When the focus shifts from Peter’s mission to Paul’s in Acts 13, Luke repeats the pattern. Paul’s story parallels the beginning of Jesus’ and Peter’s ministries. Ananias teaches him about Jesus. Paul is filled with the Spirit, is baptized, and begins preaching.
In Acts 13 the community in Antioch of Syria sends Paul with Barnabas, both filled with the Spirit, on the first missionary journey to the Gentiles (13.4). Paul preaches in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia (Turkey today). In Luke’s familiar patterns some believe and some violently reject the gospel message. Sunday’s first reading begins after Paul’s sermon to the Antioch Christians.
Paul begins preaching.
Many of the Jews and devout Gentile God-fearers followed Paul and Barnabas. They spoke to them and urged them to hold fast to the grace of God. The following sabbath, almost the entire city gathered to hear the word of God.
When the Jews saw the crowds, they became jealous and countered whatever Paul said, contradicting and defaming him. Speaking boldly, Paul and Barnabas said, “It was necessary for the word of God to be declared to you first, but since you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For thus has the Lord commanded, I have made you a light to the nations, a means of salvation to the ends of the earth.”
The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for life everlasting believed. The word of the Lord was carried through the whole region. But some of the Jews stirred up devout, influential women and leading men in the city, excited persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their territory.
So the two shook the dust from their feet in protest and went on to Iconium. The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13.14,43-52
- How do you witness to the life-giving power of God evident in creation and Jesus’ resurrection?
- Where do you see the Spirit at work in our Church today?
- Why do we resist the work of the Spirit?