Charles Ellicott Commentary Acts 13:43

"Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, urged them to continue in the grace of God." — Acts 13:43 (ASV)

When the congregation was broken up.—Better, keeping to the usual rendering, the synagogue. The two preachers withdrew to their inn or lodging, and were followed by many of both classes of their hearers—not, as the Received Text of Acts 13:42 implies, by only one. It is probable, looking to St. Paul’s language in 1 Corinthians 9:6—which can only refer to their joint life at Syrian Antioch or on this journey—that during the week that followed they worked for their maintenance as tent-makers. (See Note on Acts 18:3.) Crafts of this kind were so common in all the towns lying on or near the Taurus mountain range that it would not be difficult for any skilled workman, such as St. Paul, to obtain casual employment.

Persuaded them.—The tense implies that they went on throughout the week—probably after their day’s labour was over—with this work of persuasion.