E29
Preaching the Word in Antioch, Psidia
Acts 13
Barnabas and Paul, after introducing the Proconsul, Sergius Paulus, to Christ, left Cyprus, sailed about 200 miles to the mainland. Since a ‘time-frame’ is not indicated, we might conclude that the mission team had remained with Sergius long enough to spend time with him, perhaps lead a few others to Christ and even establish a church there. None of this is mentioned in scripture, however, so we have to rely on recorded history. Bible commentator, John Gill said,
"And though we read of no more converted at this time in Paphos, yet it is highly probable there were others, and that a foundation of a Gospel church state was laid in this place, ------
Jerom makes mention of Hilarion, an eminent servant of Christ, who was for some time at Paphos, in the fourth century…"
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.
What do we know about Perga? It was situated on what is now the south west corner of Turkey. At the time it was noted for its temple to the goddess, Artemis.
There is no mention of any ministry taking place in Perga. The men disembarked there and seem to have traveled through and on to Antioch in Pisidia. Later, however, they returned here to preach.
The Romans completed the building of a road from Perga on the coast, over a mountain pass to Antioch, Pisidia, province of Galatia, in 6 BC. This was the road Barnabas and Paul took. It was between 20 and 25 feet wide and was used until the 19th century.
Antioch of Pisidia was on a plateau in a mountainous area. The highest point of the city was just over 1200 meters in elevation. At the highest point was an acropolis of 115 acres. At that time every city had an acropolis situated at the highest part of the city. It was surrounded by fortified walls and used as a point of defense for the city. It was common for the elite of the city to live there. It was also used as a center of worship for various gods.
While no signs of a synagogue have been found in Perga, there is one in Antioch.
14 And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 And 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, say on.”
At this point Barnabas and Paul appear to be normal Jewish men, but obviously are known to be visitors from out of town. The leader of the synagogue addresses them and 16 Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen:
Paul addresses the group, Men of Israel, but also ‘you who fear God’. This second group are gentiles who have become believers in God but have not yet been circumcised. They would be sitting by the exit doorway, separated from the Jews.
As Paul begins, he exercises great wisdom. He does not immediately tell them that Jesus is the Messiah, but rather first established how deeply he believed the scriptures. This would get the Jews to follow his lecture willingly.
He said, 17 “The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it.
18 “Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness.
19 “And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.
20 “After that He gave [them] judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
21 “And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul, the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
22 “And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’
So far so good. He has said nothing that they would argue with. But then he says, 23 “From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior — Jesus — 24 after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Now the ‘flags’ would go up. But Paul does not pause for a second but goes on, 25 “And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’
26 “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent.
Amazingly, the Rabbis do not interrupt. Next, after Paul laid a good historical context, he brings them right up to current events.
27 “For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him.
28 “And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death.
29 “Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.
30 “But God raised Him from the dead.
31 “He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people.
32 “And we declare to you glad tidings — that promise which was made to the fathers.
33 “God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’
34 “And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’
35 “Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’
36 “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption;
37 “but He whom God raised up saw no corruption.
38 “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;
39 “and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
40 “Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:
41 “Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it to you.’”
Paul has presented good news. Exciting news. He concluded by laying blame on the Jews in Jerusalem for what they did to Jesus. But right at the end of his message he ties these Jews in Antioch to the warnings issued by the prophets towards the Jews in Israel.
And that is an interesting thought. Even though you and I were not there, we were still guilty of nailing Jesus to the cross. That is how God looks at it.
42 ¶ So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.
43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
What we are reading about is a very positive reaction of the people that could result in the forming of a new Christian church.
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.
This is kind of difficult to picture. Obviously the synagogue would not be big enough to contain ‘almost the whole city’. So I picture a huge outdoor gathering. Church ‘planting’ in Canada, the USA or any other country that still has freedom of religion, and a measure of freedom of speech is almost never done this way. But no matter how we approach street witnessing, church planting or publicly sharing the gospel, it takes initiative, a willing heart, and boldness. I could have said, It takes the leading of the Holy Spirit, but that is a given. The reason the gospel is not spreading is not the fault of the Holy Spirit. He leads. But we must follow.
