The Journey and the Joy Continue (Acts 13: 14-52)

For an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;
patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless

Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

Welcome:

Today, we embark on an exciting journey with Paul and Barnabas as they navigate uncharted territories, bringing the gospel to eager and some not-so-eager ears. Our episode is drawn from Acts 13:14-52, a passage filled with excitement, challenges, and Godly encounters.

We'll witness how the Holy Spirit orchestrates every step, turning obstacles into opportunities for joy. We'll explore the amazing joy that springs from fulfilling God's mission, a joy that sustains and empowers us even amidst trials.

Episode Notes

Episode Title: The Journey and the Joy Continue
Scripture Reference: Acts 13:14-52

Summary:

In this episode, we follow Paul and Barnabas on their mission in Antioch of Pisidia. As they proclaim the transformative message of Jesus Christ in the synagogue, we see the Holy Spirit at work, turning challenges into opportunities and bringing joy amidst trials. We'll delve into the key sections of Acts 13:14-52, examining the boldness and conviction with which Paul and Barnabas spread the gospel, despite opposition.

Key Points:

1. Arrival in Antioch of Pisidia:
   • Paul and Barnabas enter the synagogue and are invited to speak.
   • The synagogue service structure and Paul's opportunity to share the gospel.
2. Paul’s Sermon:
   • Paul recounts Israel’s history, emphasizing God's promise of a Savior.
   • The fulfillment of this promise through Jesus' death and resurrection.
   • The importance of salvation, forgiveness, and justification through faith in Jesus.
3. Reactions to the Message:
   • Positive reception from Gentiles and some Jews.
   • Opposition from jealous Jewish leaders.
   • The spread of the gospel despite persecution.
4. Continued Mission:
   • Paul and Barnabas’ response to rejection: turning to the Gentiles.
   • The joy and filling of the Holy Spirit experienced by new believers.

Reflection Questions:

• How do you handle opposition when sharing your faith?
• What does the joy of the Lord mean to you, especially in difficult times?
• How can you continue in the grace of God daily?

Action Steps:

• Reflect on past experiences of sharing your faith and how you can grow from them.
• Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in turning challenges into opportunities for joy.
• Encourage others to embrace the joy and grace of God in their lives.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through Acts 13. We hope this episode inspires you to embrace th

Create Harmony

This is a podcast about setting an intentional rhythm, savoring life’s blessings and...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Chapters

• 11:56 [Ad] Create Harmony
• 12:43 (Cont.) The Journey and the Joy Continue (Acts 13: 14-52)

Transcript

 "The Journey and the Joy Continue." (Acts 13: 14-52)

Transcript:

