Acts 13: 32-45
32 “We proclaim to you the good news. What God promised to our
ancestors, 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As
it was written in the second psalm, You are my son; today I have become your
father.[d]
34 “God raised Jesus from the dead, never again to be subjected to
death’s decay. Therefore, God said, I will give to you the holy
and firm promises I made to David.[e] 35 In another place it is said, You will not let your holy one
experience death’s decay.[f] 36 David served God’s purpose in his own generation, then he died and
was buried with his ancestors. He experienced death’s decay, 37 but the one whom God has raised up didn’t experience death’s
decay.
38 “Therefore, brothers and sisters, know this: Through Jesus we
proclaim forgiveness of sins to you. From all those sins from which you
couldn’t be put in right relationship with God through Moses’ Law, 39 through Jesus everyone who believes is put in right relationship
with God. 40 Take care that the prophets’ words don’t apply to you:
41 Look, you scoffers,
marvel and die.
I’m going to do work in your day —
a work you won’t believe
even if someone told you.”[g]
marvel and die.
I’m going to do work in your day —
a work you won’t believe
even if someone told you.”[g]
42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people urged
them to speak about these things again on the next Sabbath. 43 When the people in the synagogue were dismissed, many Jews and
devout converts to Judaism accompanied Paul and Barnabas, who urged them to
remain faithful to the message of God’s grace.
44 On the next Sabbath, almost everyone in the city gathered to hear
the Lord’s word.45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were overcome with jealousy.
They argued against what Paul was saying by slandering him.
Reflection:
Paul and Barnabas were invited
to speak at the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia. They spoke relaying the
message of the gospel to all who could hear- Jews and Gentiles alike. Paul and
Barnabas received an invitation every guest preacher longs to hear—come back
next week! What I am most struck by in this passage is a simple line in verse
43 which says, “When the people of the synagogue were dismissed, many Jews and
devout converts to Judaism accompanied Paul and Barnabas, who urged them to
remain faithful to the message of God’s grace.” This is a passage about
encouragement. Paul and Barnabas are encouraged by the invitation to return and
share more of the gospel message. In turn, they encourage those who are
listening to keep the faith. I have a note on my desk that relays a quote from
Dave Willis, “Be an encourager. The world has plenty of critics already.” It is
so easy to tear people down, to question decisions, and to criticize judgment
calls. It is a lot more challenging to be someone who encouragers others to
remain faithful, to take the next step, or to keep going. I wonder if part of
why Paul and Barnabas were so successful was their encouraging message and
ministry.
Reflection Questions:
Morning: Who has encouraged
you in some way this week?
Noon: Who do you think could
use a little encouragement today? How might you encourage them?
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