Acts 13:18 - For a period of about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Acts 13:18" mean?
Acts 13:18, which states "For a period of about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness," is referencing the Israelites' time wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"He": This refers to God. The verse is recounting God's actions on behalf of the Israelites.
"Put up with them": This phrase signifies that God endured or tolerated the Israelites' behavior during their wilderness journey. They were often rebellious, disobedient, and ungrateful despite God's provision and protection. The Greek word translated as "put up with" can carry the sense of patient endurance or even forbearance in the face of provocation.
"In the wilderness": This refers to the geographic area where the Israelites wandered for forty years, primarily the Sinai Peninsula.
"For a period of about forty years": This is the approximate duration of the Israelites' wandering. It was a time of testing, discipline, and preparation for entering the Promised Land. The forty years were a consequence of their lack of faith and refusal to enter Canaan when initially given the opportunity (Numbers 13-14).
In summary, Acts 13:18 means that God patiently endured the Israelites' difficult and often rebellious behavior for approximately forty years as they wandered in the wilderness.
Significance
God's patience and grace: The verse highlights God's immense patience and grace towards a people who were often unfaithful. Despite their repeated failures, God continued to provide for them, guide them, and remain committed to his covenant with them.
The Israelites' failure: It implicitly acknowledges the Israelites' shortcomings and disobedience during this period. Their wandering was a consequence of their lack of faith.
Historical context for the early church: By recounting this historical event, the speaker (Paul in Acts 13) is establishing a connection between the Old Testament and the coming of Jesus. It sets the stage for explaining how Jesus fulfills the promises made to Israel. The Israelites of old are an example of people who received God's provision but failed to follow Him faithfully. The New Testament church had to avoid making the same mistake.
The verse serves as a reminder of God's enduring love and patience, even in the face of human fallibility, and the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God.
Acts 13:18 - For a period of about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.
What does "Acts 13:18" mean?
Acts 13:18, which states "For a period of about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness," is referencing the Israelites' time wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"He": This refers to God. The verse is recounting God's actions on behalf of the Israelites.
"Put up with them": This phrase signifies that God endured or tolerated the Israelites' behavior during their wilderness journey. They were often rebellious, disobedient, and ungrateful despite God's provision and protection. The Greek word translated as "put up with" can carry the sense of patient endurance or even forbearance in the face of provocation.
"In the wilderness": This refers to the geographic area where the Israelites wandered for forty years, primarily the Sinai Peninsula.
"For a period of about forty years": This is the approximate duration of the Israelites' wandering. It was a time of testing, discipline, and preparation for entering the Promised Land. The forty years were a consequence of their lack of faith and refusal to enter Canaan when initially given the opportunity (Numbers 13-14).
In summary, Acts 13:18 means that God patiently endured the Israelites' difficult and often rebellious behavior for approximately forty years as they wandered in the wilderness.
Significance
God's patience and grace: The verse highlights God's immense patience and grace towards a people who were often unfaithful. Despite their repeated failures, God continued to provide for them, guide them, and remain committed to his covenant with them.
The Israelites' failure: It implicitly acknowledges the Israelites' shortcomings and disobedience during this period. Their wandering was a consequence of their lack of faith.
Historical context for the early church: By recounting this historical event, the speaker (Paul in Acts 13) is establishing a connection between the Old Testament and the coming of Jesus. It sets the stage for explaining how Jesus fulfills the promises made to Israel. The Israelites of old are an example of people who received God's provision but failed to follow Him faithfully. The New Testament church had to avoid making the same mistake.
The verse serves as a reminder of God's enduring love and patience, even in the face of human fallibility, and the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God.