Author: drthomasclothier

⁴⁴ “The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. ⁴⁵ But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. ⁴⁶ And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. ⁴⁷ For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” (Acts 13:44–47)

Following Paul and Barnabas’ ministry in the synagogue in Pisidia, Antioch, a full week passes. The two missionaries return to the synagogue the next Sabbath Day. Luke says that almost the entire city gathered to hear God’s Word. It must have been an exciting scene.

However, not everyone was pleased with the turnout. Today’s text says, “But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him” (Acts 13:45). However, this was all within the sovereign plan of almighty God.

The overwhelming response to the Gospel in Pisidia Antioch was a Gentile response. This aroused jealousy in the Jews. This response was God ordained. Romans 10:19 says, “But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.”

The Apostle Paul quoted from Deuteronomy 32:21. It was always God’s plan to call Gentiles into salvation in order to provoke the Jews to jealousy. God did this so that the Jews, being envious, would ultimately be saved (Romans 11:11-14).

Paul’s direct response to the Jews in Pisidia Antioch was that the Gospel would always be presented first to the Jews. In light of their unbelieving response, Paul and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles. Paul reasoned that, “For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” The apostle quoted respectively from Isaiah 49:6 and 42:6.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes that, “Jewish opposition to the Gospel is a major theme in Acts, but many Jews believed as the Gospel spread from Jerusalem. Even opposition was in God’s plan. We must proclaim the Gospel clearly. If it encounters opposition, so be it for God has ordained each reaction to His message. Like Paul and Barnabas, be bold.”

Soli deo Gloria!

 

^40 “Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: ⁴¹ “ ‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’ ” ⁴² As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. ⁴³ And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.” (Acts 13:40-43)

Nearing the end of his address to the attendees at the synagogue at Pisidia Antioch, the Apostle Paul warned the people. He quoted from Habakkuk 1:5 which says, “‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’ ” This was God’s announcement to the people of Judah through Habakkuk the prophet concerning the impending judgment of Judah, by God, through the nation of Babylon in the 8^th century B.C.  

Following the conclusion of the service, the people wanted to hear more. They continually and persistently implored Paul and Barnabas to return the next Sabbath day and preach the same things from God’s Word.

Luke records, “And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.” (Acts 13:43)

These people were full converts to Judaism who had been circumcised. By urging Paul and Barnabas to continue in the grace of God they were indicating that they were truly saved. They encouraged the two missionaries to persevere and validate the reality of their salvation by continuing in the grace of God (cf. John 8:31; 15:1–6; Col. 1:21–23; 1 John 2:19). With such validation, Paul and Barnabas hoped to convince those who were intellectually persuaded of the truths of the gospel, but as yet had not exercised saving faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul and Barnabas did not want these people to resort to legalism rather than completely embracing Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

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^36 “For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, ³⁷ but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. ³⁸ Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, ³⁹ and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the Law of Moses.” (Acts 13:36–39)

The Apostle Paul continued his sermon at the synagogue in Pisidia Antioch concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul labored in his message to emphasize the lack of deterioration Jesus’ physical body encountered following His death and prior to His resurrection. This was unique for Jesus.

Paul went on to explain that even King David, having served the LORD, and being a man after God’s own heart, died, and was buried like his ancestors, resulting in his body decomposing. However, this did not occur with Jesus. His body did not experience decay.

Consequently, it is only through Jesus Christ that God can forgive sinners of their sins. It is by Christ and Christ alone that God sets the believing sinner free from the guilt, debt, enmity and enslavement to sin. This is a freedom the Law of Moses was incapable of accomplishing.

This is a truth Paul wanted his audience to understand and not miss its significance. It is the truth of the Gospel. Is the answer to the question, “how can I be forgiven?” Or, “what do I do with my guilt and shame?”

Dr. Simon Kistemaker explains that, “All human beings are guilty of violating the commands of the Holy God. In fact, all human beings know this about themselves, but suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). Those who accept the truth are those who wonder how their guilt can be removed. Paul’s answer is through this man. Christ can take away sin and guilt.”

It is only by grace alone, through faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone that the sinner can be justified and declared righteous. This justification forever removes the sinner’s guilt, debt, enmity before God, and enslavement to sin. Hallelujah!

Soli deo Gloria!    

 

 

 

³² “And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, ³³ this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, “ ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.’ ³⁴ And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’ ³⁵ Therefore he says also in another psalm, ‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption’.” (Acts 13:32–35)

The Apostle Paul was an Old Testament scholar. His writings, and preaching, were filled with references from the Old Testament Scriptures. He continually affirmed the Old Testament as the Word of God. He did not perceive the New Testament replacing the Old Testament, but rather the New Testament being built upon the Old Testament. In other words, the Old Testament was/is the foundation for the New Testament.

