Study 25 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 13:44-52
The Jews Antioch became Jealous (verse
45) because Paul’s message of forgiveness through Christ was drawing away the God-fearers,
whom they hoped would eventually become fully committed to Judaism.
- What
was the result of this jealous opposition upon the work of Paul and
Barnabas? Cf. 18:5, 6; 28:28. Do you ever allow opposition to silence your
testimony or halt your Christian work? Of what may the refusal of some to
respond be an indication?
- Paul
and Barnabas now turn to the Gentiles. What two reasons are given in
verses 46, 47 (see Note 1), and what two results follow in (a) the wider
proclamation of the gospel and the ingathering of believers, and (b) the
experience of the converts?
Notes
- Verse
47. Cf. Is. 49:6. Supremely this refers to Jesus Christ, but Paul sees
himself as continuing the mission to the Gentiles that Jesus began.
- Verses
46 and 48. The Jew’s exclusion was their own fault. The Gentiles’ inclusion was due wholly
to God’s grace and a fulfillment of His foreordained purpose. This illustrates
two sides of scriptural truth which need always to be held in balance.
