“Word Of Exhortation Pt. 1”
Acts 13:13-26
We saw last time that vs. 9 “Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,”
From this time forward Paul will be the primary speaker.
That does not change the ministry of Barnabas.
If you are an encourager then you understand that working with others may mean that you NOT take the primary or lead position.
That’s OK because it is not who is in charge but what the Holy Spirit does when the Word of God is preached.
I do not have a fancy heading for our text today but I would like to open the Bible and let it narrate the events and travel of Paul and Barnabas.
I. The Journey Continues
Acts 13:13-14 “Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. 14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.”
Up to this time is was noted that Barnabas and Saul; now we see in vs. 13 Paul is names and his company (Barnabas and John - and perhaps others who had been converted at Paphos; for it was common for many of the converts to Christianity to attend on the apostles in their travels.)
Company = a number of individuals assembled or associated together; group of people. One’s usual companions.
We know nothing of the number or the names of this company but it was not uncommon that new believers would be hungry to grow and was willing to go with the teacher so they could learn further.
Went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down. –
As I said last week, Paul was called to reach the Gentiles yet he cared very deeply for his own countrymen/Jews.
He would travel into a town and seek out other Jews and meet with them with the desire that he would share the Good News that the messiah had arrived and now the path of salvation is clear.
I do not see Paul making a spectacle of himself, but rather sat down and waited for an opportunity to speak.
II. The Tradition
Acts 13:15-16 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. 16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.”
Exhortation - a calling near, summons, (esp. for help), encouragement
Vs. 16 Then Paul stood up
The tradition continues even today in the Middle East.
I saw a friend once stand in a city square and asked the men what they believed.
When they were finished he pointed out the tradition of courtesy and asked for his equal time for his point of view; in which time he shared Jesus as the only path of salvation.
Some listened and other grew angry.
III. From Abraham Through David
Acts 13:17-23 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it. 18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. 19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot. 20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. 22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. 23 Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
Paul is establishing his knowledge of the rich history of his heritage and more importantly he is reminding them that the Jews were a chosen people for a very special reason; the people who would bring forth the Messiah.
IV. From John To Jesus
Acts 13:24-25 “When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.”
When John had first preached before his coming - Before the public ministry of Jesus began
The baptism of repentance - deeply rooted in the call for moral and spiritual renewal, emphasizing the need for individuals to turn away from sin and prepare their hearts for the coming Kingdom of God.
This was not a Baptism unto salvation but rather reminding them that the messiah would arrive as promised and they needed to be ready to receive that truth.
We do not baptize unto repentance rather we are baptized as a public announcement of our relationship with God fully based on Jesus’ Death, Burial, and Resurrection.
Might be a great time to say; If you have been saved baptism is the first order of obedience.
There is no shame is declaring Jesus as your Saviour and showing others your new walk in faith.
V. The Gift Of Salvation Given
Acts 13:26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
Men and brethren - Paul now exhorts them to embrace the Lord Jesus as the Messiah. He uses, therefore, the most respectful language.
Children of the stock of Abraham - Descendants of Abraham; you who regard Abraham as your ancestor.
He means here to address particularly the native-born Jews.
And whosoever ... – I love the word whosoever, because I am a whosoever.
Is the word of this salvation sent - This message of salvation.
Salvation may have begun through the Jewish Nation but it was always intended for the world.
Conclusion:
We will continue next time with the message from Paul.
Are you saved?
Do you know Jesus as a good man who did good things or do you know Jesus as Saviour and Lord?
Have you followed in believer’s baptism? If not this would be a great opportunity to take care of that.