Luke records Paul’s presentation of the Gospel in the synagogue at Pisidia Antioch. Paul not only preached that Jesus Christ was the Messiah, but that He also died on the cross in order to provide a substitutionary atonement for sinners. The evidence that God the Father approved of Jesus’s substitutionary death is the fact that He raised Jesus from the dead.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is supported and rooted in the Old Testament. Paul quoted respectively from Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 55:3, and Psalm 16:10. All three Old Testament passages affirm the resurrection of the Servant of Yahweh: Jesus Christ.

Dr. R.C. Sproul writes, “God overcame the unjust killing of Jesus by raising Him from the dead. His death on the ‘tree’ (Acts 13:29) did not mean God had abandoned Him (Deuteronomy 21:22-23), and the Resurrection powerfully demonstrated that. Paul shows by quoting Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 55:3 and Psalm 16:10 that though the Messiah was to die, He would not be left in the grave. The Psalm 16 citation, written by David and originally applying to him, finds its complete fulfillment in the Messiah. He is glorified and in a glorified body, even now.”

 Jesus Christ is the first born from the dead and the preeminent One by whom every believer in Christ is resurrected (John 11:25-26; I Corinthians 15:20-28; Colossians 1:16). Jesus Christ is the hope beyond the grace for everyone who has faith in Him as Savior and Lord. This indeed is good news.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

^27 “For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. ²⁸ And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. ²⁹ And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. ³⁰ But God raised him from the dead, ³¹ and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people.” (Acts 13:27–31)

The Old Testament prophecies concerning the Servant of Yahweh, otherwise known as the Messiah, are fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This is the main point of the Apostle Paul’s message to the synagogue attendees in Pisidia Antioch.

The people and the rulers in Jerusalem did not recognize nor understand the oracles from their own prophets. This was true even though the Old Testament prophets were/are read every Sabbath Day in the synagogues. Why did the Jewish people misunderstand who Jesus was and what He came to accomplish on the cross? Why do they misunderstand who Jesus was even to this day?

To begin with, most Jews then, and now, were expecting a political/militaristic Messiah as their deliverer. Jesus, however, came from a poor family and was an itinerant preacher or rabbi.

Additionally, they could not understand how one who died on a cross, could be the Messiah because He was obviously cursed by God. Deuteronomy 21:22-23 says, ²² “And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, ²³ his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance.”

What the Jews obviously forgot was the biblical doctrine of substitutionary atonement. This was an atonement not only pictured by the Passover (Exodus 12) but also by the daily sacrifices (Leviticus 1-7).

Galatians 3:10-14 says, “¹⁰ For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” ¹¹ Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” ¹² But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” ¹³ Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— ¹⁴ so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

Concerning Jesus Christ’s substitutionary atonement, I Peter 1:23-24 says, “²³ When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. ²⁴ He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”

How do we know that God the Father found Jesus’ substitutionary atonement acceptable? This is what we will examine when next we meet.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

^15 “After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” ¹⁶ So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.” (Acts 13:15–16)

Paul and Barnabas entered the synagogue in Pisidia Antioch on the Sabbath Day (Acts 13:14). Following the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue asked them if they had a word of encouragement to share to the people in attendance. Indicative of his growing leadership role, Paul, not Barnabas, stood up and after motioning with his hand before the people said, “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.”

Dr. R.C. Sproul comments that, “In Antioch, following what had obviously become their strategic practice, Paul and Barnabas go into the synagogue for Sabbath worship. Luke reports that the Scriptures are read as part of the liturgy, which typically included a sermon that a visitor might be invited to deliver. Thus, the Antioch synagogue leaders ask Paul and Barnabas together whether they have ‘a word of exhortation.” And so Paul stands to speak.”

It is interesting and ironic to note that Paul’s sermon is reminiscent of Stephen’s (Acts 7). It was Stephen’s sermon which initiated Saul of Tarsus’ reign of terror upon the early church. Therefore, it is fitting that Luke recorded Paul’s message, which begins, like Stephen’s, as a survey of Israel’s history (Acts 13:17-25).

Paul told the synagogue audience of God’s blessings upon the Jewish people. He recalled how God chose the Jews, how He delivered them out of Egypt, protected them in the desert, and brought them into the Promised Land. Paul  also remembered the spiritual leaders God provided for the nation: judges, prophets and kings.

