From Pastor's Desk
The Holy Ghost (Spirit) in Action - Scene 31: Acts 13:14-52 - Paul and Barnabas Preaching in Perga
Dr. Luke continued his history of the Apostolic message as the Apostle Paul commenced his first missionary journey throughout Asia Minor and Northern Palestine. Paul and those who were with him left Paphos, Crete for Perga in Pamphylia (modern day Turkey), but Apostle John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem.
They then travelled by boat to Antioch in Pisidia (now modern day Turkey), and went immediately into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. The leaders of the synagogue read from the law and the prophets, and having observed Apostle Paul and the other leaders with him in their midst, requested if they (Paul and other) had anything to say, or had an exhortation to say to the assembled people.
Once again, we see how amazingly the Spirit of God in action works through the lives of the Apostles. This day, Apostle Paul being led of the spirit went to a synagogue that he might not have been before, but moved as the spirit led him to this group of people, who perhaps would have never heard the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He seized the opportunity given him by the leader of the synagogue, and then , immediately stood up, beckoning with his hand that he has a lot to say to this people, on this day.
The scripture says that Apostle Paul rehearsed in the ears of the assembled Jews, the history of their race and culture from the time of God chose their fathers, their deliverance from the Pharaohs in Egypt, their journey in the wilderness for 40 years and even the tale of the conquest and occupation of the land of Canaan. Throughout this message, Paul explained that the preservation of the seed of Israel was for bringing forth the man Jesus Christ who would be the ultimate Saviour of Israel and all humanity.
He then in verse 26, said, "Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you who feareth God, to you is the word of salvation sent". This verse encapsulated for those in attendance the "real" purpose of their gathering in the synagogue, to read the laws and listen to the exhortations. Apostle Paul continued his message by quoting the life and times and lineage of King David, in particular, the man Jesus Christ. However, while King David died and was buried, Jesus Christ even though he was buried, rose again, being able to defeat death and corruption (decay).
"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man (Jesus Christ) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:" - verse 39 - " and by him all who believe are justified from all things, from which you could NOT be justified by the law of Moses" - Apostle Paul then left this searing admonition in verses 40-41, "Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which was spoken of in the prophets; behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you".
This message from Apostle Paul left the assembled Jews in this synagogue in awe and disbelief, because they left the synagogue without the appropriate response to the message of Jesus Christ - submission and conviction from sins. The scriptures says in verse 42 - "That when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles in that city of Antioch, besought that these words preached by Apostle Paul, might be preached to them (Gentiles) the next Sabbath.
Friends, this same message is still being preached - the only message that saves and keeps and really satisfies!
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