Bible Strands
Acts 13:16
Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and began to speak: “Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul stands in the synagogue after the leaders request a word of encouragement following the reading of the Law and the Prophets. He addresses both Jewish listeners and God-fearing Gentiles present in the assembly.
The words — κατασείσας (kataseisas) translates literally as "having made a sign" or "having motioned," recording the hand gesture Paul uses to direct attention before speaking.
The thread — The hand motion parallels Peter’s silence-seeking gesture in Acts 12:17, while the address to "Gentiles who fear God" matches the devout group in Acts 10:2 and reappears in Acts 13:26.
Why it lands — The text commands the mixed audience to listen before any theological argument begins, requiring the reader to prioritize auditory attention over immediate response.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
Cross-references
- Acts 12:17 Peter motioned with his hand for silence, and he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Send word to James and to the brothers,” he said, and he left for another place.
- Acts 10:2 He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly.
- Acts 13:26 Brothers, children of Abraham, and you Gentiles who fear God, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.
- Deuteronomy 32:46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to carefully follow all the words of this law.
- 1 Kings 8:40 so that they may fear You all the days they live in the land that You gave to our fathers.
- Psalms 49:1 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all inhabitants of the world,
- Psalms 67:7 God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.
- Psalms 78:1 A Maskil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my instruction; listen to the words of my mouth.
- Psalms 85:9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land.
- Psalms 135:20 O house of Levi, bless the LORD; you who fear the LORD, bless the LORD!