David Bahn – Reflections

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Acts 13:42-52

As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. ⁴³ And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

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.

Did you ever watch the daytime soap operas? Called that because the various soap companies would sponsor them, targeting their ads toward the homemakers and housewives who would watch daily. For some time it was all about being able to watch these shows while ironing clothes, cleaning up after messy husbands, and taking care of the children. The one I remember was “As the World Turns.” They portrayed messed-up lives with every kind of trouble. Perhaps the viewers would think, at least I don’t have it that bad. Then it seemed to turn toward a more steamy narrative, and I wonder if some were thinking, I wish I was there with him.

Maybe I’m off regarding that, but as far as the world turning, we have here a major turn in the mission of God here in these verses. Paul and Barnabas preach about Jesus. People are intrigued. Many want to hear more. The Jews get upset. And Paul takes this as a sign to turn his attention to the gentiles. And he makes the point that it was necessary that they preach to the Jews first, and being rejected then turn to the gentiles.

Let’s be clear about this. Paul was a Jew. He has bonafides that would rival any of those who would oppose him (cf. Philippians 3:4-6). This is not an antisemitic comment: The Jewish leaders rejected the message of Jesus. They were threatened by it. They wanted to protect their turf and their privilege. But their rejection of the message of the gospel is at least in part the reason you and I call on Jesus today. We’re not Jews. We are gentiles. And from this point on Paul will turn his attention to reaching new peoples (and especially the gentiles) with the good news of Jesus.

He will still first go to the Jewish synagogues, or places of worship. But he will also be very ready to bring the message of Jesus to any gentile who shows the slightest interest.

God wants all people to be saved: Jew, gentile, slave, free, male and female. No one is beyond his loving grace. We may push him away. We may even push others away from him. In either case this is a grave sin. Thanks be to God that he is always reaching, searching, inviting, and saving people of every race, tribe, people, and tongue. We’re one of those after all!