenth of Tisri, or between the beginning of the year, and the day of atonement: came almost the whole city together. The Syriac and Ethiopic versions leave out the word “almost”, and read, the whole city came together; some out of curiosity, having heard much said of these men and their doctrines, others to cavil and quarrel, and others from a true affection to the Gospel, and an earnest desire of knowing more of it, and of receiving more advantage from it: though the end in all was, to hear the word of God; or “of the Lord”, as the Alexandrian copy; that is, the doctrine of…”

“the next sabbath came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God--the intervening days having been spent in further inquiry and instruction, and the excitement reaching the Gentiles, who now for the first time crowded, along with the usual worshippers, into the synagogue.”

“And the next sabbath-day - This was the regular day for worship, and it was natural that a greater multitude should convene on that day than on the other days of the week. Came almost the whole city - Whether this was in the synagogue is not affirmed; but it is probable that that was the place where the multitude convened. The news of the presence of the apostles, and of their doctrines, had been circulated, doubtless, by the Gentiles who had heard them, and curiosity attracted the multitude to hear them. Compare the notes on Acts 13:7. return to 'Top of Page'”

“13:44-49 The excitement caused by the apostles’ preaching led to a mass turnout on the following week. This response provoked the jealousy of some of the Jews (cp. 4:1-2; 5:17), whose ability to win converts to Judaism (13:43) was being dwarfed by Paul’s ministry. They verbally attacked Paul and his ministry (cp. 6:8-12; 18:6; 19:9; Matt 23:13). Paul met this hostility with a bold declaration that these Jews had had their opportunity to hear the word of God, and that since they had rejected it, the offer of salvation would now be given to the Gentiles (cp. Acts 10:34-35), in accord with the Lord’s command in Scripture. The local Gentiles welcomed the Good News and many responded to it, so…”

“came: Gen 49:10; Psa 110:3; Isa 11:10, Isa 60:8 Acts 13:45”