Acts 13:44–49
And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. – Acts 13:49
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Acts 13 records the start of Paul’s 1st missionary journey, together with Barnabas as listed earlier in the chapter (v2-4). They travelled from place to place and reached Antioch in Pisidia, the passage’s setting. While Barnabas and Paul took notable pains travelling from place to place for the sake of the gospel, the trip to Antioch in Pisidia must have required special effort. This is because the city sits on a plateau 3600 feet above sea level, so climbing to the city alone would take extra effort.
If we were in the same position, some of us might be tempted to “skip” the city, using the convenient excuse that so many places have not heard the gospel; why pick one that is so out of place and difficult to reach? By the time we got there, we could have been to several other towns, which would have been more “efficient”. This passage shows that Barnabas and Paul did not think that way. The gospel is for all mankind, and they were willing to take whatever trouble it would take for the sake of the gospel.
In the city, Paul 1st gives a stirring message, and the next sabbath virtually the whole city came to hear the word of God (v. 43). Unfortunately, we see some Jews, filled with envy because of the crowd, start making trouble and disrupt the proceedings (v. 45). Here Paul and Barnabas quote Isaiah 49:6, a direct reference to the Messiah. Here Paul and Barnabas show that they were not discouraged by the opposition and were not only continuing to serve but were also willing to switch their target audience from the Jews to the Gentiles.
There are practical applications for us to consider here. First, when I face opposition to my service or to sharing the gospel, how do I respond? Do I get easily discouraged and get tempted to give up? We should learn from Paul and Barnabas, who clearly pressed on with the gospel work. Second, am I willing to keep serving even if it wasn’t my original primary objective? Paul and Barnabas were initially focused on the Jews, and now, owing to their rejection, switched their focus to the Gentiles. Remember, at this time, the Gentiles were despised by the Jews and considered inferior or 2nd class, not worthy of the saving knowledge of God. In a possible modern equivalent application, am I willing to consider a less prominent or glamorous area of service, or consider minority races/people of misfortune in my area of service?
Finally, verse 47 reminds us that this work of the gospel is to be to the ends of the earth. How can I support, or even participate in, such activities to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth from my current situation?
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the example of Paul and Barnabas, who showed exemplary attitudes and actions in service despite opposition. Help me not to get discouraged when opposition occurs in my areas of service. Also, constantly remind me that many still need the gospel, both here in Singapore and to the ends of the Earth. Help me to seek to be in the centre of your will and do my part until my journey on Earth is done. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen
Click to read passage
Acts 13 records the start of Paul’s 1st missionary journey, together with Barnabas as listed earlier in the chapter (v2-4). They travelled from place to place and reached Antioch in Pisidia, the passage’s setting. While Barnabas and Paul took notable pains travelling from place to place for the sake of the gospel, the trip to Antioch in Pisidia must have required special effort. This is because the city sits on a plateau 3600 feet above sea level, so climbing to the city alone would take extra effort.
If we were in the same position, some of us might be tempted to “skip” the city, using the convenient excuse that so many places have not heard the gospel; why pick one that is so out of place and difficult to reach? By the time we got there, we could have been to several other towns, which would have been more “efficient”. This passage shows that Barnabas and Paul did not think that way. The gospel is for all mankind, and they were willing to take whatever trouble it would take for the sake of the gospel.
In the city, Paul 1st gives a stirring message, and the next sabbath virtually the whole city came to hear the word of God (v. 43). Unfortunately, we see some Jews, filled with envy because of the crowd, start making trouble and disrupt the proceedings (v. 45). Here Paul and Barnabas quote Isaiah 49:6, a direct reference to the Messiah. Here Paul and Barnabas show that they were not discouraged by the opposition and were not only continuing to serve but were also willing to switch their target audience from the Jews to the Gentiles.
There are practical applications for us to consider here. First, when I face opposition to my service or to sharing the gospel, how do I respond? Do I get easily discouraged and get tempted to give up? We should learn from Paul and Barnabas, who clearly pressed on with the gospel work. Second, am I willing to keep serving even if it wasn’t my original primary objective? Paul and Barnabas were initially focused on the Jews, and now, owing to their rejection, switched their focus to the Gentiles. Remember, at this time, the Gentiles were despised by the Jews and considered inferior or 2nd class, not worthy of the saving knowledge of God. In a possible modern equivalent application, am I willing to consider a less prominent or glamorous area of service, or consider minority races/people of misfortune in my area of service?
Finally, verse 47 reminds us that this work of the gospel is to be to the ends of the earth. How can I support, or even participate in, such activities to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth from my current situation?
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the example of Paul and Barnabas, who showed exemplary attitudes and actions in service despite opposition. Help me not to get discouraged when opposition occurs in my areas of service. Also, constantly remind me that many still need the gospel, both here in Singapore and to the ends of the Earth. Help me to seek to be in the centre of your will and do my part until my journey on Earth is done. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen