Acts 13:13-25 - God's Sovereign Control

Given the personality that he had, it came as no surprise that Paul should now be taking the lead. From Paphos, the three, Paul, Barnabas and John Mark set out to sea arriving at Perga in Pamphylia.

At Pamphylia, John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. No reason was given at this point as to why they parted ways. There is no point adding on to the speculations.  But we do know that it was not a pleasant situation.

Paul and Barnabas did not remain long in Perga before they journeyed to Pisidian Antioch. Arriving there, they lost no time. For on the Sabbath day both missionaries went to the synagogue and sat among the people. After reading the Scriptures (the Law and the prophets), the synagogue officials asked for them and invited them to give the exhortation.

Seizing the opportunity, Paul stood up and animatedly gave a message to them.   He began by addressing two types of hearers: Jews and the proselytes or the God-fearers. Ably, he connected with his audience by affirming the community relationship.

In verses 17 to 19, Paul started by dealing with the election of Israel and their salvation,  covering 450 years of God's historical dealing with them.  Topics covered included: God's choice of Israel, their growth in numbers in Egypt, their mighty deliverance, their wilderness wandering before settling into the promised land when the seven nations of Canaan were dealt with.

From verses 20-25, Paul covered the era of the Prophet Samuel to King David. And how from David's line God gave them the promised Savior, Jesus of Nazareth.

Two things stand out in these verses: God's sovereign control and God's promise.

(1) God sovereignly controls history with Israel occupying a unique place in God's plan. Notice that God was central in everything. It was He who purposed and brought His plan to pass. He chose them, He multiplied them in Egypt, He delivered them from bondage. He led them through the wilderness, He conquered the enemy nations and He gave them the promised land.

(2) Jesus is God's promised Messiah. He raised King David, and from his royal linage came Jesus, the Messiah. John the Baptist affirmed this Messiah by saying that, "But behold, one is coming after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’

As we align with God and offer Him our lives and commitment, we can be assured that He is very much in charge. Just as He fulfilled all that He had promised to Israel, He will also fulfill for us what He has promised. Let's allow Him to take our relationship with Jesus, our Savior and Messiah, deeper. For in Him we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sin.

Praise The Lord!