#23 | Take Time to Think
Read: Acts 13:42-52
Meditate on your own:
- What words or phrases are repeated?
- What different responses to Paul’s preaching do you notice?
- How do Paul and Barnabas respond to those people?
- What verse/phrase in this text stands out to you?
- What truth about God or mankind can you draw from this?
- Where else is this truth seen in Scripture?
- How is this truth good news for you and others? Who needs to hear it?
- What does this truth reveal about your own heart?
- What are some ways you can respond to the truth of this passage? Is there something you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for? What can you thank/praise God for?
Consider
The Bible is full of mysteries, and God’s invitation is to seek to understand those mysteries and so understand him (Prov. 25:2). One such mystery is highlighted in a phrase so small you’d miss it if you read Acts 13 too fast. After Paul preached the word of the Lord in the synagogue, some faithful Jews and God-fearing Gentiles followed Jesus, and everyone wanted Paul to preach again the next week. Everyone should have been filled with excitement. God had fulfilled what he promised to the fathers by raising Jesus (vv.32-33)!
Yet some unbelieving Jews were “filled with jealousy” and tried to contradict and slander him. In doing so, they were choosing to reject the word of God and were therefore bringing judgment on themselves (vv.45-46). Paul and Barnabas demonstrate that judgment by turning their ministry focus to the Gentiles of the city. God-fearing Gentiles were long considered second-class citizens within the people of God, but now they were the focus of God’s mission! Salvation was held out to them just like it was to Israel! “When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed to eternal life believed” (v.48).
Did you catch the mystery? God appoints individuals to eternal life and all of them respond to the gospel in repentance and faith. He is sovereign over salvation just like he is sovereign over everything else (Psa. 135:6; Dan. 4:35). At the same time, individuals choose to reject the gospel and bring judgment upon themselves. They are responsible for their free actions (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:12). These things seem at odds with each other — if God is in control of salvation and everything else “then why does [he] still find fault? For who can resist his will?” (Rom. 9:19, ESV) — yet both are true. This is a deep mystery that God invites you to search out for yourself with your church and the people of God throughout history. As you do, know that God’s sovereignty is intended, among other things, to
bring you comfort and courage. If God is sovereign over salvation, then you can rest knowing that he is in control. Furthermore, because he is in control, he can save anyone, no matter how hardened, far-off, or indifferent they may seem. So, faithfully share the gospel in love with the people around you and watch God work! Some people may reject the gospel, but others, perhaps many, have been appointed by God to eternal life, and they will believe!
When you think of sharing the gospel, how does the truth about God’s sovereignty in salvation comfort and encourage you? With whom can you share the gospel this week?
Pray:
Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.
Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!
Psalm 119:36
Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.
Psalm 119:18
Unite my heart to fear your name.
Psalm 86:11
Satisfy me with your steadfast love.
Psalm 90:14
