Charles Spurgeon Commentary Acts 13:18

"And for about the time of forty years as a nursing-father bare he them in the wilderness." — Acts 13:18 (ASV)

And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.

It is a continuous history that Paul gives to these people at Antioch, and it brings to their minds the sins of their fathers as well as the grace of their God. These are two things that you and I need always to keep in mind, God's grace and our own sin. Truly, I fear that God has had much provocation from us during our forty years, even as he had with his ancient people. There is much meaning packed away in that sentence, Forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.