Atos 13
Ray Stedman · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 13
Stedman says "the first recorded sermon of the Apostle Paul. This man has changed the course of world history by the power of his ministry in the Spirit of Christ. He did so by the preaching of the word of truth, and here we have a good example of how he did it. Paul had preached many messages before, but this is the first of which we have a record. It was a very powerful and shattering message. It was preached in a synagogue on a Sabbath morning and it shook a whole city -- so much so that in Acts 13:44+ of this account we read, "The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered together to hear the word of God." That must have been a powerful message. We want to examine it in some detail to see what made it of such impact then, and what elements make it so radical and revolutionary yet today. If you do not think that it is significant today, you probably have never really heard it. This message is not preached as widely as it needs to be today. It is often somewhat difficult for people to hear the gospel presented as it is given in the Scriptures. (Acts 13:13-52 The Radical Word) Larkin observes that Paul "begins with what could be called the Old Testament kerygma: a rehearsal of four key events of God’s gracious promise and liberating fulfillment, together with a declaration of the messianic promise to David (Deut 26:5–10; Josh 24:2–13, 17–18; Ps 68–72; 89:3–4, 19–37)." (IVP Commentary - Acts 13:1--21:16 Paul's Missionary Journeys) John Stott - Luke will later give two samples of Paul’s sermons to Gentiles, that is, to the pagans of Lystra and the philosophers of Athens. But now the whole atmosphere is Jewish. The day is the Sabbath, the venue is the synagogue, the lessons are from the Law and the Prophets, the listeners are “men of Israel”, and the theme is how the God of the people of Israel has brought to Israel the Saviour Jesus, as he promised. Luke is evidently anxious to demonstrate that Paul’s message to the Jews was substantially the same as Peter’s; that Paul did not turn to the Gentiles until after he had offered the gospel to the Jews and been rebuffed; and that, far from being an innovator, Paul was declaring only what God had promised in Scripture and had now fulfilled in Jesus. (Message of Acts) THOUGHT - Do you have the Missionary Mindset? Are you actively looking for opportunities to present the gospel message? Look at how aggressive Paul was – not just relying on friendship evangelism – he found ways to make contact with new groups of people. Getting people to listen to the message is difficult; all we want is a hearing You can’t start out condemning them Jack Arnold adds that "There are three things to notice about this section of Scripture. First, Paul's message is very closely related to Peter's message in Acts 2, which shows that the Apostles preached the same message. Second, Paul's message, in content, greatly parallels the sage of Stephen in Acts 7. When Stephen preached his great sermon, Saul of Tarsus, the zealous, young Pharisee, undoubtedly heard it and never forgot it. As Stephen preached the history of Israel and accused the Jews of putting Messiah to death and also challenged them to repent, Saul was touched because this message cut through all his bigotry and egotism as a Jew. It was because of Stephen's message that Paul was finally converted to Christ. Third, this message is about God's working in history. It is not about some great personality like Hitler, Alexander the Great or Napoleon, but about God and His mighty workings in history through the nation of Israel. History is “HIS-story.” It is God working out His plan in this world to bring about the return of His Son Jesus Christ. (Paul's First Recorded Sermon) Paul stood up - Luke records a similar description of Jesus when "He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read." (Lk 4:16) It is interesting that unlike the case with Paul, there is not record of the synagogue official asking Him to give a word of exhortation! So even as this sermon by Jesus marked the beginning of His ministry in Palestine, in much the same way, Paul's message marks the beginning of his mission to the Gentiles even though it was in a Jewish synagogue. The synagogue clearly had God fearing proselytes. As we shall see, although many Jews responded, the Gentiles were more responsive to his message. Swindoll points out that "This is one of several Pauline sermons described by Luke in the book of Acts (cf. Acts 14:15-17; 17:22-31; 20:18-35). This is not a transcript of the apostle’s address; it’s an annotated outline summarizing his major points. Nevertheless, this discourse is the most detailed of all, providing a fairly complete look at his method of reasoning. He typically began by affirming points of agreement, creating intellectual and theological rapport with his audience. In this case, he alluded to no fewer than twelve Old Testament books as he recounted the story of the Lord’s relationship with the nation of Israel, beginning with the patriarchs. Paul followed the Jewish custom of remembering God’s faithfulness to Israel during difficult times." (Swindoll's Living Insights New Testament Commentary – Acts) Robertson on stood up - The Jewish custom was to sit while speaking (Luke 4:20), but the Greek and Roman was to stand (Acts 17:22)....Paul is the leader now and the more gifted speaker (Acts 14:12+), so that he responds to the courteous invitation of the rulers. And motioning with his hand said - Paul gives an attention commanding gesture and thus calls them to order. This recalls Peter's actions and words in Acts 12:17 "motioning to them with his hand to be silent." Can't you just picture Paul making this gesture to quiet the audience who had no idea regarding the life changing message they were about to hear! A man filled with the Holy Spirit expounding the Holy Word! O, for all pastors to emulate Paul's pattern (even motioning to the congregation with their hand!) One can just see Paul gesticulating throughout the entire message! It is fascinating to watch Jewish speakers as they (like Paul) almost always speak with considerable gesticulation! Here is a background note on the geographical context - Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe were all towns in the region of the Roman province of Galatia (see map and here for map of the Roman province of Galatia in green, see Peter's list of the Roman provinces in 1 Peter 1:1 beginning with Pontus and going clockwise). You are asking "So what is your point?" In his letter to the Galatian churches Paul made an interesting statement - "You know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time." (Galatians 4:13) The implication is that on this first missionary journey Paul was not in perfect health as he preached the Gospel and yet we see no hint of complaints in Luke's record! William M. Ramsay's theory (St. Paul the Traveller and the Roman Citizen) was that Paul suffered from malaria, which he contracted on the lowlands of Perga. Whatever Paul's illness, it is very likely he was not in good health when he ministered in Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Note that this first preaching tour was in the province of Galatia in approximately AD 47-48. This is important to keep in mind because the first recorded letter by Paul was addressed "to the churches (plural) of Galatia" (Gal 