44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13: 44-52
Paul was a disciple under Gamaliel, an honorable Pharisees teacher! He has been zealously serving God until the Lord appeared to him. Paul’s life had a great change after seeing Christ Jesus! Barnabas went to Tarsus to invite Paul to minister with him. They were sent by the Holy Spirit in Antioch(of Syria), to preach the gospel to Cyprus and Turkey. Paul loved his fellow Jews and was willing to sacrifice his life for the Jews! When he went to various places, he always went first to the Jewish synagogues to preach the gospel.
Acts 13:47 was the turning point of Paul’s ministry. He used to preach the gospel mainly to the Jews, but the Lord commanded Paul and other disciples, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth”. When the Jews rejected the Gospel, Paul had no hesitation to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles!
Maybe we have been preaching the gospel to certain people for a long time and there is no fruit yet. Can we be as flexible as Paul? Understanding the will of the Lord, and trying our best to continue to spread the gospel to the other people! There are so many people in the world who need the gospel! Let us also think about the Lord’s command again, we are the salt and light of the world! Let us spread this gospel to the ends of the earth! Spread to different family members, relatives, colleagues, friends and different groups!
Prayer:
Lord, please open my eyes! Make me understand your call, and let me answer your call seriously! Let me not be discouraged by the rejection of some people, let me see the needs of many people, and continue to preach the gospel for you to the ends of the earth! Witness to different people that you are the Risen Savior! Witness your glorious work in our lives!
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