Hostility Towards our Message

Hostility Towards our Message  (Acts 13:13-14:7)

8-19-13

            Recently I was watching an episode of “Sherlock.”  Sherlock was talking about his “arch-enemy.”  Watson asked if people in real life had “arch-enemies.”  I really found the question intriguing. 

Hopefully we have people in our lives that cheer us on.  We need “cheerleaders” that really encourage us, and want to see us succeed.  On the other side of the spectrum, we have people, perhaps known as “enemies of the gospel”—those who know we are believers and want to see us fail. 

In Acts, we see several crowds that wanted to see Paul and Barnabas fail.  They wanted to see the gospel fail. 

Read Acts 13:13-15

13 From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. 14 From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue rulers sent word to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak."

A Few things to Note from the Previous Passage

Last week we followed Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, where in the city of Paphos on the island of Cyprus they witnessed and helped the local governor to believe and accept Christ.  Secondly, if you remember, John joined them while they were on Cyprus, but here, already, we find he leaves them and returns to Jerusalem.  We are not told why here.  However later we learn that he in some sense “deserted” them.  It can be assumed that either something called his attention back home, or ministry got too hard on him—we really don’t know, nor is it clearly all that important.

Thirdly, in the previous passage, “Barnabus and Paul” were listed in that order.  From here forward, it is “Paul” listed before “Barnabas.”  What this suggests is that Paul was now leading the team, and probably the primary speaker.  Last week we saw how Barnabas was most likely the eldest over Paul, and thus they were typically listed in that order.

Active Discipleship

In that period of time I think Barnabas had encouraged Paul in his work, and most likely, even discipled him further.  Barnabas made sure he was ready to lead, and then he humbly stepped out of the way to let the Spirit shine through Paul.  This was an exciting realization to me, because growing up I had always understood that Barnabas was Paul’s disciple.  (I love it when learning a little background opens up new concepts in scripture!)  It is a perfect example of believers can disciple others to take on the ministry!

Observing their time of Worship

Paul and Barnabus now had traveled from Phaphos to Perga, and then to Pisidian Antioch.  Shortly after they arrived they joined the Jews for the weekly Sabbath celebration.  Though the believers saw Sunday as the new Sabbath day, Paul and Barnabus knew that in order to have good opportunities with the Jews they needed to attend the Saturday Sabbath celebration.  And so they did!

They observed their time of worship, at that location, and probably even dressed appropriately, all to have the best opportunity to share the gospel.  This can be hard to know how to apply this concept today.  Some say this suggests attending other worship services of people we want to witness to, can be a good idea.  But we need to be careful that we are doing constructive evangelism, and not being influenced the other way around. 

Given an Opportunity

The Jewish leaders at the Synagogue somehow found out the reason Paul and Barnabus were present in their town was to preaching a new message.  The leadership hosted a normal service in the synagogue; which was reading from the Law and the Prophets—normally a portion of each.  Then after scripture was read, the leadership asked if there was something with which Paul and Barnabus wanted to “encourage” the people present?  Do you have “A word of exhortation.” I.e. Edify us from God’s word in some way.  We are edified primary with scripture itself, but clearly good conversation and explanation of the scripture is helpful by those who have higher understanding of God’s Word.  The idea was to expand on the message,  similar to our sermons today.

Read Acts 13:16-41

16 Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: "Men of Israel and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! 17 The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt, with mighty power he led them out of that country, 18 he endured their conduct for about forty years in the desert, 19 he overthrew seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to his people as their inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years. "After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. 21 Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. 22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.' 23 "From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. 24 Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. 25 As John was completing his work, he said: 'Who do you think I am? I am not that one. No, but he is coming after me, whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.' 26 "Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. 27 The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28 Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people. 32 "We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: " 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father. ' 34 The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words: " 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.' 35 So it is stated elsewhere: " 'You will not let your Holy One see decay.' 36 "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. 38 "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. 40 Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: 41 " 'Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.' "

Paul’s Message

A key thing to notice right away, is that Paul embraces that opportunity given to him!  He is ready for it and accepts it cheerfully.  Note also that what is recorded here would be an abbreviation of his full speech.  It is logical to assume his words went longer.

It says “He motions to them”, not to silence them but to express compassion and enthusiasm to share with them.  For the author to point it out, suggests this was not normal.  Perhaps most who speaked at the temple might have been too pompus and self-important to come across warmly to the crowed.  But not Paul.  He had something important to say

One of Paul’s goals was to include both (all) people groups.  Paul explained that in order to show that the Jews were important to Jesus—Paul preached first to the Jews, using the law and their history.  But this message is also for the gentiles who believe in God.

Paul starts off retelling how God helped his people to prosper and grow, both in Egypt and out of it.  God overthrew nations to give them land to call their own.  But then the people needed correction.  God gave them judges and kings to try to guide them.  King Saul was unworthy, but David was given the promise that from his lineage would come the promised Messiah.  Paul was bringing this up to suggest that the people have needed correction before—this might be another one of those times.

Unfortunately, the people didn’t recognize who Jesus was (vs 27), even though scripture and John the Baptist told them about Him.  Their condemnation of him proved even more who He was, because it agreed with the very specific predictions in scripture.  God raised Jesus from the dead (vs 31)—this fulfilled God’s promise to us.  This proved that Jesus was God!  Through Jesus, everyone who believes is justified from everything in the law (vs. 39).  All sins are forgiven!  There is nothing that God still holds against us!

