“From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.”
John Mark? By this time, he had had enough! What got to him we don’t know. Perhaps it was the hardships of missionary life…perhaps the clashes with enemy forces…perhaps it wasn’t what he expected… or, perhaps it was the rigours of traveling with men driven by a passion for Jesus which he did not share. Whatever it was, he quit…and Paul didn’t like quitters!
“From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.” Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: “Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me!”
What an opportunity! Handed to Paul on a platter! As usual, the missionaries went first to the synagogue. They were testing the waters…the Jews first. Like Stephen, Paul began with a resume of Israel’s history, culminating with Jesus, the core of the story of God’s covenant people. Perhaps these Jews had forgotten their heritage and their place in God’s eternal plan. Perhaps life in the thick of pagan society had diluted the awareness of who they were. So, Paul reminded them of who they were or who they were supposed to be.
“Fellow children of Abraham and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. “We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors 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.’ God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said, “ ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’ “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”
That got their attention! The people were interested. They wanted more. Some believed! Another flame was lit…in Asia Minor.
At first, Paul and Barnabas received a friendly hearing…
“As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 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.”
Acts 13:13-16, 26, 32-34, 38, 42-43 NIV
Until…
To be continued