Mixed response brings a turn toward Gentiles

A crowded sabbath, a local turn to Gentiles, and joy that outlasts expulsion

When the Jews are gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles beseech that these words may be preached to them the next sabbath. When the congregation is broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes follow Paul and Barnabas, who persuade them to continue in the grace of God. The next sabbath comes almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. When the Jews see the multitudes, they are filled with envy, speak against those things which are spoken by Paul, and contradict and blaspheme. Then Paul and Barnabas wax bold and say it was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to them; seeing they put it from them and judge themselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, they turn to the Gentiles. The Lord has commanded, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. When the Gentiles hear this, they are glad, glorify the word of the Lord, and as many as are ordained to eternal life believe. The word of the Lord is published throughout all the region. The Jews stir up the devout and honourable women and the chief men of the city, raise persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expel them out of their coasts. They shake off the dust of their feet against them and come unto Iconium. The disciples are filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Jealousy language concerns named opponents in this city. Jews and proselytes also believe and follow. The turn is local and strategic; Paul continues synagogue witness throughout Acts. Isaiah's servant word is Gentile light without erasing Israel. Dust shaken from feet answers this expulsion. It is not a curse on a people. Joy remains with the disciples who stay.