Are we enthusiastic about that, or are we so consumed by the world that it does not show?  No Jew or gentile.  The gospel does not divide, but is offered to all and gives peace.  In erse 40, he points out that some will never believe this truth about Jesus. Paul is saying: ‘Make sure this is not you.’

Read Acts 13:42-52

42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. 44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: " 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' " 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. 49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Another Opportunity

As they finished teaching the first Sabbath, the teachers there told them to come back next Saturday to teach more.  They had earned themselves another opportunity to preach the truth because of their knowledge and wisdom.

Then as Paul and Barnabas left the synagogue, people followed them and asked them more questions, and so they continued to teach them.  I can think of several times a professor stimulated our minds, students would follow them to their next class to have a few more moments to ask more questions. 

Again, Paul and Barnabus did not pass up an opportunity to talk about their faith.  In fact, it was more than just a few more minutes or hours.  It is clear they talked with people throughout the week. They probably met with people in small groups and continued to preach the good news of the Gospel.  God’s word from our lips should not end when we leave church!

Living in God’s Grace

Paul and Barnabas urged these people to “continue in the grace of God.”  Essentially, he is saying to keep seeking after God—keep looking for the truth, and the Grace of God will be there.  God gives ALL man grace, but when we follow His word, and walk in Righteousness, then we walk “in his grace” in a unique way.  It is not even that his Grace is a reward, rather, God gives us a way to live that naturally is better for us.

Quite simply, God has given Grace of salvation and the freedom from sin.  We need to walk regularly in that grace of freedom from sin.  It is a choice—to take for granted His grace, or to walk on that path, every moment of every day. 

The Next Sabbath

(44) “On the next Sabbath, almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.”

Almost the whole city (some say around 12,000 people) had heard  about Paul and Barnabus through the ‘grapevine,’ about the many who believed, and the message they were preaching.  So they told more and more people until the whole down was buzzing about it.  Sharing the gospel is exponential in its power to reproduce itself

Many of the Jews saw their popularity and became jealous.  All their years of practicing the Jewish faith never earned them that large of an audience—so they got jealous all for the wrong reasons.  They spoke “abusively” towards them (hostile; mocking them)

In verse 46, Paul and Barnabas boldly answered them:

“We purposefully talked first to you the Jews, but you did not consider yourself worthy of it.”  In other words, you and the other Jews rejected the forgiveness of your sins, and thus proved they were not worthy.  In a sense they passed the judgment on themselves

But the Gentiles accepted it gladly, as Jesus said they would: “48…and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.”  God gives free will, but ALSO appoints believers, by helping them to see the truth, through the Holy Spirit.  If they were appointed, this was it—they heard and believed.  Nothing more was needed that the simple hearing of the gospel.

The Heart Test

In every group, there is the true-to-heart, and the posers.  Especially for the Jews who came to the temple, this was the test:  If they knew the Word and were open to God, they accepted Jesus’ sacrifice as the answer to the prophesies.  But the posers were furious, namely because of their own jealousy

Think about how this concept transfers to different scenarios.  How would you suppose most groups know them?  (Think of a bicycle group, or book club, etc.)  How do you know whether they do it for the right reasons, or are just posers?

·         Test of time—Do they stick around it?  “The doers do…the posers pose.”

·         True enthusiasm—They are not ashamed to talk of it publically.

·         Knowledge of the subject—Do they want to learn what they can, and then remember it?

·         They are excited for anyone to join!

Can you see how this translates to the church today?

Coming back to our account here, surly the difference between believers and posers now was more obvious!  It created a huge rift in the society.  It is sad but still reality, and certainly nothing to be afraid of.  Not telling someone about the gospel because it will put a tension on your relationship is NOT a good reason.

The word of God spread, but the Jews stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas.  Paul and Barnabas were driven out of the area.  But that is okay, because God was leading them:

52    “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

Those that had accepted Jesus were joyous!  And now, with the Holy Spirit, they would grow in their faith.  No doubt God would send other teachers to pick up where they left off.

14:1-7 NIV

1 At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. 2 But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders. 4 The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles. 5 There was a plot afoot among the Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them. 6 But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country, 7 where they continued to preach the good news.

This account is similar to the last one; so much so that it is abbreviated.  We are only give a few details of the event (no speech details or specifics).  They traveled to Iconium.  It says they spend considerable time there.  The previous town was probably less than two weeks; it suggest this time it was a little longer before

God confirmed what P&B were saying, with miraculous signs and wonders!  Again they spoke there and both Jews and Gentiles believed! But some Jews allowed bitterness to grow in their hearts, again probably because of jealously, as well as unbelief.  They poisoned people’s minds against Paul and Barnabas—and the words they spoke. 

And once again they stirred up trouble and plotted against them, this time to stone them dead.  But by the providence of God, word about the plot got out and P&B left for the Lycaonian cities. 

Truths to Note

ü  The believers took the gospel to where the non-believes were at.  This is obvious here, but so important to point out.  Going where they go; finding places people talk about these things.

ü  The gospel is for all people groups (obvious and said before, but important).

ü  Opposition often accompanies the growth of the Church.  It is a part of working for the kingdom of God.

ü  Some people embrace the word of God when they hear it, while others reject it.

ü  The Holy Spirit is the one working in their life.  You just tell them the truth and live a life by example.

ü  Discipleship can happen while actively doing ministry

ü  We have Freedom from the daily power of sin. It is a bondage that we no longer have to be entangled in.