Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 13:47

"For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee for a light of the Gentiles, That thou shouldest be for salvation unto the uttermost part of the earth." — Acts 13:47 (ASV)

For so, etc. Paul, as usual, appeals to the Scriptures to justify his course. He here appeals to the Old Testament, rather than to the command of the Savior, because the Jews recognized the authority of their own Scriptures, while they would have turned in scorn from the command of Jesus of Nazareth.

I have set thee, etc. I have constituted or appointed you. This passage is found in Isaiah 49:6. That it refers to the Messiah there can be no doubt. From the fortieth chapter of Isaiah to the end of the prophecies, Isaiah had a primary and main reference to the times of the Messiah.

To be a light. See Barnes on John 1:4.

Of the Gentiles. This was in accordance with the uniform doctrines of Isaiah (Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 44:3; 60:3, 5, 16; 61:6, 9; Isaiah 62:2; Isaiah 66:12).

Compare to Romans 15:9-12.

For salvation. To save sinners. Unto the ends of the earth, To all lands; in all nations. See Barnes on Acts 1:8.