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- Oct 26, 2007
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Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. Acts 13:43
The first part of Acts, chapters 1-12, records a series of stories about (and sermons by) the apostle Peter. Beginning in Acts 13, Luke's attention turns to the apostle Paul. Like Peter, Paul's first sermon bears much fruit. The sermon takes place in the "second" Antioch near Pisidian.
In the sermon, Paul uses Jewish history, the Hebrew scriptures, and the Gospel accounts to convincingly prove that Jesus Christ is the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior of the world. Afterward, however, Luke says those who believed "followed" Paul and Barnabas. True, but only long enough to hear more good news, get their questions answered, and put their trust in Jesus Christ.
As always, Paul and Barnabas weren't looking for decision-makers for a day. Instead, they earnestly and actively "were persuading them to continue trusting God's good will" and saving grace. When persecution broke out, they continued without wavering. As we'll see tomorrow, "The disciples were continually filled (throughout their souls) with joy and the Holy Spirit" (Acts 13:52 AMPC).
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for making sure I heard the Good News for salvation. I want to continue trusting You all of my days. Please continually fill me with joy and the Holy Spirit, I pray.
The first part of Acts, chapters 1-12, records a series of stories about (and sermons by) the apostle Peter. Beginning in Acts 13, Luke's attention turns to the apostle Paul. Like Peter, Paul's first sermon bears much fruit. The sermon takes place in the "second" Antioch near Pisidian.
In the sermon, Paul uses Jewish history, the Hebrew scriptures, and the Gospel accounts to convincingly prove that Jesus Christ is the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior of the world. Afterward, however, Luke says those who believed "followed" Paul and Barnabas. True, but only long enough to hear more good news, get their questions answered, and put their trust in Jesus Christ.
As always, Paul and Barnabas weren't looking for decision-makers for a day. Instead, they earnestly and actively "were persuading them to continue trusting God's good will" and saving grace. When persecution broke out, they continued without wavering. As we'll see tomorrow, "The disciples were continually filled (throughout their souls) with joy and the Holy Spirit" (Acts 13:52 AMPC).
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for making sure I heard the Good News for salvation. I want to continue trusting You all of my days. Please continually fill me with joy and the Holy Spirit, I pray.
