Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 13:16

"And Paul stood up, and beckoning with the hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, hearken:" — Acts 13:16 (ASV)

Men of Israel. Jews. The purpose of Paul's discourse was to introduce to them the doctrine that Jesus was the Messiah. To do this, he demonstrated his usual wisdom and skill. To have begun immediately on this subject would likely have provoked their prejudice and rage.

He therefore pursued a line of argument that showed that he was a firm believer in the Scriptures; that he was acquainted with the history and promises of the Old Testament; and that he was not inclined to question the doctrines of their fathers. The passage that had been read, perhaps Deuteronomy 1, had probably provided the occasion for him to pursue this line of thought. By briefly reviewing their history and recounting God's former dealings with them, he showed them that he believed the Scriptures; that a promise of a Messiah had been given; and that he had actually come according to the promise.

You that fear God. Probably proselytes of the gate, who had not yet been circumcised, but who had renounced idolatry and were accustomed to worship with them in their synagogues.

Give audience. Hear.