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2. Preaching Responses: Acts 13:42-45
42 As Paul
and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak
further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the
Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas who talked
with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. 44 On the next
Sabbath, almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled
with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.
Commentary: Acts 13:42-
45 The
Jewish leaders undoubtedly brought theological arguments against Paul and
Barnabas, but Luke tells us that the real reason for their hostility was
that “they were filled with jealousy.” When we see others succeeding where
we haven’t, or receiving the affirmation we crave, it is hard to rejoice
with them. Jealousy is our natural reaction. But how tragic it is when our
own jealous feelings make us try to stop God’s word. If a work is God’s
work, rejoice in it-no matter who is doing it.
3. The Unstoppable Gospel:
Acts 13:46-52
46 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. 47
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.'"48 When
the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord;
and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
49 The
word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50 But
the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men
of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and
expelled them from their region. 51 So, they shook the dust from their feet in
protest against them and went to Iconium.
52 And
the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Commentary: Acts 13:46-52,
Why was
it necessary for the gospel
to go
first to the Jews? God planned
that through the
Jewish nation all
the world would come
to know God
(Genesis 12:3). Paul,
a Jew himself,
loved
his people (Romans 9:1-5)
and wanted to give
them every
opportunity to join
him in
proclaiming God’s
salvation.
Unfortunately, many
Jews did not
recognize Jesus as
Messiah and they
did not understand
that God was
offering salvation to
anyone, Jew or
Gentile, who comes to
him through
faith in Christ.
V. 47, God had planned for Israel to
be
this light (Isaiah 49:6). Through
Israel
came Jesus, the light of the
nations
(Luke 2:32). This
light
would spread out and
enlighten
the Gentiles.
V. 50, Instead of accepting the truth,
the Jewish Leaders stirred up
opposition and ran Paul and
Barnabas
out of town. When
confronted
by a disturbing truth,
people
often turn away and refuse
to
listen. When God’s Spirit points
out
needed changes in our lives, we
must
listen to him. Otherwise we
may
be pushing the truth so far
away
that it no longer affects us.
V.51, Jesus had
told his disciples to
shake from their feet the dust of any
town that would not accept or listen to
them (Mark
6:11). The disciples were
not to blame if the message was
rejected, as long as they had faithfully
presented it. When we share Christ
carefully presented it. When we share
Christ carefully and sensitively, God
does not hold us responsible for the
other person’s decision.
4. Conclusion:
1) Worship Leads to Calling: Acts
13:1-3 God called Barnabus and Saul, now called Paul,
to travel and preach, but this did not mean they were going to have
unbroken success. The group show
their support for Barnabas and Saul in response to the Holy Spirit’s
command by Fasted and prayed with them, laid their hands on them, sent them
to do the work they were chosen to do.
2) Preaching Responses Acts
13:42-45 Clarify that Antioch of Syria is the church
that sent Paul and Barnabas in response to the Holy Spirit’s calling.
3) The Unstoppable Gospel: 13:46-52 God calls us to be faithful to His kingdom
work, despite the opposition we may face. We must always keep in mind that
God is with us and gives us the strength we need to face whatever comes our
way.
Worldwide Outreach Teaching School is a Non-profit Organization. IRS Tax ID No.: 20-4097640 Your financial contribution is
greatly appreciated & it is used for glory of God. Address: W.O.T.S.,
P.O. Box 1262 Monterey Park, CA 91754-9998.
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“傳播神的話The Word Spreads” 11/16/2019
