Day Three. January 12. Acts 13:32-52
So. Paul and Barnabas met huge success and huge opposition at their first stop in Galatia. Paul’s first sermon at the synagogue was so well-received that they were invited back the following week. In fact, Acts 13:42 says that “people begged them to speak about these things again next week.” And the word spread. Practically the entire city of Antioch of Pisidia turned out to listen and many were converted. Verse 49 tells us that from that initial sharing of the gospel, “the Lord’s message spread throughout that region.” Hooray!
But with great triumph in evangelism also often comes great opposition. The enemy does not sit quietly back. No, a number of people were stirred up to oppose Paul and Barnabas’s message. In the end, the opposition aroused an entire mob and ran them out of town. Can you imagine the contrast for Paul and Barnabas? They had people hanging on their every word, turning toward Jesus and salvation, most likely being baptized and eagerly studying the scriptures. What a spiritual high for them!! Then, the opposition grew to the point that a mob was after them. I don’t know about you, but the thought of a mob scares me half to death. I never ever want a mass of people hating me so much that they are chasing me out of town. Yikes. And yet, our intrepid missionaries just shake the dust of their feet and move on to Iconium, leaving a little flock of Christ-followers behind. So amazing. What a wondrous beginning.
My verse: Acts 13:43 “Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged them to continue to rely on the grace of God.”
My response: Thank You, Lord, for highlighting this verse to me, as I study about the freedom you offer in Galatians. Here it is, even in Acts. They “urged them to continue to rely on the grace of God.” They didn’t give these new converts a huge list of rules. They urged reliance on You, Lord, and on Your grace. How thankful I am that what You want from me is that close, close walk with You.
