Acts 13:20
New International Version
All this took about 450 years. “After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.

New Living Translation
All this took about 450 years. “After that, God gave them judges to rule until the time of Samuel the prophet.

English Standard Version
All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

Berean Standard Bible
All this took about 450 years. After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.

Berean Literal Bible
in about four hundred and fifty years. And after these things, He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

King James Bible
And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

New King James Version
“After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

New American Standard Bible
After these things He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

NASB 1995
“After these things He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

NASB 1977
“And after these things He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

Legacy Standard Bible
After these things He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

Amplified Bible
After this, He gave them judges until the prophet Samuel.

Berean Annotated Bible
All this took about 450 years. After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel (God has heard) the prophet.

Christian Standard Bible
This all took about 450 years. After this, he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This all took about 450 years. After this, He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

American Standard Version
and after these things he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

Contemporary English Version
All this happened in about 450 years. Then God gave our people judges until the time of the prophet Samuel,

English Revised Version
and after these things he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He did all this in about four hundred and fifty years. "After that he gave his people judges until the time of the prophet Samuel.

Good News Translation
All of this took about 450 years. "After this he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel.

International Standard Version
for about 450 years. "After that, he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel.

NET Bible
All this took about four hundred fifty years. After this he gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.

New Heart English Bible
All this took about four hundred and fifty years. And after these things he gave them judges, until Samuel the prophet.

Webster's Bible Translation
And after that he gave to them judges, about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

Weymouth New Testament
and afterwards He gave them judges down to the time of the Prophet Samuel.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
All this took about 450 years. After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet.

World English Bible
After these things, he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And after these things, about four hundred and fifty years, He gave judges—until Samuel the prophet;

Berean Literal Bible
in about four hundred and fifty years. And after these things, He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

Young's Literal Translation
'And after these things, about four hundred and fifty years, He gave judges -- till Samuel the prophet;

Smith's Literal Translation
And after these, about four hundred and fifty years he gave judges, even to Samuel the prophet.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
As it were, after four hundred and fifty years: and after these things, he gave unto them judges, until Samuel the prophet.

Catholic Public Domain Version
after about four hundred and fifty years. And after these things, he gave them judges, even until the prophet Samuel.

New American Bible
at the end of about four hundred and fifty years. After these things he provided judges up to Samuel [the] prophet.

New Revised Standard Version
for about four hundred fifty years. After that he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And for a period of four hundred and fifty years he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For four hundred fifty years he gave them Judges until Samuel The Prophet.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And after that he gave them judges, for about four hundred and fifty years, till Samuel the prophet.

Godbey New Testament
And after these things he gave them judges, till Samuel the prophet.

Haweis New Testament
And after these things, during a space of about four hundred and fifty years, he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

Mace New Testament
after these transactions, which lasted about four hundred and fifty years, he gave them judges to the time of the prophet Samuel:

Weymouth New Testament
and afterwards He gave them judges down to the time of the Prophet Samuel.

Worrell New Testament
And after these things He gave them judges, until Samuel the prophet.

Worsley New Testament
And after these things, about the space of four hundred and fifty years, He gave them judges till Samuel the prophet.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
In Pisidian Antioch
19And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance. 20All this took about 450 years. After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. 21Then the people asked for a king, and God gave them forty years under Saul son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin.…

Cross References
All this took about 450 years.

Genesis 15:13-16
Then the LORD said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. / But I will judge the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will depart with many possessions. / You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a ripe old age. …

Exodus 12:40-41
Now the duration of the Israelites’ stay in Egypt was 430 years. / At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions went out of the land of Egypt.

1 Kings 6:1
In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD.
After this, God gave them judges

Judges 2:16-19
Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the hands of those who plundered them. / Israel, however, did not listen to their judges. Instead, they prostituted themselves with other gods and bowed down to them. They quickly turned from the way of their fathers, who had walked in obedience to the LORD’s commandments; they did not do as their fathers had done. / Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for the Israelites, He was with that judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies while the judge was still alive; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed them and afflicted them. …

Judges 3:9-11
But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz as a deliverer to save them. / The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge and went out to war. And the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hand of Othniel, who prevailed against him. / So the land had rest for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died.

Judges 10:1-3
After the time of Abimelech, a man of Issachar, Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, rose up to save Israel. He lived in Shamir, in the hill country of Ephraim. / Tola judged Israel twenty-three years, and when he died, he was buried in Shamir. / Tola was followed by Jair the Gileadite, who judged Israel twenty-two years.
until the time of Samuel the prophet.

1 Samuel 3:19-21
And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. / So all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD. / And the LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, because there He revealed Himself to Samuel by His word.

Acts 3:24
Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have proclaimed these days.

