Do Your Part
today's reading.
Acts 13:16-52 So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: "Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen...
think about it.
This is Paul's first recorded sermon; what does he focus on for the Jews listening (13:16-41)? Why is the link to David and the kingship so important in Paul's witness for Christ? What does he focus on about Jesus (13:23-39)? What's the response to this sermon (13:42-43)? What problem followed this response (13:44-45)? What made the Gentiles rejoice (13:48)? What message about Jesus makes you rejoice?
the blog.
Ever heard the saying "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink"? Well I was raised around horses, and that statement is so true. It also gives us a good picture of what's happening in Acts 13:16-52. Paul and Barnabas are teaching the Jews in Pisidia but the Jewish leaders stir up the crowds against them. Paul and Barnabas' response? They tell the Jews "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first too you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles" (vs. 46). They then left, shaking off the dust from their feet against them, went to Iconium, and were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (vs. 51).
You see, we can't make someone believe, but it's still our responsibility to tell others about Jesus and salvation, and Paul and Barnabas knew that.
So what did Acts 13:16-52 show you about the process of sharing and telling others about Christ? What can we do to make sure we're doing our part? Tami W.
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