Paul then stated that the greatest king was David. King David was a man after God’s own heart and one who would do God’s will (Acts 13:23). It would be through the lineage of David that God brought forth a Savior: Jesus Christ. It was Jesus who John the Baptist proclaimed as the One whose way he was preparing (Acts 13:24-25).

In presenting the Gospel, it is biblically wise for us to also share the person and work of God the Father in preparing and protecting His people for the coming of the Messiah, God the Son: Jesus Christ.

Prepare yourselves for such a presentation to someone you know who does not know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Joining me each day at this website is a good way to begin such a preparation.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹³ “Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, ¹⁴ but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. ¹⁵ After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” (Acts 13:13–15)

The first missionary journey continued for Paul, Barnabas and John/Mark. They departed the Island of Cyprus and sailed 200 miles north across the Mediterranean Sea to the city of Perga, located in the Roman Province of Pamphylia in Asia Minor.

When they arrived at Perga, John/Mark left them. The grammar in the verb “left” indicates a definitive and wholehearted departure. As determined as Paul and Barnabas were to continue traveling in order to share the Gospel, John/Mark was equally determined to return home to Jerusalem. Nothing is said by Luke as to why John/Mark parted company. Perhaps it was because the Holy Spirit had not set apart John/Mark for the called work as He had Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:2-3).

Dr. R. C. Sproul comments that, “Luke gives no reason for his (John/Mark’s) departure, but scholars have guessed homesickness, fears about traveling in Asia, and possible objections to preaching to the Gentiles. His departure will later cause a split between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36:40).”

In spite of John/Mark’s departure, Paul and Barnabas continued to minister. They traveled from Perga to Pisidian Antioch. This was not Antioch in Syria where Paul and Barnabas had previously served (Acts 11:19-26). Antioch in Pisidia was located in the mountains of Asia Minor in modern day Turkey. When the Sabbath day arrived, they went into the synagogue and sat down. This perhaps indicates the opportunity and privileged position to teach.

It was after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the ruler of the synagogue asked Paul and Barnabas if either of them would share a word of encouragement to the people who had gathered. It was typical to ask a visitor to deliver a sermon.

One biblical scholar notes, “In a later period, the biblical readings (especially from the law) would be fixed, and the synagogue sermon would be a homily on the texts read, similar to the one in this chapter; homilies (expositions of texts) were probably already used in this period. “Rulers of the synagogue” were the highest officials of local synagogues and are attested in Jewish inscriptions throughout the empire.”

Paul would comply with the rulers’ request (Acts 13:16). As we will see when next we meet, he would take the opportunity to expound from the Old Testament about the Gospel of God in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

“But Saul, who was also called Paul,” (Acts 13:9). “Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia.” (Acts 13:13).

Today’s two highlighted biblical texts display the beginnings of a transition in the life and ministry of Saul of Tarsus. The transitions are not only personal but also ministerial.

To begin with, Luke introduces us to Saul’s other given name: Paul. It is the first time the name Paul is mentioned. Saul’s Roman name, Paul, is used from here on. His Jewish name, Saul, only occurred when Paul gave his personal testimonies and referred to his former life (Acts 22:7; 26:14).

One commentator writes, “Roman citizens had three names. As a citizen, Saul had a Roman name (“Paul,” meaning “small”); his other Roman names remain unknown to us. As inscriptions show, this was common. Paul’s Roman name sounded similar to his Jewish name (Saul, from the name of the Old Testament’s most famous Benjamite). This is not a name change; now that Paul is moving in a predominantly Roman environment, he begins to go by his Roman name, and some of Luke’s readers recognize for the first time that Luke is writing about someone of whom they had already heard.”

The other transition is that Paul begins to take the leadership role on the missionary team, instead of Barnabas. Paul stepped to the forefront and assumed leadership. He was more aggressive and also knew Gentile thinking, better than Barnabas. From this point on Paul was the leader and his name preceded Barnabas’ name except when they were in Jerusalem (Acts 14:14; 15:12, 25).

Change happens. Many do not like change or transitions. However, as today’s texts reveal, change can be positive. What changes has God made in your own life? What changes need to be made?

Soli deo Gloria!

 

⁹ But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him ¹⁰ and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? ¹¹ And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. ¹² Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.” (Acts 13:9–12)

People who do not know the Lord as their Savior often do not want others to know Him either. They will do whatever is necessary in order to prevent a friend’s or relative’s conversion.

