Antioch of Pisidia
Introduction: Paul and Barnabas had started their missionary journey together by going to Cyprus after they were commissioned from the church at Antioch in Syria. After preaching at synagogues in Cyprus and witnessing to the governor of the island at Paphos, they sailed to Pamphylia and subsequently visited Antioch of Pisidia. The message Paul gave at the synagogue there was a concise review of the history of Israel that led to the promise given to King David. Then Paul outlined how that promise was fulfilled by Christ Jesus, and clearly stated the crucial necessity of believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
NOTE: Bible passages are from the World English Bible.
A — Paul and Barnabas Went from Cyprus to Pamphylia
Acts 13 “13 Now Paul and his company set sail from Paphos, and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John departed from them and returned to Jerusalem. 14 But they, passing on from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia. They went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down. 15 After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, ‘Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, speak.’”
Comments: When Paul and his companions landed at Perga in Pamphylia, John left them and returned to Jerusalem. There is no description of ministry at Perga before the group traveled on to Antioch of Pisidia. They went into the synagogue there on the Sabbath day and quietly joined the service being held. After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue addressed the visitors as brothers, and opened an invitation for them to speak to the people.
B — Paul Responded to the Invitation to Speak
Acts 13 “16 Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, ‘Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen. 17 The God of this people chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they stayed as aliens in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm, he led them out of it. 22 When he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, to whom he also testified, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who will do all my will.”’”
Comments: Paul began his oratory by addressing those who were Jews, and any Gentiles present who had come to learn from their teaching. Paul’s very brief comments were presented with the anticipation that his audience had knowledge of the things he was summarizing to show a progression of God’s provision toward the point of promises fulfilled. Paul emphasized that the LORD had exalted Israel in Egypt by leading them out of captivity. The LORD was gracious to them despite their rebellion in the wilderness, drove out seven nations to give them the land, and eventually gave them King David who had a heart for the LORD.
C — Paul Explained About the Seed of David
Acts 13 “23 From this man’s seed, God has brought salvation to Israel according to his promise, 24 before his coming, when John had first preached the baptism of repentance to Israel. 25 As John was fulfilling his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. But behold, one comes after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’”
Comments: Paul focused on the descendant of David who was promised to come for the salvation of Israel. He declared that John announced Jesus as the Christ when he was preaching the baptism of repentance. Paul asserted that John made it clear as he was “fulfilling his course” that he was not the one to expect, but there was another coming who is so much superior to John that John felt unworthy to even unlatch that one’s sandals.
D — Paul Described the Rejection by the Leaders in Jerusalem
Acts 13 “27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they didn’t know him, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 Though they found no cause for death, they still asked Pilate to have him killed. 30 But God raised him from the dead.”
Comments: Paul declared that the word of salvation was being sent out to all of them. Since the rulers in Jerusalem did not recognize Jesus, nor understand that the prophecies read every Sabbath spoke of him, they actually fulfilled prophecy by condemning him. Though there was no reason for death in Jesus, they still asked Pilate to have him killed. But God raised him from the dead! He was seen for many days by his disciples who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who could therefore give eyewitness accounts of his resurrection.
E — Paul Declared the Gospel of Christ Jesus
Acts 13 “32 We bring you good news of the promise made to the fathers, 33 that God has fulfilled the same to us, their children, in that he raised up Jesus. 35 Therefore he says also in another psalm, ‘You will not allow your Holy one to see decay.’ 37 But he whom God raised up saw no decay.”
Comments: Paul brought his message to the point to confirm that the resurrection was perfectly in line with scripture, and that it verified Jesus as the son of David and the Son of God. The proof that these prophecies were about David’s descendant is in the reality that after David died his body saw decay in the grave. However Jesus came forth from the grave and his body did not suffer corruption.
F — A Warning Not to Reject the Gospel
Acts 13 “38 Be it known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man is proclaimed to you remission of sins, 39 and by him everyone who believes is justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.”
Comments: As Paul brought his address to a close he stated the importance for all who listened to accept that Jesus has brought remission of sin. Everyone who believes in Jesus is justified from all things, from which they could not be justified by the law of Moses. Paul followed with a caution that they not reject this message. The people begged to hear more on the next Sabbath. When the assembly dismissed, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, and they urged them to continue in the grace of God.
G — The Unbelieving Jews Drove Paul Away
Acts 13 “46 Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, and said, ‘It was necessary that God’s word should be spoken to you first. Since indeed you thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so has the Lord commanded us, saying, “I have set you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.”’ 52 The disciples were filled with joy with the Holy Spirit.”
Comments: The very next Sabbath there was a large crowd assembled to hear the word of God. This made the Jews jealous to the point of contradicting everything that Paul said. Paul and Barnabas boldly responded by declaring that the Jews’ reaction amounted to them judging themselves unworthy of eternal life. The message would then be turned to the Gentiles. When the Gentiles heard Paul’s remark, they were very glad and glorified the word of God. The disciples were not discouraged by these closing events, as they were filled with joy with the Holy Spirit.
Reflections in Prayer
Thank you Lord for the history recorded in your word that shows your grace to your chosen people over many centuries despite their repeated rebellion. Paul did not need to give an extensive list of prophecies to be able to demonstrate that Jesus has fulfilled the promise that the son of David would come to establish an everlasting kingdom, because Jesus is also the Son of God. The resurrection of Jesus was the final proof that he is the Christ, as you Lord did not allow your Holy One to see decay. The rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders and many of the Jews was accurately prophesied as well. But this was part of your plan to open the way to eternal life for the Gentiles throughout the whole earth. I praise you my Lord and Savior that you provided a way for me to be a child of Abraham by faith, though I am not descended through his natural blood line. Hallelujah to the one who called me to eternal life through his blood of the New Covenant! Amen.
Published 13 April 2013; revisions July 2021