Acts 13:13-16
GETTING STARTED:
- The strategic plan to intentionally take the Good News of Jesus to places it has not been heard moves forward. They take the Gospel to Antioch Psidia.
- An interesting note – John Mark leaves and goes back to Jerusalem. At the end of chapter 15 – Paul and Barnabas decide to go back out. Barnabas wants to take John Mark – but Paul will remember this and say no. It will be a big deal.
THE STRATEGY ON DISPLAY
- They go to the Synagogue first. It was a gathering of both Jews and Gentiles. The Gentiles wanted to hear the teaching of the law.
- Look at what Paul says in verse 16. He knew his audience and he was ready to tell them the Good News.
A SAMPLE OF PAUL’S PREACHING IN A SYNAGOGUE. Acts 13:17-43
- Luke will record a few samples of Paul’s preaching in Acts. This is a great look at how Paul approached preaching in a Synagogue.
- He will start with God raising up Israel – then take you to David and the promise to David for an everlasting throne. From there he goes to Jesus as the fulfillment of that promise.
- After that – it is how the death and resurrection of Jesus were foretold by the prophets. He preaches Jesus crucified and resurrected and the fulfillment of prophecy. Look at the conclusion of this sermon in Acts 13:38-43.
THE STRATEGIC CONCLUSION:
- Many get saved and are on fire for God. At the same time there are those rejecting the Gospel – usually Jewish people who are losing being in charge of things. This is what Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 – Where we are the aroma of Christ – to those who believe the smell of life – and to those who reject – the smell of death. People want that smell to leave.
- So – usually – the result is a church is started. The believers keep meeting. A leader is trained and the work goes forward.
- Look at the concluding verse – Acts 13:52. At the same time that there were unhappy Jews stirring up trouble. There were also believers filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
- THE GOSPEL WAS MOVING FORWARD – IT WILL NOT BE STOPPED.
LIFE LESSON FOR TODAY. What God is doing in your life cannot be stopped. Rejoice
in how great the salvation of the Lord is. Be confident that this good work will continue
and be completed. Also – decide today that you want to be filled with joy and with the
Holy Spirit. Don’t let the enemy sidetrack you into becoming unhappy. The enemy
loves to stir up trouble. BUT INSTEAD – BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT AND JOY.