Acts 13:44-52 – Gentiles converted at Pisidian Antioch

Here in this passage, Paul and Barnabas were still at Pisidian Antioch. In Acts 10:42, we see the interest of Paul’s audience. After his preaching, they urged the missionaries to return to the synagogue the next Sabbath to continue to share the Word with them. So on the next Sabbath which would be a week later, a great crowd gathered to hear the Word of the Lord.

Paul again spoke. However, this time they met with opposition from the Jews. These Jews did not believe so they were filled with jealousy, so they kept going against Paul’s word and were blaspheming.

While there was no detail about what Paul and Barnabas shared, we can be quite certain that it would be about Jesus, the Messiah. It would be about how He was killed by the Jews and was raised from death by God. And wonderfully through this Name, many were being converted and saved to follow the Messiah.

In verse 46 Paul and Barnabas sized up the whole situation. They knew that the Jews were not receiving the Word of God, although their first intention was to bring the Gospel to them. And since they would not receive the Word and eternal life, they would turn to reach the Gentiles. They quoted what Isaiah 49:6 says “I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the end of the earth,” to support their mission to the Gentiles.

What they said brought gladness to the Gentiles who rejoiced and gladly participated in the Word of the Lord. We are told here that many who were destined to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord spread throughout the region.  

Paul and Barnabas brought the Gospel to the people at a price. The Jews who opposed them incited the devout women of prominence and leading men of the city against Paul and Barnabas. So they were drove out of the city.

They acted on what Jesus had instructed the disciples to do (Luke 9:5 & 10:11), they “shook off the dust of their feet” and went on to Iconium. Their work was not in vain. They have left behind a group of converts who continued to be filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Believers and workers of God are never left stranded. This is the joy of trusting Jesus and being active in His work and word. As evident in the lives of Paul, Barnabas and their converts, everyone (both the preachers as well as the recipients) was strengthened by the Holy Spirit in the midst of opposition.

Let’s not be discouraged in the work of sharing the love of God. Opportunities abound everywhere we go. There would be people who are open to the Word. Just stay faithful in the task and like Paul, we will always leave behind some who would rejoice and glory in the Word. These would be those who would be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.