Acts 13:47 Meaning and Explanation
“For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul cites the Lord's command that His servant be a light to the Gentiles, bringing salvation to earth's ends.
What Does Acts 13:47 Mean?
Paul grounds his turning to the Gentiles in the Lord's own command, citing the prophecy that His servant would be a light to the Gentiles, carrying salvation to the ends of the earth. The mission to the nations is no improvisation but the fulfillment of what God had long purposed.
From the beginning, God intended His salvation for all peoples. The light was never meant to shine on Israel alone but to reach the farthest corners of the world. Paul sees himself as a servant of this ancient purpose, carrying the saving message outward. The gospel's reach to every nation is the heart of God revealed, and every believer who shares Christ joins in this same commission to be light to those still in darkness.
Acts 13:47 in the Original Language
phos (φῶς), 'light' -- radiance that dispels darkness, here the saving knowledge of God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 13:47
What does Acts 13:47 mean?
Paul cites the Lord's command that His servant be a light to the Gentiles, bringing salvation to earth's ends.