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.
Acts 13:13-43
When Paul came to Antioch in Pisidia (not Antioch of Syria where there was a great revival), according to his custom, he first went to the Jewish synagogue to preach the gospel to the Jews. Paul first announced the history of Israel. God first chose Israel, led them out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and gave them the judges, King Saul, and King David. The once mighty kingdom! But at that time the Israelites have subjugated slaves, scattered in many places in the Roman Empire, and they were all waiting for the savior promised by God! But the savior they are looking forward to is a powerful military king.
What Paul witnessed and preached was a death row prisoner who was crucified! But God raised him from the dead! Paul mentioned God raising him four times in this short speech! Paul was also testifying to the resurrection of Jesus!
When we go out to evangelize, we need to understand people’s backgrounds, what are their needs, and what are their desires? Many people are like the Israelites who just want God to help them with whatever they need and use God to solve their problems.
Paul preached a Savior rose from the dead and proclaimed in the power of resurrection that He is the Son of God!
The Lord has sent us to be His witnesses, that is, to testify that He is the risen Savior! How He listens to our prayers, how we experience His forgiveness, and His presence, and enjoy His closeness, support, help, and guidance in our lives! Let us also proclaim the power of the risen Savior in our lives to everyone!
Prayer:
Lord, let me experience the power of your resurrection! Walk with you in life, and embrace your love, power, and victory! Let me also witness Yourself before men!
Song:
The Risen Lord
1. It’s so precious! I have the risen Lord. Throughout my life, daily He walks with me. He had passed through the darkest night! He'd overcome Satan and death! He holds my hand and walks with me through life, Leads me through storms and fires - And I shout, "Vict’ry!" 2. The risen Lord is my fountain of joy. This joy no one can snatch away from me. He fills my heart with faith and hope. I joy in Him, while onward go. He holds my hand and walks with me through life, Leads me towards the peak - And I shout, "Vict’ry!" 3. I’d tasted death, but now I am living. I’d conquered death, and I’ll live forever. I’ve the keys of Hades and Death. My hand hold all authority. Fear not, My love, I am with you always, To the end of the age. Oh, let us rejoice!
Raisins & Apples Bible Devotional & more 