What does Acts 13:44 mean?

Paul and Barnabas are well into their first missionary trip. They had left Syrian Antioch in the north of the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea and traveled the length of the island of Cyprus. From there, they sailed north to the south-central coast of modern-day Asia Minor where Barnabas' cousin, John Mark, left them and returned to Jerusalem. Now, they are in Pisidian Antioch, in the heart of Asia Minor (Acts 13:1–14).

As becomes their custom, Paul and Barnabas started in the Jewish synagogue where the synagogue leader asked them to speak. Following the reading of the Law and Prophets, a sermon was given by someone invited by the hazzan, or synagogue leader. Preaching was not the prerogative of any one group or class of people. Jesus, for example, preached in the Nazareth synagogue (Matthew 13:54). Paul often "proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews" (Acts 13:5). Of course, then as now, those best qualified were preferred, especially those who were educated and well-traveled.

Paul has explained how Jesus is the ultimate Savior God promised He would send through the line of David. Paul's message has intrigued the people—both Jews and God-worshiping Gentiles—who ask him to come the next Sabbath and tell them more (Acts 13:15–42).

Within a week, the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles who heard Paul's message have told friends and family to hear about this Savior. The synagogue leaders apparently agreed to let Paul speak, but when they see how popular the message is, they reject Paul, Barnabas, and Jesus out of envy (Acts 13:45). This, too, becomes a trend, culminating in Paul's arrest by the Romans several years later when devout Jews from just west of Pisidian Antioch accuse him of bringing a Gentile into the temple (Acts 21:27–29).