GOSPEL MEDITATION # 40
Acts 13:13-33
Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia, Part 1
- Be comfortably alert, still, and at peace.
- Say the Lord’s Prayer. Sing or cant the Jesus Prayer.
- Pray for family, friends, neighbors, and yourself.
- Slowly and carefully read the passage of Scripture.
- This the second leg of the first missionary journey; from Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas, sail northeast to Antioch of Pisidia in the Roman province of Galatia. John Mark, for reasons not explained, returns home to Jerusalem.
- “To the Jew first” is Paul’s methodology proven by his entering a synagogue to begin the ministry in Antioch.
- After the traditional call to worship, some prayers recited, and Scripture read, Paul would have stood at the Bema or pulpit to deliver the early kerygma preaching points.
- Politely and clearly Paul addresses his audience, made up of Both Jews and Gentile God-fearers. Paul proceeds to present the time honored account of God’s dealings with those he had called out, His chosen ones.
- The focus of the message goes to King David, a man after God’s own heart, who would do His will. The major point is that from David’s offspring, God has brought forth a Savior, namely Jesus. (No need to say, Jesus of Nazareth as the hearers must have know of whom Paul spoke).
- Paul speaks of John the Baptist, whom so many regarded as a prophet, who pointed to Jesus as the Messiah. Yet the rulers did not recognize Him.
- Then there is the recounting of the betrayal and the role that the Romans played. Jesus is crucified and is buried.
- But, God raised Him from the dead and He Appeared to many over a period of days.
Paul and Barnabas are then messengers of Good News; God has fulfilled what He had promised to the fathers.