45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.
Opposition is also a ‘given’. We must listen to the Holy Spirit, follow his directives … but expect opposition. In this case I can imagine a mounting noise level. Barnabas and Paul likely sensed that ‘progress’ was coming to a standstill, talked it over and, 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
47 “For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
Without a PA system, Paul would have shouted out these last words. The result?
48 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.
Barnabas and Paul and anyone who wanted to listen, must have walked away from the synagogue, away from the Jews. A happy crowd of believers, glorifying God, become a part of the Bride of Christ, His church.
There is one word in the above verse that might raise a question, so I will address it here. That word is in the phrase as many as had been appointed to eternal life. The word ‘appointed’ is from the Greek word τάσσω (tas’-so). In the ‘reformed’ view, that is from the Calvinist view, this verse is understood to mean that God has had some people pre-selected to be saved and has had their names written in the book of life ever since before the world was even created.
First, it is important to not read anything into a verse that is not there. The verse does not say anything about this ‘appointing’ having happened before the creation of the world.
And secondly, the word itself, τάσσω (tas’-so), literally translated, means ‘set in order or arranged’. What this simply means is, the preaching of the word is heard by the ear, enters the conscious mind … is considered and either accepted or rejected. What is taking place in the mind is an arranging, or an ‘ordering’ of thoughts.
So as many as considered the message, had their thoughts arranged by the Holy Spirit regarding what eternal life is contingent upon … believed.
49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.
What wonderful results! In the months since Barnabas and Paul left Antioch in Syria, trekked across the isle of Cyprus visiting and speaking in synagogues, but with so little to show for it. Then leaving Paphos with some form of a witness, they travel over two hundred miles by ship to the mainland, going through Perga, again with no results mentioned at all, but finally this!
For the word to be spread throughout all the region we must surmise that some days or weeks are passing by. The Jews of the city are growing very upset with this new ‘religion’ and decide to do something about it.
50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.
51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium.
52 And the disciples were filled with joy
"And though we read of no more converted at this time in Paphos, yet it is highly probable there were others, and that a foundation of a Gospel church state was laid in this place, ------
Jerom makes mention of Hilarion, an eminent servant of Christ, who was for some time at Paphos, in the fourth century…"
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.
What do we know about Perga? It was situated on what is now the south west corner of Turkey. At the time it was noted for its temple to the goddess, Artemis.
There is no mention of any ministry taking place in Perga. The men disembarked there and seem to have traveled through and on to Antioch in Pisidia. Later, however, they returned here to preach.
The Romans completed the building of a road from Perga on the coast, over a mountain pass to Antioch, Pisidia, province of Galatia, in 6 BC. This was the road Barnabas and Paul took. It was between 20 and 25 feet wide and was used until the 19th century.
Antioch of Pisidia was on a plateau in a mountainous area. The highest point of the city was just over 1200 meters in elevation. At the highest point was an acropolis of 115 acres. At that time every city had an acropolis situated at the highest part of the city. It was surrounded by fortified walls and used as a point of defense for the city. It was common for the elite of the city to live there. It was also used as a center of worship for various gods.
While no signs of a synagogue have been found in Perga, there is one in Antioch.
14 And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 And 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, say on.”
At this point Barnabas and Paul appear to be normal Jewish men, but obviously are known to be visitors from out of town. The leader of the synagogue addresses them and 16 Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen:
Paul addresses the group, Men of Israel, but also ‘you who fear God’. This second group are gentiles who have become believers in God but have not yet been circumcised. They would be sitting by the exit doorway, separated from the Jews.
As Paul begins, he exercises great wisdom. He does not immediately tell them that Jesus is the Messiah, but rather first established how deeply he believed the scriptures. This would get the Jews to follow his lecture willingly.