1 Samuel 7:15-17
So Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. / Every year he would go on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah, judging Israel in all these places. / Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD.
1 Samuel 12:11
So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely.

Nehemiah 9:27
So You delivered them into the hands of enemies who oppressed them, and in their time of distress they cried out to You. From heaven You heard them, and in Your great compassion You gave them deliverers who saved them from the hands of their enemies.

Hebrews 11:32
And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets,

1 Samuel 3:20
So all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD.

1 Samuel 8:5-6
“Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” / But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD.

1 Samuel 10:1
Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?

1 Samuel 12:13
Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you.


Treasury of Scripture

And after that he gave to them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

he gave.

Judges 2:16
Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.

Judges 3:10
And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.

Ruth 1:1
Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

until.

1 Samuel 3:20
And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.

Jump to Previous
Afterwards End Fifty Four Hundred Judges Prophet Samuel Space Time
Jump to Next
Afterwards End Fifty Four Hundred Judges Prophet Samuel Space Time
Acts 13
1. Paul and Barnabas are chosen to go to the Gentiles.
6. Of Sergius Paulus, and Elymas the sorcerer.
13. Paul preaches at Antioch that Jesus is Christ.
42. The Gentiles believe;
44. but the Jews talked abusively against Paul,
46. whereupon they turn to the Gentiles, of whom many believe.
50. The Jews raise a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, who go to Iconium.












All this took about 450 years.
This phrase refers to the period from the time of the patriarchs, through the Exodus, and into the conquest of Canaan. The 450 years likely includes the time of Israel's sojourn in Egypt, the wilderness wanderings, and the conquest of the Promised Land. This timeline aligns with the broader narrative of Israel's history as recounted in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Genesis through Joshua. The number 450 is significant as it underscores God's long-term faithfulness and patience with His people, despite their repeated disobedience. This period is marked by God's covenantal promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, which is a type of Christ's deliverance of believers from sin.

After this, God gave them judges
The era of the judges was a time when Israel was ruled by leaders raised up by God to deliver them from oppression and lead them back to faithfulness. This period is detailed in the Book of Judges, which describes a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The judges were not kings but were charismatic leaders who acted as military deliverers and spiritual leaders. This time highlights the need for righteous leadership and foreshadows the coming of a perfect judge and king in Jesus Christ. The judges served as types of Christ, each delivering Israel in a manner that pointed to the ultimate deliverance through Jesus.

until the time of Samuel the prophet.
Samuel marks the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. He was the last judge and the first prophet in a new era, anointing the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. Samuel's role as a prophet was crucial in guiding Israel through this transition, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God over the desire for a human king. His life and ministry are recorded in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel. Samuel's prophetic ministry points to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King. Samuel's anointing of David also foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, who would be a descendant of David and fulfill God's promises to establish an everlasting kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Judges
Leaders raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression and to govern them. This period was marked by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.

2. Samuel the Prophet
The last judge of Israel and a significant prophet who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. Samuel played a crucial role in transitioning Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy.

3. Israel
The nation chosen by God, experiencing cycles of faithfulness and rebellion during the time of the judges.

4. God
The sovereign ruler who orchestrates the history of Israel, raising judges to lead His people and ultimately guiding them towards a monarchy.

5. 450 Years
The approximate period from the conquest of Canaan to the establishment of the monarchy, highlighting God's patience and faithfulness despite Israel's repeated failures.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Patience
God orchestrates history according to His divine plan, demonstrating patience with His people despite their repeated failures.

The Cycle of Sin and Redemption
The period of the judges illustrates the human tendency to fall into sin and the need for divine intervention and redemption.

Leadership and Obedience
God raises leaders according to His purpose. Our role is to seek His guidance and obey His appointed leaders.

Transition and Change
The transition from judges to monarchy underlines the importance of adapting to God's evolving plans for His people.

Faithfulness in Uncertainty
Even in times of chaos and uncertainty, God remains faithful. We are called to trust in His timing and provision.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Acts 13:20?

2. How does Acts 13:20 highlight God's sovereignty in appointing judges for Israel?

3. What lessons can we learn from Israel's history of judges in Acts 13:20?

4. How does Acts 13:20 connect to God's covenant promises in the Old Testament?

5. How can we apply the leadership principles from Acts 13:20 in our lives?

6. What does Acts 13:20 teach about God's patience and guidance over centuries?

7. How does Acts 13:20 align with historical records of Israel's judges?

8. Why does Acts 13:20 mention 450 years for the judges' period?

9. What theological significance does the period of judges hold in Acts 13:20?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 13?

11. What guidance does the Bible offer for decision making?

12. What does the Bible teach about lust?

13. Acts 13:19–20: Why does Paul’s recounting of Israel’s history (a 450-year period) seem to conflict with Old Testament timelines?