1:2+) in approximately AD 49-50. In other words, this important letter dealing with law and grace was addressed to the churches he is preaching to in Acts 13:14 through Acts 14:26. Motioning (2678)(Kataseio from kata = down + seio = to move, shake) means to signal (with the hand), to make a sign or gesture, to motion, to signal. To make a sign by shaking (i. e. rapidly waving) the hand, where Alexander “beckoned” to the mob at Ephesus in his attempt to restore order. (Acts 19:33). Zodhiates - shake violently to and fro, move backward and forward, wave the hand, beckon as a signal for silence and attention. BDAG - to make rapid motions, shake, wave (rapidly) (Acts 19:33). No uses in the Septuagint. Men of Israel - Paul is referring to ethnic Jews. Paul repeats this double address in Acts 13:26, "sons of Abraham’s family, and those among you who fear God," indicating that Paul clearly was conscious of his mission to the Gentiles even when preaching in the Jewish synagogue. In light of that fact, it seems that Paul spoke in Greek not Hebrew and in fact the language he uses in allusions to the OT Scriptures is highly influenced by the Septuagint, which is the Greek version of the OT. And you who fear God - (NIV - you who worship God) Like Cornelius in Acts 10:2. Here Paul is referring to the Gentiles who had become affiliated with the Jews and who revered the God of Israel. (See also note on proselytes - Acts 13:43). That the Gospel was also for the Gentiles (even the God fearers) would have caused some stirring in the audience. In Acts 10:35 Peter had declared that "in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him." The Gentiles who were attending the synagogue had been exposed to the Old Testament passages and thus were prepared for Paul's presentation and arguments (apologetic) regarding Jesus in the Messianic Prophecies. As an aside, Paul was practicing what he would later command his disciple Timothy to practice - Preach (aorist imperative = "Just Do It!") the Word! (2 Ti 4:2+). Puritan Charles Bridges defines fear of God as "that affectionate reverence by which the child of God bends himself humbly and carefully to his Father's law. His wrath is so bitter, and His love so sweet; that hence springs an earnest desire to please Him, and—because of the danger of coming short from his own weakness and temptations—a holy watchfulness and fear, 'that he might not sin against Him." (ED: cf Joseph's attitude in Ge 39:7, 8, 9) NET Note on you who fear God - this is practically a technical term for the category called God-fearers, Gentiles who worshiped the God of Israel and in many cases kept the Mosaic law, but did not take the final step of circumcision necessary to become a proselyte to Judaism. Listen - The aorist imperative means "Just do it!" and calls for the congregation to listen even with a sense of urgency (Today is always "the day of salvation!" - 2 Cor 6:2). What follows is a message some might refer to as an apologetic sermon especially in the section where Paul uses Messianic Prophecy to point to the fact that the OT pointed to and was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ.
Atos 13
Stedman points out that "The thirteenth chapter is a turning point in the book of Acts. It is what Winston Churchill would have called one of the hinges of history. It marks the beginning of the third phase of our Lord's great commission. In the opening chapter of this book, before he ascended into the heavens, he said to his disciples, "You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit is come upon you, and you will be witnesses of me..." (Acts 1:8a RSV). Then he outlined geographically how that witness should proceed, beginning in Jerusalem, then in Judea and Samaria, and finally unto the uttermost parts of the earth. In Chapter 13 we meet the beginning of the last phase, the going unto the uttermost parts of the earth. It is also the beginning of the apostleship of Paul. Up to this time, though he was called to be an apostle when he was first converted on the Damascus road, he has never acted as an apostle. Now, some eleven or twelve years after his conversion, he begins to fulfill the ministry to which he was called as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Perhaps the most important thing about this section is that here is found a revelation of the manner of the leading of the Spirit, how the Spirit of God guides his people. Let us get this before us, for this is of great importance. The first three verses relate the setting for the call of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 13:1-13 The Strategy Of The Spirit) Now (de) - In context "de" indicates transition, continuation or further thought, all descriptions which are apropos here because Herod had just died after the Passover in AD 44 (Acts 12:20-24) and in Acts 12:25 Luke records that "Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, taking along with them John, who was also called Mark." So "NOW" we are in Antioch and at the beginning of the "evangelism explosion" to the Gentiles and the entire world! There were at Antioch (map of ancient Antioch, an engraving of the city) - Recall that Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman Empire and was well-known as a center for pagan idolatry and licentious behavior (NB: idolatry and immorality frequently "traffic together" in the Bible). It was in this "cesspool" that God established His Church to be the base of missionary activity. See detailed description of Antioch in Acts 11 Commentary. Note that this Antioch is in Syria and is not Antioch in Pisidia, which Saul and Barnabas will visit in Acts 13:14+ on the First Missionary Journey. It is interesting to note that at least forty different cities are named in Acts. As Wayne A. Meeks writes “within a decade of the crucifixion of Jesus, the village culture of Palestine had been left behind, and the Greco-Roman city became the dominant environment of the Christian movement” (The First Urban Christians). Warren
Atos 13
Stedman - The Strategy of the Spirit - The missionary call of Barnabas and Saul, recorded in the thirteenth chapter of the book of Acts is replete with practical helps in a problem that bothers many Christians: How to recognize the guidance of God, how to know the directions of life, and to find the will of the Holy Spirit in these matters...Now, I do not know how He spoke. It may have been through a prophetic utterance of one of these prophets as they were gathered together worshipping and ministering, (performing their gifts). Or it may well have been that He spoke as He speaks to many today in what we have learned to call "insistent unanimity," i.e., a deep conviction shared by everyone in the group that the Spirit of God desires a certain thing. This is the way He has led us many times here at Peninsula Bible Church. We have felt a deep, insistent sense that the Spirit was moving in a certain direction, and everyone shared it. Whenever we have had this sense of unanimity we have taken it as the leading of the Holy Spirit, and subsequent events have invariably proved it to be true. This is often the way God works. (ED: I WOULD ADD THIS "INSISTENT UNANIMITY" WAS CATALYZED WITH PRAYER AND FASTING) He spoke to men who were already at work doing what they knew. You can steer a ship or a car if it is moving, but it is very difficult to steer it when it is sitting still. God loves to see people at work at what they