Paul and Barnabus remained focused on doing the work that God set them apart to do… they boldly proclaimed the truth of Yeshua as Messiah. Many, even leaders amongst God’s people, did not want to hear it and rejected the message. They reacted with anger and bitterness. Some at first accepted and welcomed Paul and Barnabus (earlier in Acts 13) but then turned on them in jealousy when they saw the Gentiles gathering to learn about Messiah! They attacked Paul and Barnabus and pushed them away. But there were also those who gladly accepted the truth of Jesus. This is also how it is today… not much different at all. Many will come against you when you preach the truth of Jesus Christ, even some who claim to be Christians. But we are called none the less to boldly proclaim the gospel!
Paul Turns to the Gentiles
44The next Sabbath nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of the Lord. 45But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming. 46Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.
47“For so the Lord has commanded us,
‘I HAVE PLACED YOU AS A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES,
THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE END OF THE EARTH.’”
48When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region. 50But the Jews incited the devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51But they shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
I have found scripture to be very helpful in teaching me how to proclaim the gospel. I believe it can be helpful to all of us. Paul and Barnabus continued to obey God and share the gospel, even when others opposed them. At some point, when a group is hostile in rejecting Yeshua we are right to “shake the dust from our feet” and move on. They will face judgment before God and there are many more that need to hear the truth of the gospel that are ready to receive it. It is disappointing to be sure that the Gentiles who were there and hungry to hear about Messiah, lost that opportunity due to the jealous and hostile response of the Jewish people at that time. I continue to be impressed that even as people came against Paul and Barnabus, they were continually filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
These lessons are helpful to me personally. My joy should come from the Lord, not approval of other people. I am accountable to God and will do my best to obey and trust Him, even when I face resistance and personal attacks. Count it as glory to be persecuted because of the name of Yeshua.
Matthew 5:10 10“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Are you letting others discourage you from sharing the truth about Yeshua? Are you continuing to try to “force the gospel” on someone who has rejected it rather than moving on to more fertile ground? What changes is God leading you to make in your life in this area?
I invite you to pray with me:
Father, please grant me wisdom to know who and how to reach people for the glory of Your kingdom. Help me to have courage and conviction to stand for You and Your message even when others come against me. Help me know when it is time to move on and shake the dust from my sandals without leaving others behind unnecessarily. Help me be fully submitted to You and to be used by You for Your glory. Please prepare people to hear and receive Your message without hostility and jealousy of one another. Amen.
Shalom
Devotion by John in service to Christ
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