14. How do we reconcile the setting up of a carved image in Judges 18:31 with the strict prohibition against idolatry found elsewhere in the Old Testament?
What Does Acts 13:20 Mean
All this took about 450 years

Acts 13:17-19 has just traced Israel’s story from the patriarchs through the Exodus, the wilderness, and the conquest of Canaan. Paul then says, “All this took about 450 years.” The span covers:

• About 400 years in Egypt (Genesis 15:13; Exodus 12:40-41)

• 40 years in the wilderness (Numbers 14:33-34; Acts 7:36)

• Roughly 10 years for the conquest and allotment of the land (Joshua 14:7-15; 19:51)

That total—about 450 years—highlights God’s patient, covenant-keeping faithfulness across centuries. He never forgot His promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) and, at exactly the right time, delivered and settled His people.


After this, God gave them judges

Verse 20 continues: “After this, God gave them judges.” The Lord Himself appointed these leaders (Judges 2:16-18), raising them up whenever Israel needed deliverance. Key truths:

• Judges were instruments of God’s mercy, rescuing Israel from oppression (Judges 3:9, 15; 6:14).

• Their appearance followed Israel’s repeated cycle of sin, discipline, repentance, and restoration (Judges 2:11-19).

• Through every cycle, “the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning” (Judges 2:18), underscoring His steadfast love.

Paul’s point is that God’s guidance didn’t stop once the land was secured; He continued to shepherd the nation through Spirit-empowered deliverers (Hebrews 11:32-34).


Until the time of Samuel the prophet

The judges ruled “until the time of Samuel the prophet.” Samuel stands at a turning point:

• Last judge (1 Samuel 7:15)

• Faithful prophet who spoke for God (1 Samuel 3:19-20)

• Priest who interceded for Israel (1 Samuel 7:9)

Under Samuel, Israel moved from tribal rule to monarchy. He anointed Saul (1 Samuel 10:1) and, crucially for Paul’s sermon, David (1 Samuel 16:13). By mentioning Samuel, Paul is steering his listeners toward the Davidic line that culminates in Jesus the Messiah (Acts 13:22-23).


summary

Acts 13:20 compresses almost half a millennium into one sentence to showcase God’s unbroken faithfulness: He formed a people, freed them, settled them, and shepherded them through judges up to Samuel—setting the stage for King David and, ultimately, King Jesus. The verse reminds us that God’s promises are sure, His timing perfect, and His leadership trustworthy from generation to generation.

(20) After that he gave unto them judges . . .--The statement in the text, assigning 450 years to the period of the judges, and apparently reckoning that period from the distribution of the conquered territory, is at variance with that in 1Kings 6:1, which gives 480 years as the period intervening between the Exodus and the building of the temple. The better MSS., however, give a different reading--"He gave their land to them as an inheritance, about 450 years, and after these things he gave unto them judges," the 450 years in this case being referred to the interval between the choice of "our fathers," which may be reckoned from the birth of Isaac (B.C. 1897 according to the received chronology) to the distribution of the conquered country in B.C. 1444. So far as any great discrepancy is concerned, this is a sufficient explanation, but what has been said before as to the general tendency in a discourse of this kind to rest in round numbers, has also to be remembered. (See Note on Acts 7:6.) Josephus (Ant. viii. 3, ? 1) gives 592 years from the Exodus to the building of Solomon's Temple. Of this period sixty-five years were occupied by the wanderings in the wilderness and the conquest under Joshua, eighty-four by the reigns of Saul and David and the first four years of Solomon, leaving 443 years for the period of the Judges. This agrees, it will be seen, sufficiently with the Received text in this passage, but leaves the discrepancy with 1Kings 6:1 unexplained. There would of course, be nothing strange in St. Paul's following the same traditional chronology as Josephus, even where it differed from that of the present Hebrew text of the Old Testament.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[All this took about]
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

450 {}
τετρακοσίοις (tetrakosiois)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5071: Four hundred. Plural from tessares and hekaton; four hundred.

years.
ἔτεσιν (etesin)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2094: A year. Apparently a primary word; a year.

After
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

this,
ταῦτα (tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

[God] gave [them]
ἔδωκεν (edōken)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

judges
κριτὰς (kritas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2923: A judge, magistrate, ruler. From krino; a judge.

until the time
ἕως (heōs)
Preposition
Strong's 2193: A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.

of Samuel
Σαμουὴλ (Samouēl)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4545: Samuel, a Hebrew prophet. Of Hebrew origin; Samuel, an Israelite.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

prophet.
προφήτου (prophētou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4396: From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.


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Acts 13:19
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