I recall one occasion when I was sharing the Gospel to an individual on the front porch of their house. When the time came for the individual to respond to the invitation to receive Christ, another person in the house took the opportunity to turn the stereo on, loudly,  at that very precise moment. The person I was witnessing to became distracted and immediately lost interest for what I was sharing from God’s Word.

Elymas the magician did not want Sergius Paulus to repent of his sin and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He opposed Barnabas and Saul and continually sought to turn the proconsul away from the faith (Acts 13:8). He did not want Sergius Paulus to be converted.

Saul recognized this for what it was: Satanic opposition. Being filled by the Holy Spirit, Saul looked right into Elymas’ eyes and said, ““You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?” Saul was not intimidated by Elymas but rather was bold in his evaluation of the man. Saul’s behavior and speech were reminiscent of an Old Testament prophet heralding an oracle of woe.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “In Aramaic, Bar-Jesus means “Son of Jesus.” But Paul told him that instead of being a son of Jesus (“Jesus” means “Yahweh is salvation”), Elymas was a child (huie, lit., “son”) of the devil. Paul lashed at him with strong language: Bar-Jesus was an enemy of everything that is right (lit., “righteousness”), he was full of … deceit (dolou) and trickery (rhadiourgias, “unscrupulous mischief, work that easily deceives,” used only here in the NT) and perverting the right ways of the Lord. Sorcery, exercising power by the help and control of demons, had led him into all kinds of deception of others and distortion of the truth. The occult is indeed dangerous.”

What followed next was godly condemnation and judgment. Saul continued by saying, “And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.”

Elymas’ spiritual blindness is now complimented by a God ordained physical blindness. The child of God had significantly more authority and power over a child of the devil. The so-called seeker of leaders now seeks others to lead him by the hand.

This miracle of judgment resulted in Sergius Paulus becoming a believer in Christ. Physical blindness upon Bar-Jesus resulted in the proconsul’s spiritual eyes to be opened. He trusted in, committed to, depended upon and began worshiping Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The Lord also caused him to be amazed in the things of God. Sergius Paulus now understood that Saul/Paul was the true prophet of God and Elymas was a fraud.

As Dr. R. C. Sproul explains, “Barnabas and Paul began their ministry preaching to the Jews, but the first convert mentioned is a Gentile, a Roman, a servant of the Empire, and one who had been taught by a false prophet. He (Sergius Paulus) was an unlikely prospect, but God delights in the unexpected.”

What works of God have surprised you the most recently? Who do you know who needs the same kind of conversion as happened to Sergius Paulus? Pray for them today.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

⁶ “When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. ⁷ He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. ⁸ But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. “(Acts 13:6–8 (ESV)

Barnabas and Saul, along with John/Mark, traveled over the entire island of Cyprus. They began at Salamis, on the eastern coast and traveled as far as Paphos, located on the western shore. New Paphos, a Greek harbor town on the north and west of Cyprus, had long been the provincial capital and maintained some trade relations with Judea.

It was during their days of ministry, that they met a man named Bar-Jesus, or Elymas. The name “Bar-Jesus” means Son of Joshua. He was Jewish, a magician and a false prophet. In effect, Elymas practiced black magic and occultism.

Elymas was also an advisor to the Roman Proconsul, a ruler of a Roman province and under the authority of the Roman senate. The proconsul’s name was Sergius Paulus. Historically, Sergius Paulus was proconsul of Cyprus (the highest Roman official on the island) about a.d. 45–46. Luke describes him as a man of intelligence.

One commentator writes, “It was not unusual for Roman aristocrats to attach philosophers to their court; while magicians would be less appealing, the proconsul probably sees Bar-Jesus (“son of Joshua”) as a useful adviser from a “Jewish” perspective. Romans generally distrusted magic, but Josephus said that Felix, a Roman governor of Judea, counted among his friends a Cyprian Jew reputed to be a magician.”

Sergius Paulus wanted to hear the Word of God. Therefore, he summoned Barnabas and Saul to meet with him. However, Elymas was not happy about this. He opposed the two missionaries and sought to turn Sergius Paulus away from the Christian faith. He sought to prevent the proconsul’s conversion.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Elymas was a sorcerer and a false prophet, and he opposes the Gospel. Here again, we see spiritual warfare, such as Peter encountered in Acts 8:9-24. Elymas realized that if Sergius Paulus became a Christian, his (Elymas’) services would no longer be needed and he would lose his source of income.”

Always expect opposition to the Gospel. While opposition may not come from the individual you are sharing the Gospel, it may come from that individual’s friends or acquaintances who do not want to see their friend converted. With friends like this, who needs enemies?

Soli deo Gloria!