Category: The Apostle Paul

⁸ Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. ⁹ He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, ¹⁰ said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking.” (Acts 14:8–10 (ESV)

What is a miracle? The word miracle has three distinctive meanings.

First, a miracle may be a common but significant event. For example, the birth of a baby is often referred to as the miracle of birth. It is in this sense that a miracle may be thought of as pointing to common things which have an uncommon cause in the power of God.

Second, a miracle may be God working through secondary means and at the most opportune time or place. This perspective in effect eliminates the concept of coincidences or random fate.

Third, a miracle is God working against nature. In this sense, a miracle was Jesus turning water in wine (John 2), or raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11). In these instances, there is no natural explanation for these events, and others like them. They are supernatural. Defined in this way, miracles validate the person of God, along with the message, and the messenger, from God.

In today’s text, we witness a miracle of God which is performed, or carried out, by the Apostle Paul. In the city of Lystra, there was a man sitting. The reason for this posture was not simply for relaxation. It was because the man was crippled and could not use his feet. Much like the man born blind (John 9), the man in question had been in this condition since birth. He had never walked.

He happened to be listening to the Apostle Paul speaking. It appears that Paul is preaching in the streets of the city. Paul saw not only the man, but also the man’s trust in, commitment to, dependence upon and worship of Jesus Christ.

Dr. John Walvoord explains, “The dire circumstances of this man are seen in the repeated idea: crippled in his feet … lame from birth … had never walked. Apparently there was no Jewish synagogue in Lystra, so God used a different thrust, the healing of this helpless cripple, to bring the gospel to these people. This is the third time in Acts a cripple was healed (3:1–10; 9:33–35).”

 Paul, in a loud voice, commanded the man to stand upright on his feet. The man complied by not only standing but also walking. This miracle supports the Gospel and also draws attention to its public proclamation.

Dr. Walvoord continues by saying, “Paul’s healing of this infirm man closely parallels Peter’s healing in chapter 3. In each case the cripple was lame from birth (3:2; 14:8); both Peter and Paul gazed at the one to be healed (3:4; 14:9); and both healed men responded by jumping and walking (3:8; 14:10). This shows Paul was equal to Peter in his apostleship.”

 What was the response by the citizens of Lystra to this divine occurrence? We will answer that question when next we meet.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁴ But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. ⁵ When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, ⁶ they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, ⁷ and there they continued to preach the gospel.” (Acts 14:4-7)

There are but two responses to the Gospel. There is both repentance and faith in Jesus Christ by grace alone through God given faith alone, or there is rejection. Rejection of the Gospel is often followed by an increasing hostility to not only the message but also the messengers.

This is what occurred in Iconium. Luke records that the citizens of the city were divided. Some agreed with the unbelieving Jews while others sided with the apostles. This is the first time in the Book of Acts that the term “apostles” is used. The word apostle means “a sent one.” It may either refer to the Twelve Apostles and Paul, or it is used to refer to those sent to share the Gospel as God’s messengers (2 Corinthians 8:23).

Opponents to the Gospel, both Jews, Gentiles and the ruler of Iconium, sought to mistreat Paul and Barnabas and eventually stone them to death. Stoning was the ancient Jewish method of execution for blasphemy (Acts 7:58-59; Leviticus 24:13-16). The two apostles heard of this plot to kill them and consequently fled to the cities of Lystra and Derbe. Once they arrived, they continued to preach the Gospel.

Dr. John McArthur writes that, “Lycaonia was a district in the Roman province of Galatia. Lystra was about 18 miles from Iconium, and was the home of Lois, Eunice, and Timothy (16:1; 2 Tim. 1:5). Luke mentions no synagogue in connection with Lystra, and since Paul began his ministry there by preaching to a crowd, it likely had a small Jewish population. Derbe was about 40 miles southeast of Lystra.”

Dr. R. C. Sproul comments, “What a roller-coaster ride was this missionary journey, with great in-gatherings of souls and incredibly vicious opposition. But Jesus told His followers it would be this way. We in the West mainly see indifference to the Gospel, but believers around the world face furious opposition. Pray for them and the advance of the Gospel.”

Soli deo Gloria!

“Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. ² But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. ³ So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” (Acts 14:1–3)

Paul and Barnabas left Pisidia Antioch and traveled to the neighboring city of Iconium, in the region known as Lycaonia. Iconium was approximately 80 miles southeast from Pisidia Antioch and was located in a Roman province called Galatia.

As was there usual practice, upon their arrival they both entered into the Jewish synagogue and spoke from God’s Word. The result was a great number of both Jews and Gentiles believed in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. As was previously the case, the Gospel continued to effectively spread resulting in the conversion of souls.

This was a significant event because Iconium was a town dominated by idol worship among the Gentiles. Among the false deities that the Iconium Gentiles worshiped, the most prominent was Cybele, the Phrygian mother goddess. Other cults were also common. However, inscriptions testify that the Christian faith spread and Iconium later became a major center of Christianity in Asia Minor.

However, no sooner does the Gospel spread than corresponding persecution occurred. Unbelieving Jews roused and caused the Gentiles to turn against the new converts in general, and Paul and Barnabas in particular.

