Here in verse 26, he again passionately addressed his audience, calling them son of Abraham’s family and God-fearers. He was seeking to connect with them on this important part of his message.
In summary, what Paul told them was this: what the Scriptures
foretold about Jesus was fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus. He showed
that he was not speaking about something new or obscure. In fact he was sharing
something foretold by God’s prophets of old.
Although God’s promised Savior has appeared, yet not everyone saw it. So the people and elders conspired and asked Pilate to execute the Savior. Everything, His suffering and death happened just as foretold. Paul’s point was this: Jesus was innocent, yet they put Him to death. But His death fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.
Paul then went on to prove Christ’s resurrection. Although the Savior was buried in a tomb, God raised Him from the dead. And for many days He made resurrected appearances to those who came with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. Again this was in keeping with the Old Testament – Psalm 2:7 and Psalm16:10
In verses 38-39, Paul asserted that through Jesus’ forgiveness, justification was offered. Then in verse 41, quoting Habakkuk 1:5, Paul used it as a warning to those who reject God’s offer of salvation. It was obvious from verses 42-43 that their message was well received because the people urged them to come back to share more. Paul and Barnabas encouraged them to continue in the grace that they had received.
God forgives and justifies. What marvelous grace! We are privileged to experience them. No wonder Paul exuberantly called us to live to the praise of His glorious grace. In other words, we should live our lives in such a way that would cause the name of Christ to be praised. Let’s do it for His glory!
No comments:
Post a Comment