He said, 17 “The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it.
18 “Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness.
19 “And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.
20 “After that He gave [them] judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
21 “And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul, the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
22 “And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’
So far so good. He has said nothing that they would argue with. But then he says, 23 “From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior — Jesus — 24 after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Now the ‘flags’ would go up. But Paul does not pause for a second but goes on, 25 “And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’
26 “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent.
Amazingly, the Rabbis do not interrupt. Next, after Paul laid a good historical context, he brings them right up to current events.
27 “For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him.
28 “And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death.
29 “Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.
30 “But God raised Him from the dead.
31 “He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people.
32 “And we declare to you glad tidings — that promise which was made to the fathers.
33 “God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’
34 “And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’
35 “Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’
36 “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption;
37 “but He whom God raised up saw no corruption.
38 “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;
39 “and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
40 “Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:
41 “Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it to you.’”
Paul has presented good news. Exciting news. He concluded by laying blame on the Jews in Jerusalem for what they did to Jesus. But right at the end of his message he ties these Jews in Antioch to the warnings issued by the prophets towards the Jews in Israel.
And that is an interesting thought. Even though you and I were not there, we were still guilty of nailing Jesus to the cross. That is how God looks at it.
42 ¶ So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.
43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
What we are reading about is a very positive reaction of the people that could result in the forming of a new Christian church.
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.
This is kind of difficult to picture. Obviously the synagogue would not be big enough to contain ‘almost the whole city’. So I picture a huge outdoor gathering. Church ‘planting’ in Canada, the USA or any other country that still has freedom of religion, and a measure of freedom of speech is almost never done this way. But no matter how we approach street witnessing, church planting or publicly sharing the gospel, it takes initiative, a willing heart, and boldness. I could have said, It takes the leading of the Holy Spirit, but that is a given. The reason the gospel is not spreading is not the fault of the Holy Spirit. He leads. But we must follow.
45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.
Opposition is also a ‘given’. We must listen to the Holy Spirit, follow his directives … but expect opposition. In this case I can imagine a mounting noise level. Barnabas and Paul likely sensed that ‘progress’ was coming to a standstill, talked it over and, 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
47 “For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
Without a PA system, Paul would have shouted out these last words. The result?
48 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.
Barnabas and Paul and anyone who wanted to listen, must have walked away from the synagogue, away from the Jews. A happy crowd of believers, glorifying God, become a part of the Bride of Christ, His church.
There is one word in the above verse that might raise a question, so I will address it here. That word is in the phrase as many as had been appointed to eternal life. The word ‘appointed’ is from the Greek word τάσσω (tas’-so). In the ‘reformed’ view, that is from the Calvinist view, this verse is understood to mean that God has had some people pre-selected to be saved and has had their names written in the book of life ever since before the world was even created.
First, it is important to not read anything into a verse that is not there. The verse does not say anything about this ‘appointing’ having happened before the creation of the world.
And secondly, the word itself, τάσσω (tas’-so), literally translated, means ‘set in order or arranged’. What this simply means is, the preaching of the word is heard by the ear, enters the conscious mind … is considered and either accepted or rejected. What is taking place in the mind is an arranging, or an ‘ordering’ of thoughts.
So as many as considered the message, had their thoughts arranged by the Holy Spirit regarding what eternal life is contingent upon … believed.
49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.
What wonderful results! In the months since Barnabas and Paul left Antioch in Syria, trekked across the isle of Cyprus visiting and speaking in synagogues, but with so little to show for it. Then leaving Paphos with some form of a witness, they travel over two hundred miles by ship to the mainland, going through Perga, again with no results mentioned at all, but finally this!
For the word to be spread throughout all the region we must surmise that some days or weeks are passing by. The Jews of the city are growing very upset with this new ‘religion’ and decide to do something about it.
50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.
51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium.
52 And the disciples were filled with joy