Paul had the Holy Spirit’s power to speak out against the sorcerer and the devil. Almighty God has control and supremacy over all such forces of evil.
Genuine men of God speak the truth, for the Holy Spirit grants us such authority. Don’t demand an audience and a pulpit. But be prepared, like Paul and Barnabas, to share God’s message of hope, life, and encouragement when you are asked to speak.
This passage explains the Good News, the life-changing message of salvation for the sons of Abraham and God-fearing Gentiles (i.e., all people). This passage is essential for every person to understand.
First I’ll summarize, then we will go into a little more detail. There is nothing more important than understanding Acts 13.
Here is the summary. Jesus is God’s promised Saviour of Israel. He is the One every prophet spoke about. God raised Jesus from the dead. Many witnesses saw the resurrected Jesus Christ over many days. God made the promise of a Savior. And the promise was fulfilled in Jesus. That is the Good News message. God came through! He always does. God’s promises via prophecy that He would raise his Holy One - and not let him rot in the grave. But when Jesus came to earth as the Messiah, few recognized Him.
The message of this passage is that forgiveness for our sins through Jesus alone. That’s the truth. Mock God and His ways if you choose. He gives us that freedom. However, know this truth: there is no forgiveness of sin other than through believing in the Holy One. If we do believe, God declares us right. It’s that simple. Paul and Barnabas warned the listeners not to be stubborn and not to mock God’s offer of salvation. We must do the same today. Those who reject God’s word, his offer of salvation through the risen Holy One, judge themselves unworthy of eternal life. Ok, that’s the summary.
Now we can dig in a little deeper. Notice it is always God as the primary actor in this passage. God chose Israel and grew Israel in Egypt. God led Israel out of slavery. God put up with Israel’s shenanigans, doubt, and rebellion in the wilderness. God destroyed the seven nations in Canaan. God gave the land to the Israelites as an inheritance. God gave them judges. God gave them Samuel the prophet and Saul the king. God rejected Saul following his disobedience and replaced him with King David. And God promised a Savior and, in His time, fulfilled such promise with His son, Jesus Christ. God warned the Jews via John the Baptist. John preached a message of the need for the people of Israel to repent of their sins, turn to God, and be baptized. This message of salvation is now for all people - for Jews and God-fearing Gentiles alike (v. 26). The Jews did not recognize the Messiah and asked Pilate to kill Jesus even though they knew he was innocent.
Let’s continue with what this passage says about God’s acts. God fulfilled His prophecies through the life and death of Jesus. God raised his only son from the dead - not allowing him to rot in the grave - just as He said he’d do in the Old Testament. And God gave Jesus Christ the sacred blessing promised to King David. This is the mystery revealed for all time. Through Jesus, there is forgiveness for our sins. God’s way is that if you believe in Jesus, you are declared right with God.
So, here is my takeaway. We have a role to play - make no bones about it. But it is always God who leads. It is God who saves. He offers every person eternal life through belief and trust in Jesus Christ. God warns us not to miss the blessing of forgiveness and faith in Jesus - and to continue relying on His grace.
The Jews rejected Jesus, the tragedy of all tragedies. And likewise, it will be an equal tragedy if we or our loved ones reject Jesus. By rejecting the Word of God, they judged themselves unworthy of eternal life (v.46). Every person must decide what to do about Jesus. God loves you and wants you to make the right decision.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. God seeks every man and woman to believe in Jesus - yes, to the farthest corners of the earth. God chooses his people. God says that His people are those men and women who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Holy Spirit please show us, like you showed Paul, how to call out and oppose these sons of the devil and their deceit. We know their intent is to prevent the preaching of the Gospel.
Watch our hearts, Lord King. May our motives be pure. May we show people God’s message and His proper ways.
Lord God, may your servants, out of love and obedience to you, share your passion for people today. And may people believe in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins and eternal life. Please fill us with your joy and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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