People were excited by the preaching of the apostles. A large gathering formed the next week. This response made some Jews jealous (see 4:1–2; 5:17). This was because Paul's ministry was attracting more converts than Judaism (13:43). These Jews made verbal attacks against Paul and his ministry (see 6:8–12; 18:6; 19:9; Matthew 23:13).
Paul responded to the attacks with a bold statement that the jealous Jews had rejected their past opportunities to hear the word of God. Paul would now proclaim the message of salvation to Gentiles, following the Lord's command in Scripture (see Acts 10:34–35). The local Gentiles welcomed the gospel, and many accepted it. They spread the Lord's message throughout the region.