13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” 16 So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said:“Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. 18 And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. 19 And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ 23 Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. 24 Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’26 “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. 27 For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 And when they had carried out all that was written of 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 appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. 32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 33 this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm,“‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.’34 And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way,“‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’35 Therefore he says also in another psalm,“‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, 37 but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. 38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:41 “‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish;for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”42 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. 43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.
In Acts 13:13-43, Paul’s message at Pisidian Antioch resonates with encouraging words that unveil the richness of God’s redemptive plan. From His unwavering faithfulness to the fulfillment of prophecy and the offer of forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ, each theme offers hope and transformation to believers. Let’s explore these themes and discover their relevance for our lives today.
The Faithfulness of God:
Paul’s discourse at Pisidian Antioch begins with a poignant reflection on the faithfulness of God throughout Israel’s history. As he addresses the congregation, Paul recounts the remarkable journey of the Israelites, from their humble beginnings as a chosen people to their deliverance from bondage in Egypt. He vividly describes God’s steadfast presence and unwavering commitment to His people, despite their repeated disobedience and faithlessness.
Drawing from the scriptural narrative, Paul recalls God’s covenant with Abraham, promising to bless him and make his descendants into a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). He highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling this promise through the miraculous birth of Isaac, despite Abraham and Sarah’s old age (Genesis 21:1-7). Throughout the generations, God’s faithfulness endures, as He guides and provides for His people, leading them through the wilderness and into the Promised Land (Exodus 13:21-22, Joshua 3:14-17).
In reflecting on God’s faithfulness, Paul emphasizes its relevance for believers today. Just as God remained faithful to His promises to Israel, He remains faithful to us in our journey of faith. The apostle Peter echoes this sentiment, proclaiming, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). In times of uncertainty or trial, we can take comfort in the unchanging character of our faithful God, trusting that He will remain true to His promises and lead us into His abundant life.
Fulfilled Prophecy:
As Paul continues his message, he masterfully connects the dots between Old Testament prophecy and the life of Jesus Christ. With careful exposition, he reveals how Jesus fulfills the Messianic prophecies, thereby validating His identity as the long-awaited Messiah.
One such prophecy is found in Isaiah 7:14, where the prophet foretells the virgin birth of Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” Matthew’s Gospel confirms the fulfillment of this prophecy in the birth of Jesus, declaring, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel'” (Matthew 1:22-23).
Furthermore, Paul points to the Psalms as evidence of Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy. In Psalm 22, David prophetically describes the Messiah’s suffering and death, even detailing the piercing of His hands and feet. This psalm finds its fulfillment in the crucifixion of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, Luke 23:33, John 19:18).
Paul’s exposition of fulfilled prophecy underscores the divine orchestration of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, validating His role as the Savior of the world. Just as God faithfully fulfilled His promises in the past, He continues to fulfill His promises today, offering us hope and assurance in the reliability of His word.
Forgiveness of Sins:
At the heart of Paul’s message lies the transformative truth of forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. Paul boldly proclaims that through faith in Christ, forgiveness is available to all who believe, regardless of their past failures or transgressions.
This theme of forgiveness resonates throughout Scripture, finding its ultimate expression in the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross. As the apostle John writes, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). Through His shed blood, Jesus provides the atonement for our sins, reconciling us to God and offering us the gift of eternal life.
Furthermore, the offer of forgiveness extends beyond individual redemption to encompass reconciliation with God and others. As recipients of God’s grace, we are called to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us, just as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13). The freedom found in forgiveness allows us to experience the abundant life that Jesus offers (John 10:10), free from the bondage of guilt and shame.
Life Application:
- Cling to God’s Faithfulness: In times of uncertainty, remind yourself of God’s unwavering faithfulness throughout history. Trust that He will remain faithful to His promises for your life.
- Anchor Your Hope in Scripture: Spend time studying God’s word and meditating on the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus Christ. Allow Scripture to strengthen your faith and deepen your trust in God’s faithfulness.
- Extend Forgiveness: Choose to forgive those who have wronged you, just as Christ has forgiven you. Experience the freedom and joy that comes from releasing bitterness and embracing God’s grace.
- Share the Good News: Proclaim the message of forgiveness and redemption found in Jesus Christ to those around you. Be a vessel of encouragement and hope, pointing others to the life-changing power of the gospel.
- As we reflect on the encouraging words found in Acts 13:13-43, may we be inspired to embrace God’s faithfulness, trust in the fulfillment of His promises, and extend forgiveness to others. Let us anchor our hope in Christ and share the good news of His redeeming love with a world in need of encouragement and hope.