Acts 13:32-52
Q.1. How did Paul support the claim that the Gospel relates to Israel? How did he argue for the resurrection? What are the benefits of the Gospel? – (Acts 13:32-41)
Throughout his message, Paul related the Gospel to the Jewish Scriptures. Christ was the One promised, and He fulfilled the promises – 32 we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, 33 that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus (Acts 13:32-33). Paul argued from Ps.2:7; Is.55:3 & Ps.16:10 that the promises to David actually related to God’s Son, Jesus. They could not apply to David since he died and has undergone decay (Acts 13:33-36). Paul contended about Jesus, that – 37 He whom God raised did not undergo decay. 38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you (Acts 13:37-38). The law was powerless to liberate, but – through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses (Acts 13:39).
Q.2. What did the people at Pisidian Antioch think of the Gospel? How did Paul deal with the opposing Jews? How did he support his actions? – (Acts 13:40-47)
After Paul used Hab.1:5 to warn the people against scoffing at the Gospel, many desired to hear more. However, soon many of the devout Jews undermined the message of Paul. Therefore, he and Barnabas made a clear choice – 46 … and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, `I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles, that You may bring salvation to the end of the earth’ (Acts 13:46-47). This was a quotation that they knew very well, which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet (Is.42:6; 49:6).
Q.3. How did the Gentiles react? What enabled many to come to Christ? Why did the team go to Iconium? What impact did the Gospel make? – (Acts 13:48-52)
The Jews had scoffed at and repudiated the Gospel. Not so the Gentiles present – … they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord. And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region (Acts 13:48-49). Small wonder. These Gentiles had already humbly sought deliverance through believing the Gospel – and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed (Acts 13:48). How does anyone come to Christ? We must be chosen in Christ from the foundation of the world and appointed to everlasting life (c.f. Eph.1:4-5). We must respond to Him in repentance and faith. This is a great mystery, but all glory belongs to our God. The Jews stirred up strife and drove Paul and Barnabas onto Iconium. However, the Gospel thrilled and transformed all who embraced the message – And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52).