Regardless, Paul and Barnabas remained in Iconium for a considerable amount of time. While there, they continued to speak boldly on behalf of the Lord. Consequently, the Lord confirmed their message of the Gospel of grace by granting that signs and wonders be done by them. The Lord sovereignly permitted miracles be done by both Paul and Barnabas.

Dr. John Walvoord explains that, “The reference to miraculous signs and wonders was further confirmation of God’s endorsement of this ministry (cf. 2:43; 4:30; 5:12; 6:8; 8:6, 13; 15:12). Later Paul referred to these miracles to validate the reality of the gospel among the Galatians (Gal. 3:5).”

Dr. R. C. Sproul explains that, “Faith demands obedience, otherwise it lacks the characteristics of trust, obedience, and dependence. Faith without obedience is dead (James 2:17). The proclamation of the Good News demands a positive response of joyful compliance, but a negative response demonstrates willful defiance.”

What is your response to the Good News of the person and work of Jesus Christ? Is it joyful compliance or willful defiance? Is it obedience or disobedience? Is it submission or rejection?

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

⁴⁹ And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. ⁵⁰ But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. ⁵¹ But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. ⁵² And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:49–52)

As a result of Paul and Barnaba’s ministry, the Gospel was spreading throughout the whole region of Pisidia Antioch. The work by the Holy Spirit through Paul and Barnabas was igniting an awakening unto biblical truth.

However, as we have already seen in the earlier portions of Paul’s life and beyond, the work of the Lord often incites opposition. Saul of Tarsus was an initial source of that opposition. As the Apostle Paul, he ironically becomes a catalyst provoking it.

The jealous Jews incited influential women and men of Pisidia Antioch to stir up persecution against Paul and Barnabas. The result was that the growing opposition drove the two missionaries from the city. Why did they chose to do this?

One commentator explains, “Ancient sources report that many prominent women were interested in Judaism (partly because their wealth gave them leisure to consider it, partly because they, unlike men, did not have to face circumcision if they became serious about it); these women in turn could influence their powerful husbands. Local aristocracies made up a fraction of the population but held great wealth and most of the political power; from them came suggestions for the local councils, and their opposition could drive someone out of town. But their authority was only local, and by going to Iconium Paul and Barnabas moved out of their jurisdiction.”

Paul and Barnabas were not discouraged. They simply departed and traveled east to the city of Iconium, located in the neighboring region of Lycaonia. Even so, the disciples of Jesus in Pisidia Antioch rejoiced and were filled with joy by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

The joy of the Gospel is often contrasted by the unhappiness of those who oppose the Gospel. Do you remember when you opposed the Gospel? Are you experiencing the joy of the Gospel today?

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

⁴⁸” And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed (Acts 13:48)

The sovereignty of God in salvation is an often controversial and hotly debated subject. It remains an ongoing debate as well as an intramural debate between fellow believers in Christ. I have encountered many people who become visibly agitated at me when I preach and teach from the Scriptures that our justification from God is by sovereign grace alone, through God given faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone.

The sovereignty of God in saving sinners is not biblically supported by lifting verses out of their immediate context and having them stand alone. In properly interpreting the Scriptures, we must not only examine a particular verse in question, but how that verse fits in its overall context of the preceding, and following, verses contained within the particular paragraph and chapter. Case in point: John 3:16 cannot be correctly understood without examining it within the context of John 3:1-15 and John 3:17-21.

Regarding the sovereignty of God in saving sinners, today’s text contributes much to the discussion. Within the immediate context of Acts 13:13-43, the results of Paul and Barnabas’ preaching ministry is the salvation of Gentiles in Pisidia Antioch. Upon hearing and understanding that the Gospel was available to the Gentiles (Acts 13:42-47), these non-Jewish individuals began rejoicing and glorifying the Word of the Lord.

Luke then states that “as many as were appointed to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48b). Notice the cause and effect structure of this statement. Believing, which is the effect, is caused by a sovereign appointing to eternal life.

The word appointed (τεταγμένοι; tetagmenoi) is grammatically a perfect passive particle. This means that it is a past completed action with continuing results. It is a passive verb which means that the action was done by someone, or something, upon the recipients and not by the recipients themselves. Appointed means to be designated, determined or assigned. The designation, determination, and assignment from God upon these Gentiles in particular is eternal life, or an everlasting covenant relationship with God through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

How is this appointment unto eternal life evidenced or effected? The effect of this prior appointment is that many believed (ἐπίστευσαν; episteusan). Belief is trust in, dependence upon, commitment to and worship of the One, True God. Many of the Gentiles believed the Gospel, because God previously appointed many unto eternal life so that they would possess saving faith in order to believe the Gospel.

Dr. R. C. Sproul explains that, “God chose these people beforehand (in eternity past), and now giving them repentance (Acts 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25) has brought them to faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Luke uses the passive voice (“were appointed”), indicating that God is the agent. Only God grants eternal life (Matthew 25:46; John 10:28-30; 17:1-2).”

God appointed you before the foundations of the earth (Ephesians 1:3-14) to believe the Gospel and receive eternal life. Therefore, He receives all the glory for your salvation. Take time today to praise and honor Him for His sovereign appointment of salvation for your eternal soul.

Soli deo Gloria!  

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!