On the island of Cyprus around A.D. 48, after the miracle performed in Paphos by Saul, now called by his Roman name, Paul, the missionaries continued their journey throughout Asia Minor. There, they preach the gospel and share the truth about Jesus, the risen Christ and Savior.
“13 Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.” (Acts 13:13)
Paul and Barnabas sailed north from Paphos to Perga, a Greek town in the Roman province Pamphylia along the Cestrus river, about seven miles from the Mediterranean sea. On a hill near the town was the temple of the pagan goddess Artemis (Greek) or Diana (Roman). From this location, John separated from Paul, who had now become the leader of the envoy.
“14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. 15 And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.” (Acts 13:14-15)
When they arrives at Antioch, the capital of the province of Pisidia, the missionaries preached the gospel to the Jews present at the synagogue, a customary pattern used by apostolic preachers including Barnabas and Paul.
“16 Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it. 18 Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness. 19 And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment. 20 “After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 21 And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ 23 From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus— 24 after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.” (Acts 13:16-25)
When given the opportunity to preach the gospel, Paul stood up to speak, according to Greek custom which was contrary to Jewish speakers who instead sat before their audiences. As he stood among those present, Paul delivered an exhortation in tune with Jewish scripture, then revealed the true identity of the Messiah in Jesus, the Christ, the promised seed of David, who was nailed to the cross by the Jews thereby fulfilling prophecy. In his testimony, Paul describes how John the Baptist declared himself as a servant of the the One after Himself, the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, the chosen vessel of Yahweh, the God of Israel.
“26 Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. 27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. 28 And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. 29 Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. 30 But God raised Him from the dead. 31 He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. 32 And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers.” (Acts 13:26-32)
An emissary of the Lord, Paul reveals the promise about salvation, that all those who fear God and believe in the risen Christ will be saved from the wages of sin which is death.
He continues his recapitulation mentioning scriptural facts, how Christ was rejected and condemned by the Jews and their rulers, in spite of the fact no fault could be found in Jesus. Then, Paul identifies the death of the Christ as fulfillment of scripture, which led to the resurrection of the promised Messiah.
“33 God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’ 34 And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’ 35 Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’ 36 “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; 37 but He whom God raised up saw no corruption.” (Acts 13:33-37)
Paul differentiates the finite existence of David from the infinite reign of the Lord, Jesus the resurrected Christ who, unlike David, rose from the dead and was ascended to Heaven.
“38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40 Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you: 41 ‘Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it to you.’” (Acts 13:38-41)
Paul teaches his audience about the forgiveness of Christ, and about salvation, that it could not be attained by works but through faith in the Lord, and freely given by God’s grace.
Also, Paul warns those who reject Christ of the grave danger that awaits them, as each one who refuses to believe the truth about the risen Savior will perish and be cast into Hell to burn for eternity. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
