Were the Jews of Act 13:43 Saved?
By Chad Dixon
In Acts 13:43, we read:
"Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God."
This verse describes a pivotal moment in the ministry of Paul and Barnabas as they shared the gospel in Antioch of Pisidia. It also raises an important question: Were the Jews mentioned here saved? Let’s take a closer look at the context and meaning behind this passage.
The Context of Acts 13:43
Paul and Barnabas had been preaching in the synagogue, proclaiming the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Many Jews and Gentile proselytes (non-Jews who had converted to Judaism) were intrigued and drawn to their teaching.
The Jews Response to the Gospel Message
The verse tells us that many of these individuals “followed Paul and Barnabas” and were encouraged “to continue in the grace of God.” This suggests an initial openness to the gospel. Their willingness to engage further indicates they were moved by what they heard, but the phrase “continue in the grace of God” implies either an ongoing journey or a need for perseverance in their newfound faith.
It’s worth noting that the phrase “grace of God” does not indicate “salvation.” For instance, Titus 2:11-12 describes God’s grace as something that precedes salvation, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” In light of this, "to continue in the grace of God" for the Jews in Acts 13:43 means to continue seeking the truth of the gospel account that Paul had just preached, rather than indicating that these individuals were already “saved.”
Salvation According to Scripture
The New Testament outlines clear indicators of salvation that give us assurance that we have eternal life. These include:
Hearing the Word of God: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).
Believing in Jesus as the Son of God: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).
Repenting of Sins: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).
Confessing Faith in Christ: “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9-10).
Being Baptized: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).
When we submit to the whole will of God, it takes out all the guesswork of our soul's eternal destination.
The Journey of Faith
While Acts 13:43 does not explicitly state whether these Jews and proselytes had taken all these steps, it does show that they were open to the message of salvation and willing to follow Paul and Barnabas to learn more.
Paul and Barnabas encouraged these seekers to “continue in the grace of God.” Their spiritual journey was still unfolding, and their openness to the gospel placed them on the pathway to salvation.
Reflection for Us Today
Acts 13:43 is a powerful reminder that salvation involves a response to the gospel and a willingness to follow God’s plan for our lives. As believers, we are called to share the good news and encourage others to submit to the whole will of God. Let us also remember that God’s grace sustains us as we continue to grow in faith and obedience. In 2 Corinthians 9:8 Paul writes, "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." This verse assures us that God's grace not only brings salvation but also empowers us to live lives of faithful service and spiritual growth.
We may not have the power of Paul or the charisma of Barnabas, but we, too, can point others down the pathway of salvation by the grace of God. We can do this through Bible studies with seekers of truth. Romans 1:16 tells us it is "...the power of God to salvation..." Therefore, let's use this powerful gift granted to us by the grace of God to bring others to salvation.