Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly:Paul and Barnabas, key figures in the early church, often faced opposition. Their boldness here reflects the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31). Boldness was necessary in a context where proclaiming the gospel could lead to persecution. This moment occurs in Pisidian Antioch, a city in modern-day Turkey, where they were addressing a Jewish audience in the synagogue. Act 4:29-31 And now, Lord, consider their threats,… “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. This statement underscores the priority of the Jewish people in God's redemptive plan, as seen in Romans 1:16. The Jews were the original recipients of God's promises (Romans 9:4-5), and Jesus Himself ministered primarily to them (Matthew 15:24). The necessity reflects a fulfillment of prophecy and a respect for the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. Rom 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power… But since you reject it The rejection by the Jewish audience is a recurring theme in Acts (Acts 18:6, 28:25-28). This rejection was prophesied in Isaiah 6:9-10 and is echoed in Jesus' ministry (John 12:37-41). It highlights the hardness of heart that can occur despite clear evidence and fulfillment of prophecy. Jhn 1:11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, This phrase indicates a self-imposed exclusion from the blessings of the gospel. Eternal life, a central theme in the New Testament, is offered through faith in Christ (John 3:16). The Jewish audience's rejection is not due to a lack of opportunity but a refusal to accept the message of salvation. Luk 20:35-36 But those who are considered worthy to share… we now turn to the Gentiles. This turning point marks a significant shift in the early church's mission strategy, aligning with Jesus' command in Acts 1:8 to be witnesses "to the ends of the earth." It fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the inclusion of the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6). Paul's ministry to the Gentiles becomes a major theme in Acts and his epistles, emphasizing the universal scope of the gospel (Ephesians 3:6). Isa 49:6 “It is not enough for You to be My Servant,”… Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulA former Pharisee and persecutor of Christians, Paul became a leading apostle to the Gentiles after his conversion on the road to Damascus. In this passage, he is speaking boldly to the Jews in Pisidian Antioch. 2. Barnabas A Levite from Cyprus, Barnabas was an early Christian disciple known for his encouragement and support of Paul. He accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys. 3. Pisidian Antioch A city in the Roman province of Galatia, Pisidian Antioch was a significant center for early Christian missionary activity. It is here that Paul and Barnabas addressed the Jewish community in the synagogue. 4. The Jews The Jewish audience in the synagogue who initially received the message of the Gospel but rejected it, prompting Paul and Barnabas to turn to the Gentiles. 5. The Gentiles Non-Jewish people who were often seen as outsiders to the covenant promises of Israel. Paul and Barnabas' turning to the Gentiles marks a significant shift in the early Christian mission. Teaching Points The Priority of the GospelThe Gospel was first presented to the Jews, reflecting God's covenantal faithfulness. Believers today should recognize the historical and theological significance of this priority. Boldness in Witness Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly despite rejection. Christians are called to be bold in sharing their faith, trusting in God's sovereignty over the results. Responsibility and Rejection The Jews' rejection of the Gospel highlights human responsibility in responding to God's offer of salvation. Believers should pray for those who have yet to accept the Gospel. Inclusivity of the Gospel The turning to the Gentiles demonstrates the universal scope of the Gospel. Christians should embrace and share the message with all people, regardless of background. Eternal Life The concept of eternal life is central to the Gospel message. Believers should live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual over temporal concerns. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the priority given to the Jews in Acts 13:46 reflect God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?2. In what ways can we demonstrate boldness in sharing the Gospel in our own lives, as Paul and Barnabas did? 3. How does the rejection of the Gospel by some challenge us to pray and witness more fervently? 4. What steps can we take to ensure that our church community reflects the inclusivity of the Gospel message? 5. How does the promise of eternal life influence our daily decisions and priorities as believers? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 10:5-6Jesus initially instructs His disciples to go only to the lost sheep of Israel, highlighting the priority of the Jewish people in God's redemptive plan. Romans 1:16 Paul emphasizes that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Gentile, reflecting the pattern seen in Acts 13:46. Isaiah 49:6 This Old Testament prophecy speaks of being a light to the Gentiles, which Paul and Barnabas fulfill by turning to the Gentiles with the Gospel message. People Barjesus, Barnabas, Benjamin, Cis, David, Elymas, Herod, Israelites, Jesse, John, Kish, Lucius, Manaen, Niger, Paul, Pilate, Samuel, Saul, Sergius, SimeonPlaces Canaan, Cyprus, Cyrene, Egypt, Galilee, Iconium, Jerusalem, Pamphylia, Paphos, Perga, Pisidia, Pisidian Antioch, Salamis, Seleucia, Syrian AntiochTopics Age-during, Ages, Barnabas, Behold, Bold, Boldly, Bound, Consider, Desire, Eternal, Everlasting, Fear, Gentiles, God's, Indeed, Judge, Message, Nations, Necessary, Nothing, Offered, Paul, Proclaim, Reject, Repudiate, Reserve, Saying, Seeing, Spake, Speak, Speaking, Spoke, Spoken, Spurn, Throwing, Thrust, Turn, Turning, Unworthy, Waxed, Worthy, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 13:46 1115 God, purpose of 1651 numbers, 1-2 8405 commands, in NT 5048 opportunities, and salvation Library Easter TuesdayText: Acts 13, 26-39. 26 Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth. 27 For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet asked they of Pilate that he should be slain. 29 And when they had fulfilled all things that were written of him, they … Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II John Mark Unworthy of Life 'Full of the Holy Ghost' Why Saul Became Paul To the Regions Beyond The First Preaching in Asia Minor Luther --A Stone on the Cairn Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers Gospel Missions His Own Funeral Sermon Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work Separated unto the Holy Ghost In Endeavouring to Prove that Such Intercession Derives Some Support from Scripture they Labour In... Mr. Moody and Rev. Marcus Rainsford. The Man after God's Own Heart Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes The Holy Spirit Sending Men Forth to Definite Lines of Work. Via Dolorosa The Kingdom Conquering the World The Extension of the Church Throughout the World Early Life the Place of Paul +The Man First Missionary Journey Scripture Paul's Missionary Labors. Links Acts 13:46 NIVActs 13:46 NLT Acts 13:46 ESV Acts 13:46 NASB Acts 13:46 KJV Acts 13:46 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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