know to do, and then He will give them further direction. Notice also two elements of the Spirit's sovereign choice: He chose the men, and He chose the work....They went to Cyprus, landed at Salamis, and began to preach. Obviously they expected God to be with them and to open doors everywhere they went. This is the way the Holy Spirit commonly operates. No one is to wait for orders covering everything he does. Acts 13:1-5 Pray Or Act? By Dave Branon Having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. —Acts 13:3 A missionary comes to your church and says that he needs some short-term help. Do you pray or do you act? The youth pastor says your church needs some new musical instruments for the youth ministry. Do you pray or do you act? A mission needs help in a soup kitchen. Do you pray or do you act? Prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal. It allows us to speak to the Lord and to petition Him directly for guidance and help. But sometimes we can be the answer to our own prayer. Those are the times when we should pray and act. Maybe that missionary’s request can be answered by your willingness to go. Perhaps you can donate a musical instrument. Are you the person God is leading to help in that soup kitchen? In the first century, the good news of Christ was spread by people going out and taking action. That’s why their story is told in a book called The Acts of the Apostles, not The Prayers of the Apostles. We should never downplay prayer, for it is something God commanded us to do. But let’s realize that sometimes we need to back up our prayers with action. —JDB Lord, when I sense Your call to serve, Help me to follow through; I must not simply pray and wait When there is work to do. —Fasick God may want you to be the answer to your own prayer. Acts 13:1-5 Are You Ready? By Dave Branon As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work.” —Acts 13:2 Three months before a planned missions trip, a friend and I were talking about the upcoming event. He said to me, “If anyone can’t go, I’d be willing to step in and join you.” This was not going to be an easy 8 days, for we would be painting, repairing, and fixing stuff in the July heat of Jamaica. Yet my friend seemed eager to go. About 6 weeks before we were scheduled to leave, there was an opening. I e-mailed my friend—whom I hadn’t seen in the interim—and asked if he was still interested. He immediately responded, “Sure! And I got a passport just in case you asked.” He had made sure he was ready—just in case he got the call to go. My friend’s preparation reminds me of what happened back in the first century at Antioch. Paul and Barnabas were among a number of people getting themselves ready spiritually for whatever God might ask them to do, or wherever He might send them. They didn’t prepare by getting a passport, but they “ministered to the Lord and fasted” (Acts 13:2). And when the Holy Spirit said, “Separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work” (v.2), they were all set for the journey. Are you preparing for what God might want you to do? When the Spirit says, “Go,” will you be ready? Keep your tools ready—God will find work for you. Acts 13:1-13 Doing Things God’s Way By Dave Branon Being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. —Acts 13:4 Again and again we hear of groups who claim to be doing things in God’s name yet don’t seem to be truly serving Him. For instance, we see cults rising up—groups that are headed by a leader with personal magnetism, who draws people to himself with promises, claiming to have special knowledge from God. To avoid being carried away by this kind of person, it might be helpful to look closely at the suggestions of Watchman Nee, a Chinese Christian writer. He said God will bless: what He initiates what depends on Him for its success what is done according to His Word what is done for His glory The work of Paul and Barnabas in their first missionary journey met those guidelines. As we read Acts 13, we see that God initiated it (v.2), the people depended on God (v.3), it was done according to the Word of God (v.5), and God received the glory (v.12). Whenever we wonder whether some work we hear about is done with God’s blessing, we need to apply this four-step test. It’s the best way to make sure things are done God’s way, not man’s. They truly lead who lead by love And humbly serve the Lord; Their lives will bear the Spirit’s fruit And magnify His Word. —DJD The only leader worth following is the leader who is following Christ. Acts 13:3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. KJV Acts 13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. when they had fasted and prayed Acts 13:2; 6:6; 8:15-17; 9:17; 14:23; Numbers 27:23; 1 Timothy 4:14; 5:22; 2 Timothy 1:6; 2:2 they sent them away. Acts 14:26; 15:40; Romans 10:15; 3 John 1:6,8 Acts 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE FIRST "OFFICIAL MISSIONARIES" Note the designation "official missionaries" because if you are a believer, you are a "missionary!" Jesus is your Lord, and Gospel propagation is His command (cf Mt 28:18-20). Every Sunday when you go through the "EXIT" sign in your church, you need to imagine that what that sign really says is "You Are Now Entering the Mission Field!" Do you believe that? THOUGHT - Remember that one thing we will no longer be able to do in Heaven is share the Gospel. Today is the day of opportunity presentation of the salvation message to your lost friends, relatives, co-workers, et al. The application is simple and yet sobering - Are you fulfilling His missionary mandate? Will you seize the day of opportunity? Then (5119)(tote) is an adverb that functions as an expression of time. In this context tote means subsequently or soon afterward. In this case the "then" is driven by a "when" referring to their spiritual exercises enabling them to focus their heart and minds on the heart and plan of their Lord Jesus, the Head of the Church. Jesus is Heaven at the right hand of His Father, communicates His mission plans through His Spirit to the Church (then and now!). Jack Arnold - There can never be an effective missionary church unless there is a praying church. The church must pray for God to speak to the congregation about missions, trusting God to pick out and touch some for missionary work. A church is not really missionary minded unless people are being called by God into full-time Christian work. A missionary church prays for the missionaries on the field. Whatever else a missionary church may be, it is first and foremost a praying church which pleads with God for the salvation of souls and the raising of laborers for the reaching of the lost masses in this world. “And seeing the multitudes He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest’” (Matt. 9:36-38). (The First Official Missionaries) Brian Bell - Fasting often makes us more sensitive to the Spirit’s leading When they had fasted and prayed - This refers to a voluntary fast. Having focused first on God and heard from Him, they took action. Their priority of presentation of themselves first to the Lord God reminds me of Paul's exhortation to all believers... Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship (latreuo) (THIS IS AN APT DESCRIPTION OF THE SCENE IN Acts 13:2). And do not be conformed (present imperative with a negative - suschematizo) to this world, but be transformed (present imperative - metamorphoo) by the renewing (anakainosis) of your mind (nous), so that you may prove (dokimazo) what the will of God is (IN THIS CASE TO SEND BARNABAS AND SAUL), that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Ro 12:1+, Ro 12:2+) THOUGHT - The Church at Antioch's prioritization of presentation of themselves to God gives us a wonderful "pattern" which will aid us in discerning the will of God for our life and in His Church. Note the pattern of (1) wholly presented, (2) separated from unholy, (3) transformed today by the Holy Word and Holy Spirit which results in (4) a renewed mind, (5) able now to test and discern what the will of God is in given situations. See discussion on site of "The Will of God." When was the last time you had a significant decision, one of those "crossroads" decisions, and you set aside time to fast and pray? Are you single? Perhaps you need to fast and pray before you enter the marriage covenant with your future spouse! When was the last time your church fasted and prayed over a "crossroads" decision, such as calling a pastor, expanding to another location, etc? It is interesting that there is much disagreement today about whether certain spiritual gifts have ceased in the church (cf What is a cessationist?), and yet one of the greatest "gifts" to the Body is sadly often neglected. Prayer and fasting are as relevant today as they were in the church at Antioch. And laid their hands on them - What a difference a chapter makes! In Acts 12:1+ Herod "laid hands on some who belonged to the church in order to mistreat them." Here the church (presumably the other 3 saints mentioned in Acts 13:1) laid their hands on them to send them off to the Gentiles to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. It is important to note that this act of laying on of hands did not (1) grant the the Holy Spirit for they already had received the Holy Spirit (see Acts 9:17 and Acts 11:24+), nor did it "ordain" them to ministry because they were already actively involved in ministry. Swindoll - Through the “laying on of hands,” the leaders said, in effect, “We endorse you and authorize you to carry out this mission on our behalf; we go with you in spirit as we pray for you here at home.” Luke deliberately ties the action of the church in the laying-on-of-hands ceremony to the commissioning of the Holy Spirit. They are, in fact, complementary acts; one goes with the other. John MacArthur on laid their hands on them - The laying on of hands simply signified (1) identification, (2) confirmation, and (3) unity in their upcoming mission (cf. Nu 8:10; 27:18–23). (Numbering added). Jack Andrews on laid their hands on them - The laying on of hands was a symbolic act of identifying with the believers. It was used in the Old Testament where the worshiper would lay hands on the sacrifice before the animal was sacrificed to the Lord. This laying on of hands in no way conveyed spiritual power or rites to Barnabas and Saul. The believers laid hands on the two men and prayed for them. They were coming together and letting Barnabas and Saul that they were endorsing their ministry, they would support their work, they would pray for their usefulness in service to the Lord Jesus Christ. Johnny Hunt pointed out that, “the laying on of hands was a sign of identification, confirmation, and unification.” When we endorse workers and missionaries from the local church we must pray for them, support them, work with them, encourage them, etc... Jack Arnold - This laying on of hands had no magical powers, but it was merely an expression of the Antiochian Christians with these two men as they started the work of world evangelism. While the leaders (elders) of the local church probably did the actual laying on of hands, this act was representative of the whole body of believers at Antioch. The whole church was involved. They acted as one, identifying themselves with the work of Barnabas and Paul. This was their way of approving the work of these missionaries and indicating that they would be with them in prayer and financial support when necessary. The church sent them out with the unity and harmony of the whole church behind them. These two missionaries knew that the local church was with them and behind them in this new venture of organized missionary work to the ends of the earth. (The First Official Missionaries) David Matthis basically agrees with Jack Andrews writing that "It serves as a means of grace to the candidate in affirming God’s call through the church and in providing a tangible, physical moment to remember when ministry gets hard. It’s also a means of God’s grace to the commissioning leaders, who extend and expand their heart and work through a faithful candidate. And it’s a means of God’s grace to the congregation, and beyond, in clarifying who are the official leaders to whom they will seek to submit to (Hebrews 13:7, 17). And in it all, the giver and blesser is God. He extends and expands the ministry of the leaders. He calls, sustains, and makes fruitful the ministry of the candidate. And he enriches, matures, and catalyzes the congregation to love and good works, to minister to each other, and beyond, served by the teaching, wisdom, and faithful leadership of the newly appointed elder, deacon, or missionary." (Laying on of Hands) Jack Arnold comments - It becomes obvious that the local church at Antioch was the basic unit from which the first organized missionary effort sprang forth. God has ordained the local church as the primary base for missions. These original preachers were not church officials or ordained men, but laymen who had a heart for evangelism....Men cannot call and send missionaries, evangelists or ministers. Theological seminaries and Bible schools cannot call and commission a missionary, evangelist or minister. They can train those who are called, but they cannot force the call of God. To be successful .in the full-time work of the Lord, one must be called of God, separated by the Holy Spirit, commissioned and ordained by God unto the work He has called that person to do. A T
Atos 13
Stedman - There is a blending here of two factors: God's sovereign authoritative choice, and man's necessity to choose within a more limited area. There is first the sending out of these men and the account says they were sent out by the Holy Spirit. It was the Spirit who laid this on their hearts, and created an intense desire within to move out. But then the next phrase reads, "they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus." The Spirit did not tell them to go to Cyprus; that was the choice of Saul and Barnabas. The Spirit told them to move out, but the men decided where to go. This is perfectly proper. Paul and Barnabas were acting on the basis which Paul describes later in the Philippian letter: being confident that the Spirit was not only thrusting them out but was working in them to decide where to go. As Paul put it, "work out your own salvation [solutions] with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his pleasure..." (Philippians 2:12-13 RSV). When they thought over the situation they decided Cyprus would be the logical place to start. They did not wait for the Spirit to point it out on the map; they decided on the basis of the natural contacts they had. You see, Barnabas was from Cyprus and so were the men who started the church at Antioch. They undoubtedly had many contacts there, so that is where they started. But