Paul and Barnabas in Pisidian Antioch
In the last half of Acts 13 Paul and company continue on their missionary journey to the city of Psidian Antioch. They go to the synagogue on the Sabbath and listen to the readings of the Law and the Prophets. then the synagogue leaders ask their guests if there is anything they would like to speak about. It is here that Paul stands up to give a short sermon, a historic overview of the Jewish nation leading up to the point of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Throughout Paul’s sermon he refers to Old Testament Messianic scriptures and prophecies.
Verses 26-36:
“Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.
“We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm:
” ‘You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.’ (Psalm 2:7) The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words:
” ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’ (Isaiah 55:3) So it is stated elsewhere:
” ‘You will not let your Holy One see decay.’ (Psalm 16:10)“For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.
Pal Follows the usual presentation of the Gospel laid down so far in the book of Acts.
- Present a historic overview of the Jews
- Tell of God’s promises of a Messiah
- Naming Jesus as the promised Messiah
- Using scripture to prove that Jesus is the Messiah
- Using Jesus’ miracles to prove that He is the Messiah, especially the resurrection.
Next, Paul presents his conclusion and a call to action to believe in Jesus for salvation. He also presents a warning from scripture explaining what happens to those who reject God’s mercy in Jesus.
Verses 38-41:
“Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:
” ‘Look, you scoffers,
wonder and perish,
for I am going to do something in your days
that you would never believe,
even if someone told you.’ (Habakkuk 1:5)”
Paul’s presentation of the gospel was well received by the city, in general. Paul and Barnabas were even invited to speak the next week at the synagog. In fact, there was such a great crowd that came to hear Paul, that some of the Jews were jealous and started to “talk abusively” against the Gospel. (v. 44-45). Paul’s response is another clear message that Jesus Christ provides the only means of salvation to mankind.
Verses 46-48:
Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
” ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ (Isaiah 49:6)”When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
Although many believed in the city of Pisidian Antioch, many of the Jews continued to “stir up persecution against Paul and Barnabas” until they were eventually forced to leave.
Verses 51-52:
So they (Paul and Barnabas) shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.