Once again, although the sentence of “death” for Jesus could not be retracted, at least there was a chance that the opinion of those who made up the “court” could be reversed. And that’s exactly what Peter, John, Stephen, and Paul attempted to do. Last week we focused on Paul’s spirited defense in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch proclaiming that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the Son of God, proven by his resurrection from the dead. As those assembled began to file out of the synagogue,  many of those present kept urging Paul and Barnabas to continue telling them of Jesus and the grace of God displayed through His death on the cross. And that’s just what they did for the next week until it was time for the Jews to assemble in the synagogue once again. But this time, Luke records something quite amazing that happened,

“And the next Sabbath, nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of God” (Acts 13:44).

 Now we have not only Jews and “God-fearing proselytes” gathering, but the entire city of “unbelieving” Gentiles as well. Indeed, because of the work of the Holy Spirit in people’s hearts, the message of God’s grace bringing salvation through Jesus Christ has the unique ability to attract great crowds to hear more of the message. But, as one might expect, the message was not well-received by all because,

“When the Jews (the Jewish leadership of the synagogue) saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming” (Acts 13:45).

The reaction of Paul and Barnabas was swift and certain, as they proclaimed the pattern that they would follow with every city they would enter during all of their “missionary journeys.” It would be “to the Jew first” in the local synagogue, and then to the Gentiles. They spoke plainly to the Jewish leaders in the synagogue,

“It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first (the Jews), but since you repudiate it, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46).

And then Paul quoted one of Isaiah’s prophecies (the same prophecy quoted by Simeon as he held the baby Jesus in his arms on the Temple steps),

“I have placed you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the end of the earth” (Acts 13:47, Lk. 2:32, Is. 42:6).

The result was to be expected: While the Jewish leadership became angry, the Gentiles (as well as believing Jews) in the crowd began to rejoice as many were brought to faith in Christ throughout the entire region. But that’s not quite the end of the story, as

“The Jews aroused the devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. But they shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium” (Acts 13:50-51).

But in spite of the persecution, check this out,

“And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52).

Persecution could not dampen the spirits of those who were being saved by Christ through the preaching of the Word of God through Paul and Barnabas. And the same pattern was found as Paul and Barnabas traveled throughout the region – In the synagogues many Jews and Gentiles believed, but the Jewish leaders became jealous, and stirred up the city officials forcing Paul and Barnabas out of the city. In fact, in Lystra, they were stoned almost to death. But Luke records that the number of disciples grew in spite of the persecution they were facing from the Jewish leaders. Paul reminded all of these disciples that,

“Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).

And can you believe this – As they preached and found disciples, they planted churches throughout the region. Not only that, but as they returned to each of the cities they had visited on their return trip, they also appointed elders in each of those churches. After many months, and through many trials and tribulations, they finally returned to their “home church” in Antioch, the church who had sent them out on their “first missionary journey.” Here is how Luke records the moment of their return,

“And when they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all the things that God had done and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27).

Their next stop would be Jerusalem, where they would report all of these things to the other Apostles, including Peter. The news that the Gospel was not only being spread to the Gentiles, but that the Gentiles were receiving the message of salvation through Jesus Christ would transform the missionary activity of the first century. If you are a Gentile, and if you have received the message of Christ, it was the Apostle Paul and Barnabas who first brought the message of salvation specifically to the Gentiles. Let’s all be grateful for their courage and the fact that they took their calling seriously, and obeyed God’s call to “go to the Gentiles.”

As this season of Thanksgiving is approaching, lets be reminded of all of the amazing things that God is doing in our lives in spite of the negativity that we see around us. Peggy and I are so thankful for all of you and the privilege we have to share His Word with you today. Have a blessed week!