July 26, 2021 - Acts 13:13-41
The youth from the church just left to go on a weeklong mission’s trip to Maryland where they will be involved in leading a Vacation Bible School and doing some work projects for a small church. Such excitement and anticipation as they pulled out of the parking lot for a seven plus hour drive!
Paul and Barnabas were on a mission trip that the Lord had called them to accomplish in verse two. They had been to Cyprus and continued en route to places in Asia Minor (today Turkey) after witnessing some amazing works done by the Holy Spirit on the island. Having to deal with the unexpected is a common component of missions and this team experienced this when John left Barnabas and Paul to return toward Jerusalem (v.13). Also, a change of leadership occurred as Barnabas appears to have stepped back and Paul became the main spokesperson and leader of the team.
After a grueling walk through swamps and mountains, the team reached Antioch in Pisidia where the Paul and Barnabas entered a synagogue on the Sabbath and was invited to speak to the congregation. Paul, a former Pharisee, would have been very comfortable in this setting to present a message to people he did not know. It was Paul’s custom to begin with giving the gospel to the Jews and when they rejected it, he would turn to the Gentiles and proclaim the Messiah to them.
As you read verses 17-41, you will note that Paul spoke regarding Jewish history and God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promise of the Messiah. Paul uses this history to point the people to Christ as the fulfiller of the Davidic promise. He asserted that even though the leaders of Israel rejected Christ and had Him killed, those actions further fulfilled the prophecies by God. The message concluded by instructing those listening, that forgiveness of sins and justification was available to all which could not be found in the law of Moses, only through the resurrected Christ.
Paul’s initial message on this mission trip sets the tone for what he would share throughout his long missionary career! He would proclaim Jesus as the answer for the Jews and the Gentiles. Both would have an opportunity to know and to receive Christ.
Our message today should be similar as we present Christ to those who need to hear of Christ and His redemption. May we pray for Berea’s mission team to have opportunities to witness this week! Pray that all of us will be bold and share the clear promise Christ offers to the world.