The Word of God was being spread throughout the known world at that time. Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene,went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. (Acts 11:19-22)
Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. (Acts 11:25-26) The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 11:29-30) When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark. (Acts 12:25)
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper. They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. (Acts 13:2-6)
Paul and Barnabas had been on a journey, and now they were going from Perga in Pamphylia, from Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.” (Acts 13:15) What Paul has to say is an explanation of the history of the children of Isreal, just as Stephen had done before he was stoned, a stoning of which Paul, formerly known as Saul at that time had approved of. (see ACTS: Introduction to Stephen the Martyr, and a Lesson of Israel's History; ACTS: Stephen the Martyr; Expect Persecution, but "Great is your reward in heaven!")
Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: “Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; with mighty power he led them out of that country; for about forty years he endured their conduct in the wilderness; and he overthrew seven nations in Canaan, giving their land to his people as their inheritance. All this took about 450 years. (Acts 13:16-20 NIV)
“After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ “From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. (Acts 13:20-23 NIV)
"Before the coming of Jesus, John [the Baptist] preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. As John was completing his work, he said: ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is one coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’ “Fellow children of Abraham and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. (Acts 13:24-26 NIV)
"The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. (Acts 13:27-31 NIV)
"They are now his witnesses to our people. “We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: “‘You are my son; today I have become your father.’[Psalm 2:7] God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said, “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’[Isaiah 55:3] So it is also stated elsewhere: “‘You will not let your holy one see decay.’[Psalm 16:10] (Acts 13:31-35 NIV)
“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: “‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’ [Habakkuk 1:5] (Acts 13:36-41 NIV)
How do we lead others to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus? First we have to go to them. The church didn't grow because the world came to Jerusalem, but the apostles and disciples went to the people. One time Jesus went out, And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Mark 2:16-17) We have to meet people where they are and not allow ourselves to be changed or influenced by the situation or environment, but instead lead them out of where they are to Christ Jesus.
Then when we go out or if people come to us, we must share the Word of God with them, accurately, clearly and boldly. But we can't share anything if we ourselves don't know what the Word of God says. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15 KJV) Paul knew the facts perfectly, and articulated them clearly, and never deviated from the message. God's Word is enough, “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it." (Deuteronomy 12:32)
How do we lead others to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus? First we have to go to them. The church didn't grow because the world came to Jerusalem, but the apostles and disciples went to the people. One time Jesus went out, And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Mark 2:16-17) We have to meet people where they are and not allow ourselves to be changed or influenced by the situation or environment, but instead lead them out of where they are to Christ Jesus.
Then when we go out or if people come to us, we must share the Word of God with them, accurately, clearly and boldly. But we can't share anything if we ourselves don't know what the Word of God says. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15 KJV) Paul knew the facts perfectly, and articulated them clearly, and never deviated from the message. God's Word is enough, “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it." (Deuteronomy 12:32)
As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him. (Acts 13:42-45 NIV)
Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ [Isaiah 49:6]” When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. (Acts 13:46-48 NIV)
The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:49-52 NIV)
We can't let persecution or insults or uncomfortable situations stop us from telling the Truth! When those times come, shake the dust off our feet and go! Go on to the next place and the next person. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (II Timothy 4:1-2, 5) AMEN!
We can't let persecution or insults or uncomfortable situations stop us from telling the Truth! When those times come, shake the dust off our feet and go! Go on to the next place and the next person. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (II Timothy 4:1-2, 5) AMEN!
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