S – But the Jews incited the prominent God-fearing women and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their district.

Acts 13:50 CSB

O – Commentary:

Ancient sources report that many prominent women were interested in Judaism (partly because their wealth gave them leisure to consider it, partly because they, unlike men, did not have to face circumcision if they became serious about it, and partly because it did not diminish their status the way it diminished that of men); these women in turn could influence their powerful husbands. (Women appear on only forty percent of tomb inscriptions, yet they comprise fifty percent of proselytes and eighty percent of God-fearers.) Local aristocracies made up a fraction of the population but held great wealth and most of the political power; from them came decurions for the local councils, and their opposition could drive someone out of town. In Pisidian Antioch, these leaders would have been Roman citizens, descendants of the Roman veteran colonists who founded the city, who took great pride in their status. The two leading families of Antioch known to us were the Caristanii and relatives of Sergius Paulus. But the leaders’ authority was only local, and by going to Iconium Paul and Barnabas move out of their jurisdiction.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – The gospel is being shared to Jews and Gentiles.  When the crowds got so large, the leaders became jealous and insecure. It is interesting to see how they tried to quiet the voices of Barnabas and Paul.  They chose the most influential people (male and female) to “move them along.”  We need to pray for our leadership to know and be led by the Spirit of God.  We don’t want them to move it along; we want them to invite him in.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the King of Kings.  We thank you for those you put in leadership over us.  Whether we agree with everything they do is our responsibility.  We pray for them to know you personally and be led by the Holy Spirit in leading us.  May they clearly hear from you in each decision.