they went with the confidence that God was in that choice. Now that is the way to be led of the Spirit. The Spirit may lay on your heart some need, some ministry, some opportunity that is before you, and you feel impressed to do it, and perhaps others will join you in it. But you do not know quite how to get started. Then, start with what looks like the most natural thing, being confident that God is in you to govern and lead you in your choice, and to bring out of it what he wants. (Acts 13:1-13 The Strategy Of The Spirit) They went down to Seleucia - Here we see the clear juxtaposition of God's sovereignty (Sent out by the Holy Spirit) and Man's Responsibility (The Spirit did not specifically tell them WHERE to go, but with prayer and common sense they chose Cyprus). Thus Saul and Barnabas began the journey of a lifetime by traveling 14-16 miles down the Orontes River (See map of rivers - note the Orontes originates further inland and courses through Antioch to the sea)(Luke does not specify whether by boat or on foot) to catch a ship from Seleucia to the eastern coast of Cyprus, landing at Salamis (click map above). Luke does not describe any specific ministry at Seleucia, but it would be difficult to imagine these men not "redeeming the time" in some way in this city prior to embarking for Cyprus! Jack Arnold adds "This is a beautiful picture of God's sovereignty and man’s responsibility at work. God called and sent the missionaries out, promising them blessing, and the missionaries prayed and went where they felt they had natural contacts, trusting God for blessing." (The Blessings, Burdens and Blunders of Missionaries) And from there they sailed to Cyprus - From Seleucia to Salamis on the eastern coast of Cyprus is 130 miles. Recall that Acts 4:36 Cyprus was the home of "Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas." so they begin their missionary efforts in territory with which Barnabas would be familiar and may have had some ties. The point is that they did not go immediately to areas that would be considered "less hospitable." And as noted below Cyprus had a relatively large Jewish population and established synagogues (Acts 13:5) which would also facilitate the beginning of their missionary efforts. We know from Luke's earlier record that this was not the first time the Gospel had come to Cyprus, but at that time it was only to Jews, not Gentiles So then those who were scattered because of the persecution (In Acts 8:1-3) that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word (Acts 8:4 = "those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.") to no one except to Jews alone. (Acts 11:19). Cyprus is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean, about 90-100 miles long and 60 miles at the widest point making Cyprus the third largest (after Sicily and Sardinia) and third most populous island in the Mediterranean, the two major cities being the seaports of Salamis (chief port) and Paphos (the capital), located 60 miles west of Syria and Lebanon, so close in fact that on a clear day it was visible from Seleucia. Swindoll adds that Cyprus was "Lush with crops and rich with minerals and precious metals, this became a favorite stopover for merchant ships sailing the Mediterranean Sea. Situated just 60 miles off the Syrian coast, it became a refuge for Jews hundreds of years before the birth of Christ. The Apocrypha notes settlements there during the Maccabean Revolt (1 Macc. 15:23), and when Caesar granted copper mines to Herod the Great, more people undoubtedly sought work there. So, it comes as no surprise that several synagogues dotted the island. During the persecution that followed the martyrdom of Stephen, some Christians took refuge on Cyprus (Acts 11:19)....Paphos first became famous when mythology set the city as the first home of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, after she was born from sea foam. When the Romans annexed Cyprus in 58 BC and later made the island its own province, Paphos became the seat of the military government.[" (Ibid) So although there were a number of Jewish synagogues on Cyprus at this time, there was also a significant pagan/idolatrous influence, which of course was no major impediment for the Gospel proclaimed by Barnabas and Saul for inherent in their Gospel message was the power of God (Who is omnipotent! cf Ro 1:16+). We need to remember this basic truth when we preach and teach the Gospel in the culture in America which is increasingly becoming less genuine Christian and more pagan. Indeed, as someone has well said "When the effect of the Gospel is all important in the church, the force of the Gospel is unstoppable in the world." Amen! William
Atos 13
Stedman - Perhaps you have noticed that the introduction is of the same style as Stephen's great message, recorded in the seventh chapter of Acts (Acts 7:1, 2-60+). Stephen had stood before the Sanhedrin, of which Saul of Tarsus was a member, and had recounted the history of Israel in order to try to awaken these stubborn Jews to an understanding of God's love and concern, and of his sovereign direction of their nation. Paul never forgot the power of that message. It had reached to his own heart, had cut through all the bigotry and egotism, and had planted a seed of faith in his heart which was ultimately to result in his conversion. So here he is following the same tactics as Stephen. But notice that, though this introduction is history, it is not history as we usually read it. Most of the history books that I have read center upon certain men -- men who have done certain deeds, either great or foul. Men like Hitler, or George Washington, or Winston Churchill, outstanding personalities, men with what the world calls "charisma" -- they leave their mark upon an age. History, as we usually read it, is a study of the deeds and influence of men, but not this history. You will notice that this history centers on God. It is God who is working. Now, this is history as it ought to be written! If we could read history as it really was, it would read something like this. The apostle points out eleven different instances of what God did: "God... chose our fathers, and made the people great, ... he led them out of Egypt." "God bore with them in the wilderness." "God destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, and gave them their land as an inheritance." "God gave them Judges..." "Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul." "And when he [God] had removed him, he raised up David." And finally, "God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised." It all culminates in the coming of the Lord Jesus Himself. And then he cites John's testimony to the greatness of Jesus. This was a telling blow because, out in the provinces away from Jerusalem, John the Baptist was regarded as a great prophet. But here Paul quotes his testimony to the fact that the One who was coming after him was so great that John himself said he was not worthy to untie His shoe. That is the introduction. The second division is in Verses 26-31. Here you have the timeless facts of the gospel: the ministry, the crucifixion, and the resurrection of Jesus. (Acts 13:13-52 The Radical Word) GOD IS THE GOD OF ISRAEL The God of this people Israel - Note Paul's emphasis on God the Father (chose...made...led) in this verse, a focus which continues through the remainder of the sermon (see following passages for allusions