Today, we embark on an exciting journey with Paul and Barnabas as they begin to navigate through uncharted territories, bringing the gospel to eager and some open and some not so open ears. Our episode today, is drawn out from Acts 13:14-52, a passage full of excitement, challenges, and Godly encounters. The events today will take place against backdrop of the vibrant city of Antioch in Pisidian, where Paul and Barnabas enter the synagogue there and with boldness and conviction, proclaim the transformative message of Jesus Christ. This chapter isn't just a historical account; it's a living testament to their relentless effort in spreading the good news of Jesus, despite opposition and adversity. As we read this passage together today, we'll witness how the Holy Spirit orchestrates every step, turning obstacles into opportunities for joy. We'll explore the amazing joy that can spring from fulfilling God's mission, a joy that can sustain and empowers us, even amidst trials. N.B. In today episode, I plan to examine the passage by reading key sections, as we go along I’ll explain them as best I can and moving through the text passage by passage. Let's begin with verse 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. 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, please speak.'" (Act 13:14) If you've been following along, you'll recall that earlier in this chapter, Paul and Barnabas were sent out from different Antioch which was part of Syrian then but today is in modern-day Turkey. They began their first missionary journey, traveling to Cyprus, then to Perga, and finally arriving at this other Antioch in Pisidia, and let me reiterate that this is a different Antioch than the one they started from. Antioch in Pisidia was 100 miles from Perga and the capital of the province of Galatia, which might explain why Paul went there. According to Galatians 4:13 we find that Paul first stayed and preached in Galatia due mainly to a physical infirmity, modern experts possibly believe this was probably malaria. Some scholars suggest that Paul sought relief from the coastal area's prevalent malaria by traveling to this Antioch, which is 3,600 feet above sea level. Anyway, upon arriving in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas attended the synagogue on the Sabbath. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers invited them to speak. It's important to note that synagogues didn't have ministers like modern churches. Instead, they had a small group of rulers who led the service, which included prayers, scripture readings, and a word of encouragement. We know that early Christian services were initially modelled after this, later addeding elements like the Lord's Table. Despite his possible ailment, Paul accepted the invitation to speak. He divides his message into three parts, addressing the audience each time as "Men of Israel" or "Men and brethren." The first part begins in verse 16 where it tells us that Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, 'Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.'" As I said each section in this passage begins with a similar phrase. The second part starts in verse 26 with: "Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham," and the third section in verse 38 begins with: "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren." Paul's message is simple and powerful, and each section each beginning with an address to the audience and I’ll delve into each of these sections, one by one, to try understand his message better. Let's examine the introduction of Paul's sermon in Acts 13:17-25. Paul begins by recounting the history of Israel: 17 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; 18 for about forty years he endured their conduct in the wilderness; 19 and he overthrew seven nations in Canaan, giving their land to his people as their inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years. “After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. 21 Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul, son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. 22 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.’ 23 “From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. 24 Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. 25 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.’ (Acts 13: 17-25) So, Paul outlines Israel's history, from the Exodus to King David, emphasizing God's promise to raise up a Savior from David's lineage—Jesus. He also mentions John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus. Notably, Paul does not mention the Law or the covenant with Abraham at all here, but chooses instead chooses to focus on the promise of a Savior. Now, let's move to Paul's main message, starting in verse 26: "26 “Fellow children of Abraham and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. 27 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. 28 Though they found no proper grounds for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he was seen by those who had travelled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people. 32 “We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors 33 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.’ 34 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.’ 35 So it is also stated elsewhere: “‘You will not let your holy one see decay.’ 36 “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. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. (Acts 13: 26-37) Paul highlights the fulfilment of God's promise through Jesus. He recounts how the people of Jerusalem and their leaders unknowingly fulfilled prophecy by condemning Jesus to death. Paul emphasizes Jesus' resurrection as the cornerstone of the gospel, supported by his quoting the Old Testament scriptures of Psalm 2 and Isaiah 55, and explains that Jesus, unlike David, did not see decay. This resurrection is the fulfilment of the promise made to their ancestors. Paul's message is clear: Jesus is the promised Savior, raised from the dead, fulfilling God's promise. Despite past mistakes among God’s people, there's hope and salvation in Jesus still. Paul encourages his listeners to embrace this truth and make a life-altering decisions for the better, , recognizing that God's grace is available to all through Jesus Christ. Continuing from where we left off, Paul emphasizes a few key points about David, the Messiah, and the salvation that is offered through Jesus. Let's dive into the next section, the conclusion of Paul's sermon: "38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. 