Preaching at Antioch, Acts 13:14-52

This post concerns Paul’s preaching at Antioch in Pisidia.

Preaching at Antioch discusses how the Apostle Paul spoke to Jewish people. The sermon began with the liberation of the children of Israel from Egyptian slavery, Acts 13:17. “The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it.”

Briefly, he then traced their history to King David and then introduced Jesus, the Messiah, Acts 13:23. “Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.”

But before Jesus came, John the Baptist proclaimed a baptism of repentance as a preparation or forerunner for the Messiah. Then, John loudly proclaimed “I am not he” concerning the Messiah.

Thus, Paul began a message about the Messiah, Acts 13:26-27. “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which… read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.”

This caused the crucifixion of Jesus. But God raised Him from the grave. Paul was a witness to the prophesied resurrected Messiah. Then, Paul announced what the Messiah offered, Acts 13:38. “therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,”

Many were interested and wanted to hear more.

The next Saturday almost the entire town assembled to hear Paul. But the leading Jews were jealous and reviled Paul to stop his preaching to Gentiles. When the gospel began spreading in the region, the Jews organized persecution that caused Paul and Barnabus to flee to the next city, Iconium.

The importance of this post lies in informing the reader of the persecution that Paul and Barnabus had to undergo to preach the gospel.

So, what did we learn?

1.Paul preached the gospel of Christ to Jews and Gentiles.

2.The Jews stirred up persecution that caused Paul and Barnabus to flee to Iconium

3.The gospel spread throughout the region.

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