to God the Father). John Stott adds that "Paul’s emphasis is on God’s initiative of grace. For he is the subject of nearly all the verbs." Jack Arnold rightly says that "Because of his knowledge of Israel's history, Paul was able to gain the respect of the Jews he was addressing so they would listen to what he said. Paul did not jump right into the truth that “Jesus Christ is your Messiah” with the Jews. He was very tactful and scholarly and established rapport with his audience before he hit them squarely between the eyes with Christ." This is a good pattern for us as we present the Gospel (Paul's First Recorded Sermon) David Jeremiah wrote that “The ‘big idea’ of Paul’s sermon is the sovereignty of God that God has been, and is, in charge of everything. His audience is Jewish—they know their Bible— and he is going to trace the sovereign actions of God through the history of Israel, culminating in God’s sovereign provision of a Savior—Messiah.” Spurgeon speaking of God's sovereignty once said, “Men love God everywhere but on the throne.” Related Resource: What does it mean that God is sovereign? Chose our fathers - Paul alludes to the patriarchs in Genesis (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and uses "our" to identify with his Jewish audience. They did not chose God. God chose them! Just as God chose the nation of Israel. They did not pick God, but the God of grace (undeserved favor) picked them! Paul then moves to Exodus, as he focuses not on the individual patriarchs but on the entire nation of Israel. He emphasizes Israel's having been chosen by God which would recalls to his Jewish audience the words from the Torah when Moses address the second generation of the nation as they we preparing to enter the "Promised Land"... “For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. 7 “The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8 but because the LORD loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers (ALLUDING TO THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT), the LORD brought you out (OF EGYPT) by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. (Deut 7:6-8) Chose (1586) (eklego from ek = out, out of, out from + légo = select, choose) (see also word study on related word eklektos) means literally to select out, single out or choose out of. The idea in eklego speaks of the sizable number from which the selection is made. It implies the taking of a smaller number out of a larger. For example, in secular use, Virgil's Eclogues (from eklego) are short, selected excerpts taken from a more larger collection of poems. Of course any mention of election or choosing stirs up all manner of emotions in many people. In the context of the present passage note that although Paul uses the verb which is central to the doctrine of election, he is not referring to that doctrine which deals with individuals. He is referring to His election of the nation of Israel, or stated another way to "national election." This clearly does not equate with salvation of the nation of Israel for even in this sermon Paul will explain to them the way of justification when an individual is saved by grace through faith. In addition, eklego means to choose out for oneself, but does not imply rejection of those not chosen. Thus in the present context the selection of Israel is the sovereign act of God of choosing out from among all of mankind a nation for Himself. Luke's uses of eklego - Lk. 6:13; Lk. 9:35; Lk. 10:42; Lk. 14:7; Acts 1:2 ("the apostles whom He had chosen"); Acts 1:24; Acts 6:5; Acts 13:17; Acts 15:7; Acts 15:22; Acts 15:25 And made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt - He is referring to "great" in terms of numerous. Moses explains that "the sons of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly, and multiplied, and became exceedingly mighty, so that the land was filled with them. 8 Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 He said to his people, “Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are more and mightier than we." (Exodus 1:7-9) Notice that made great is more literal in the KJV (CSB, NAB, YLT) = God "exalted" them! He raised the nation of Israel in rank, character, and status, not because they deserved it but because it was His gracious desire to do so. Larkin - Israel knew great blessing during its sojourn in Egypt, for God literally “exalted” them by greatly increasing their numbers (Ex 1:7) (IVP Commentary - Acts 13:1--21:16 Paul's Missionary Journeys) MacArthur on made the people great - The growth of the nation (cf. Ex 12:37) was phenomenal! It grew from 70 men to 603,000 males, 20 years of age and older, thus allowing for a total population of about 2 million (Nu 1:46) departing from Egypt. The seed of Abraham was no longer an extended family, but a nation. The promise that his descendants would be fruitful and multiply (Ge 35:11, 12) had indeed been fulfilled in Egypt. Exalted (5312)(hupsoo from hupsos = height, elevation) means to lift up spatially, to raise high. Figuratively as used by Paul hupsoo describes lifting up to a place of honor, fame, power, or position, thus to exalt as in the KJV. In addition the verb hupsoo is related to "uplifted" (hupselos) used in Paul's next description. THOUGHT - One has to wonder is intentionally using hupsoo to describe the nation's exaltation as a way of preparing for his presentation of Messiah. Why do I say that? Because John used this same verb hupsoo as a reference to the crucifixion in Jn 3:14, Jesus Himself decalring "“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up." (cf similar uses of hupsoo in John 8:28, 12:32, 34. In addition hupsoo in other contexts describes Jesus' ascension to the right hand of His Father's throne in Acts 2:33 "having been exalted to the right hand of God" and in Acts 5:31 "He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." All uses of hupsoo - Matt. 11:23; Matt. 23:12; Lk. 1:52; Lk. 10:15; Lk. 14:11; Lk. 18:14; Jn. 3:14; Jn. 8:28; Jn. 12:32; Jn. 12:34; Acts 2:33; Acts 5:31; Acts 13:17; 2 Co. 11:7; Jas. 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:6 Their stay is more literally their sojourn which describes a temporary stay in a location. And with an uplifted arm He led them out from it (Ex 6:6; Deut 1:31; 26:5, 8)- Notice Paul's emphasis on God's sovereignty by observing his repeated use of the little pronoun "HE" eight times in Acts 13:17-22 - Acts 13:17, 18, 19, 20, 22 (Beginning with a heavy emphasis on God is alway a good way to begin!). Uplifted arm is an anthropomorphism of which points to His power over the nation of Egypt (and their false gods). Notice that Paul does not magnify Moses but the Master! It was God's "uplifted arm" that redeemed Israel out of slavery! Paul is building his case for the Messiah Who, by His body being lifted up on the Cross and then raised from the dead (Acts 13:34), would lead men, Jews and Gentiles, out of their miserable existence as slaves to their harsh taskmaster sin (cf forgiveness of sins - Acts 13:38, 39). So God was the One behind Moses who literally lifted up his arm as when the nation crossed the Red Sea just as directed by God - "As for you (MOSES), lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land." (Ex 14:16). It is notable that Paul does not even mention the name of Moses until Acts 13:39, where he describes the superiority of Jesus the Mediator (1 Ti 2:5) of a better covenant (Heb 8:6).