40 Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: 41 “‘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.” (Acts 13: 38-41) Paul concludes by emphasizing the forgiveness of sins through Jesus and the justification of all who believe—something, by the way, that the law of Moses could not achieve. He warns his listeners not to reject this message, this time quoting from the prophet Habakkuk. Paul has used several key terms in his exposition so far: • Promise (Verse 23): God promised a Savior. • Salvation (Verse 26): A Savior brings salvation. • Forgiveness of Sins (Verse 38): Preached through Jesus. • Justification (Verse 39): By believing in Jesus, one is justified from all things the law of Moses couldn't justify. Paul connects these concepts, showing that the promise of salvation, forgiveness, and justification are all received through faith in Jesus. • The promise of salvation: Means being delivered from sin, particularly its penalty. • Forgiveness: Sins are sent away, removed, and buried in the depths of the sea, is used as a metaphor. • Justification: Being declared righteous before God. Paul explains that by believing in Jesus, one is saved, forgiven, and declared righteous. This incredible gift is available to anyone who believes. Paul stresses that salvation is not about being religious or righteous on one's own but about recognizing one's need for forgiveness in the first place. Later when writing on this matter again in Romans 5, Paul will explain that no one is righteous on their own (Romans 3:10), everyone who simply acknowledges their sinfulness can qualify God's grace. Paul's message is consistently that anyone who believes in Jesus' death and resurrection is saved, forgiven, and declared righteous. This is good news and a great story that brings great joy and peace to the world. The next section tells us about the people’s reaction to what Paul has just said. 42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43 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. 44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. Acts 13:42-44: The initial reaction to Paul's message was overwhelmingly positive. The Gentiles begged for more, and many Jews and some devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who encouraged them to continue in the grace of God. This indicates a strong desire and an eagerness to learn and grow in their new faith. Paul told them to continue in the grace of God. Continuing in grace involves relying on God's mercy and grace daily. In Hebrews 4:16 we see that God invites believers to come boldly to the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace to help in times of need. When Paul preached about salvation through Jesus, the people heard that God would save them, forgive them, and justify them simply by believing. This news spread like wildfire through the city, leading to a packed synagogue the following Sabbath, eager to hear more about this free gift of salvation. With mixed reactions as a result. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him. 46 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. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: (Acts 13: 45-47) While many were excited and begged for more, others, particularly some religious Jews, were filled with envy and opposed Paul and Barnabas’s message. They accused them of blasphemy, likely because he spoke of Jesus being hung on a tree, a concept seen as a curse in the Old Testament. They still insisted on the necessity of keeping the law. The root of their opposition was envy. They were proud of their privileged status and resented the attention Paul's message was getting. Paul responded by declaring that if these Jews wouldn't accept the gospel, he would simply take it to the Gentiles. Let’s see how the gentiles in the city reacted. "Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed." Acts 13:48: This verse brings up the theological discussion of predestination and free will. Both are biblical truths. The Bible teaches that God elects, but it also teaches that "whoever believes" can be saved. These two truths coexist even if we in human terms sometimes can't fully reconcile them. Paul’s message is one of comfort highlighting the fulfilment of God's promise through Jesus, the mixed reactions it received, and the profound truth of predestination. The gospel is a message of salvation by grace through faith, offering hope and assurance to all who believe. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 tells us. "But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth." Here we see both God's choice and our belief intertwined. God chose us Back to Acts 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honoured the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. 49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50 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. 51 So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. (Acts 13: 48-49) Despite the opposition and expulsion, Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off their feet as a testimony against them and moved on to a place called Iconium. This shaking of the dust from their feet was a practice rooted in Jewish tradition to signify leaving behind what is unclean. Paul symbolically turned from those rejecting the message to those ready to receive it. Acts 13 concludes by saying. "And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 13:53) True joy comes from knowing and walking with the Lord, even amidst persecution and trials. Discipleship involves learning, growing, and being filled with the Spirit, resulting in deep, abiding joy. So, to sum up: Paul preached the gospel, some opposed, and some believed. Those who continued in the word and grace of God were filled with joy. Walking with the Lord often means facing opposition, but it also means experiencing the joy of salvation, spiritual light, and service. Peter describes this joy as "indescribable." It's a joy that can coexists within life’s headaches and heartaches. Therefore, when trials come along in life always try to remember that joy is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God in the midst of it. Paul left Antioch with opposition ringing in his ears, but also with new believers filled with joy and encouraging him. This joy stems from knowing that we are forgiven, justified, and loved by God. No matter what happens, we can rejoice in our salvation and the eternal fellowship we will have with the Lord.