Atos 13
Stedman says that "Just this last week I read an article written by a very prominent liberal theologian of our day, along with several surveys of religious developments in the country. In every one of them it was pointed out that the gospel was rather hard to define. The liberal theologian said it was almost impossible to define the gospel clearly. Paul did not have any such trouble. To him the gospel was very clear. It consisted of the great acts of God in history -- the coming of the Lord Jesus, his ministry among men, his crucifixion because of the sins of men, and his resurrection as the Scriptures had promised (see 1 Cor 15:1-4+). (Acts 13:13-52 The Radical Word) Brethren - The KJV is more accurate here than most of the modern translations as it has "men and brethren," as both words are present in the Greek text. Brethren (80)(adelphos from a = denotes unity + delphus = a womb) is literally of the same womb and in Jewish usage fellow countryman (Acts 3.22). Paul is giving his Jewish brethren the opportunity to be "First Responders" to the Gospel message. Sons of Abraham's family - Paul appeals to the ethnic heritage of the Jewish audience, a paternity of which they were very proud, making this very claim to Jesus (Jn 8:33, 39). Paul identified himself as a Jew who shared their concerns as Jews. Swindoll writes "He said, in effect, “I am one of you, and I have great news concerning the Messiah we have all anticipated.” He did, however, separate himself from the religious leaders in Jerusalem, accusing them of ignoring the very Scriptures the synagogue had just read aloud and of killing their Messiah (Acts 13:27-28). (Ibid) And those among you who fear God - Gentile God fearers. Paul "flings" open the door of salvation to EVERYONE who would believe the Gospel, not just the Jews. NET Note adds that you who fear God "is practically a technical term for the category called God-fearers, Gentiles who worshiped the God of Israel and in many cases kept the Mosaic law, but did not take the final step of circumcision necessary to become a proselyte to Judaism." Fear (5399)(phobeo) not a shaking fear, but a reverential, respectful fear, a fear of offending or displeasing God. This same verb phobeo is used by Luke recording that "HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM" (Lk 1:50+). To us the message (logos) of this salvation has been sent - The message of this salvation is synonymous with the "the Gospel" which brings salvation and which Paul later described as "the Gospel of your salvation." (Eph 1:13+). William Arnot on the word of this salvation (KJV)- Even in the ordinary experience of life men are saved by words — the words of their fellows. When a blind man avoids a precipice, and turns into a path of safety at the warning voice of a benevolent passenger, he has been saved by words. When the various portions of an army make a combined movement by orders of its chief, they are saved from ruin, and placed in safety, by words. Words, false and meaningless, however reverently they may be received, will not save, and on the other hand, words true and Divine will not save those who despise and neglect them. Salvation (4991)(soteria from soter = Savior in turn from sozo = save, rescue, deliver) describes the rescue or deliverance from danger, destruction and peril. Has been sent (1821)(exapostello from ek = out, forth + apostello = to send away) means sent away or (as in the present context) sent forth (cf Peter understanding that God had "sent forth His angel and rescued" him from jail = Acts 12:11+). Exapostello is the verb used when Jesus promised the Spirit (and spiritual power) to His disciples in Luke 24:49+ declaring "behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed (enduo) with power (dunamis - inherent power to accomplish supernaturally what is impossible to accomplish naturally - same word of Gospel in Ro 1:16+) from on high.” Paul used exapostello explaining to the Galatians (some of whom may have been listening to this sermon in Acts 13!) "when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law." (Gal 4:4). Spurgeon on KJV rendering "To You is the Word of Salvation" - I remember when Mr. Richard Weaver preached at Park Street Chapel, in his younger days, he came down from the pulpit, and ran over the pews to get at the people, that he might speak to them individually, and say, "you," and "you," and "you." I am not nimble enough on my legs to do that, and I do not think I should try it if I were younger: but I wish I could, somehow or another, come to each one of you, and press home these glad tidings of great joy. You, my dear old friend, it means you! You, young woman, over there to the right, it means you! You, dear child, sitting with your grand-mother, it means you! "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Words of Salvation Providentially Sent - Acts 13:26KJV - the word of this salvation sent. A young man in America was once at work upon his farm. He was careless about religion — indeed nobody had ever said a word to him about it; and as he had no Bible and only worldly friends, there seemed little chance of his ever hearing of Christ and salvation, and of heaven and hell. On this particular day, it was a bright morning in early summer, he had to take his cart, drawn by oxen, along the high road. He was thinking of nothing except his daily work and his daffy bread. A gentle breeze was blowing, and as he went along it stirred a little piece of paper which had been lying by the roadside, so that it fluttered in front of him. But on went the young man, the oxen and the cart, all the same. When he had gone a short way farther, however, a thought came over him, "I wonder what that bit of paper was — I've a great mind to go back and see." And, stopping his team, he did go back. He picked it up and read it as he walked along. It was a leaf out of the Bible. The summer passed away with its flowers and sunshine, and the corn grew ripe, and was gathered into the garner; there was another harvest, too, standing ready for the sickle. The young man who had found the leaf lay upon a sick and dying bed. A sore disease had smitten him, and his parents knew there was no hope of his life. They were stricken with grief, but he — oh, he was rejoicing! And now his lips were open to tell them what he had never told before. The leaf out of the Bible had brought to him first the sense of sin and then the knowledge of a Saviour. He sought for a whole Bible, and ever since it had been his constant companion, and now, though called almost suddenly away from life with all its happiness, he knew whom he had believed, and he was ready. He had an anchor, sure and steadfast, for the Lamb that was slain to take away sin had taken away his sin. And without a doubt or a fear he entered into rest. Acts 13:27 "For those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers, recognizing neither Him nor the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning Him. (NASB95) KJV Acts 13:27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. For those who live in Jerusalem Acts 3:17; Lk 22:34; Jn 8:28; 15:21; 16:3; Ro 11:8-10,25; 1 Cor 2:8; 2 Cor 3:14; 4:4; 1 Ti 1:13 nor the utterances of the prophets Mt 22:29; Lk 24:25-27,44,45 which are read every Sabbath Acts 13:14,15; 15:21 fulfilled these by condemning Him Acts 26:22,23; 28:23; Ge 50:20; Mt 26:54-56; Lk 24:20,24; Jn 19:28-30; Jn 19:36,37 Acts 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE HEART OF THE PROBLEM: FAILURE TO RECOGNIZE MESSIAH Paul gives two reasons why the Jews rejected Jesus as their Messiah - (1) They did not recognize Him and (2) they did not recognize the fact that their own prophets had described Him. For those who live (katoikeo) in Jerusalem, and their rulers - The Jews in Jerusalem and their rulers, especially their religious leaders. For example, in Luke 23:35 as "the people stood by, looking on....even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.” Their spiritual eyes were blinded to the truth that Jesus was their Messiah. Rulers (758)(archon from present participle of archo = to rule) describes one who has eminence in a ruling capacity, Jewish leaders (Acts 23:5 = reference to the high priest, Lk 8:41 = "an official of the synagogue;" Mt 9:18, 23 = ruler over a synagogue), members of the Sanhedrin (Lk 18:18, 23:13, 35, 24:20) John 1:11 speaks of Jesus' rejection by His people "He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him." Ray Stedman - Just last week a man said to me, "How is it, if Jesus was the Messiah predicted by the Old Testament Scriptures, and if he fulfilled these when he came, that the Jews did not recognize him when he came?" Paul gives the answer. There were two reasons, he says: First, they did not recognize him, i.e., they did not pay attention to him. They did not really see Jesus. They were misled by superficialities about him. They looked at his trade, his background, and saw that he was but a carpenter's son. They saw that he had no money and no influence or standing in society. They saw that he had no prestige. He had never been to school, had been taught at no great scholar's feet, and so they wrote him off and paid no attention to him. They did not hear his words, and they did not see his miracles -- or, if they did, they immediately forgot them. They put no stock in them. And thus he lived the most magnificent life that had ever been lived before men, but his contemporaries never saw it. They did not recognize him. A lot of people are blind in that way today, like the Jews, because of the second reason: They did not understand the Scriptures. Here were people who had heard the utterances of the prophets every Saturday, read to them in the synagogue. They knew many of them by heart, but they did not understand them. The reason they did not understand is that they never asked any questions. They did not take them seriously. The reading of the Scriptures had become just a religious rite, a perfunctory performance gone through automatically every Sabbath. People went and did their thing in synagogue, and then went home again. That was all there was to it. And there are people like that in church today. But, you see, that was the reason why they missed the coming of the Son of God and did not recognize Him as the Messiah: They did not understand their own Scriptures. And so, as Paul says, they fulfilled the prophecies by condemning Him and turning Him over to Pilate. (Acts 13:13-52 The Radical Word) Recognizing neither Him - They did not recognize Jesus as the one the prophets had spoken about. Paul echoes the words of Jesus Who said "while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand," (Mt 13:13) which is what Isaiah had prophesied would occur (Isaiah 6:9-10). Isaiah 42:20 says "You have seen many things, but you do not observe them; Your ears are open, but none hears." Steven
Atos 13
Stedman explains what it means to be justified - Most people think it means to have your sins forgiven. It does mean that, but it means a great deal more than that. Justification means to have your sins forgiven in such a way that God's honor and integrity are preserved by it. Let me use a term which explains this very well and yet is not theological. I served in the Navy for two years and then was honorably discharged. When I was discharged it meant that I was separated from the Navy. They were through with me, and I was through with them. They had no further claim on me, nor I any relationship to them. But what I liked about it was the word "honorable." It was an honorable discharge. I could freely show my discharge papers to anyone. There was no blot on my discharge, no stain. As far as the Navy was concerned I had behaved well (there were some things they didn't know) and was honorably discharged. But I knew certain men in the Navy, because I worked in the legal office, who were dishonorably discharged. They were just as separate from the Navy as I. The Navy was just as through with them as it was with me. But, there was a blot on their discharge, a stain on it. They did not like to show their discharge papers to anyone. In fact, it could even affect their employment to have others see that they were dishonorably discharged. So what Paul is really saying here is that -- if you merely had your sins forgiven, if God forgave in the way that most people think He does: i.e., you just come to Him, and He is such a great, loving God that He says, "Oh, forget about it, that's all right, don't worry about it; you're such a great fellow and I love you so much that I'm just going to ignore it" -- if that were the case, then God's honor would be impugned. His character would be defiled by that kind of forgiveness. He could no longer be regarded as the God of justice and truth; He would be a partaker in my sins and yours. But God has found a way, through Jesus, to lay the guilt of our life and heart upon His own Son. Thus He can preserve His honor and character and integrity while at the same time He is rendered free to show His whole love to us. That is justification. You see, because of the cross, nobody will ever be able to point to God and say, "Oh, you let people off who are guilty!" In the cross of Jesus, God poured out all His justice upon Him. And in that cross, in the agony and the anguish of it, the world can see a picture of how faithfully God does obey His own laws, and does carry out justice to the nth degree. And yet, the wonder of it is that, because of it, God's love is freed to be poured out to us. Therefore the result of justification is full acceptance. If you accept the death of the Lord Jesus on your behalf, and His life is given to you, you are justified from all things. Is that not a great word? It means that God's unqualified love is poured out toward you. There is no rejection whatsoever, for any cause. And that love begins to heal all your scars and hurt and anguish, and you start becoming a whole person -- on the basis of being justified by faith. You know, that is incredible to people! Again and again I run across people who shake their heads and say, "That can't be, I've got to do something. The only way God can find me acceptable is that I must make myself acceptable." But it will never be that way. No one can ever make themselves acceptable to God by trying to live a good life. I said that this morning (in the 8:30 a.m. service), just as I am saying it now. At the end of the service a young man came up to the platform and said to me, "You know, I don't quite understand what you're saying. I find it incredible that God could accept me on the basis of some one else. As one who is trying to live a good life himself, I find it very difficult to understand." Many people find it difficult. But that is the radical character of this great word! And it shook this city when they heard it. (Acts 13:13-52 The Radical Word)
Atos 13
Stedman - Jesus had said to his disciples, "If they have received me, they will receive you; and if they have rejected me, they will reject you..." (John 13:20). Everywhere Paul went he found this to be true. The gospel is like a knife cutting its way through society, through men's hearts. It awakens, it hits with impact, and it divides -- men have to decide one way or another. Some decide for, some against. Some want God and cry out to him, and are relieved and delivered; others refuse, turn away and harden their hearts, and destroy themselves. This is what we see here. Certain Jews and devout converts (i.e., Gentile converts to Judaism) followed Paul and Barnabas who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. (Acts 13:13-52 The Radical Word) Nearly the whole city assembled - It was sold out show (was it still at the synagogue? certainly they could not seat nearly the whole city - ? hyperbole), a packed house, "standing room only!" The phrase nearly the whole city indicates that many if not most of those who had come to hear Paul were pagans, not even Gentile proselytes (see note on proselytes). Clearly many of these people were those who had never attended the synagogue and did not hear Paul's sermon the prior week. The question then arises why did they come this Sabbath? What brought them? Luke does not explain but clearly the news of these men with good news had spread throughout the city. In addition Paul and Barnabas had 7 days in Antioch and they were not likely taking sight-seeing excursions to the beautiful lakes around the city! Clearly they would have been witnessing as would have any others who might have become genuine believers. One is reminded of the words of Peter when the Jewish leaders "commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus" (Acts 4:18+) Peter and John responded boldly declaring "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20+) Paul and Barnabas were of the same steeled mold and solemn mindset!