Acts 13:42-52 Blessing and Conflict at Antioch
“So, when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
Consider what it must be like to be a Gentile believer attending the synagogue. Those who are truly hungry spiritually will be drawn by the emphasis on holiness, righteousness, and purity so different from the traditional Greek and Roman deities. But no matter how seriously these people pursue God, the Jewish religious leaders never allow them to forget that they are second-class citizens in the kingdom of God. Now this Jewish scholar Saul/Paul arrives and begins teaching about Jesus Christ, whom Paul describes as the Messiah foretold by Jewish prophets for centuries. What’s even more invigorating, Paul tells the Gentile believers that God wants them to be full citizens in His kingdom and that the Gospel is for them as well. This news is electrifying for the Gentile believers who are desperate to learn more; meanwhile, the Jewish leaders are fuming! Paul is a Pharisee and should know better; how can he possibly extend such hope to these Gentiles?
God has been preparing this scene for centuries, moving these Gentile believers into Antioch and creating divine disappointment with religious ceremonies that fail to satisfy the deepest longings of one’s soul. Now Paul and Barnabas bring this new teaching, and the Jews are doing everything they can to blaspheme and confuse the new believers. When Paul first arrives and begins teaching in the synagogue, he probably assumes that he will continue to minister to Jews; after all, he is an accomplished scholar with glittering academic credentials. Only when the Jewish religious leaders explode in anger does Paul face the truth: God is calling him to minister to the Gentiles.
“It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
The leading Jews are so incensed that they stir up public opinion and succeed in ousting Paul and Barnabas from the region. But Paul and Barnabas shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against them and go on to Iconium.
What’s the significance of shaking the dust off one’s feet? Jesus himself advised his disciples to do this if they tried to teach in a place and were rejected. Matthew 10:14 states: “And if anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.” Mark 6:11 likewise records Jesus saying: “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to you, when you leave, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” By shaking the dust of the place off their feet, Paul and Barnabas are calling out to God that these people have rejected His Word. “So what?” you might ask. “What effect will this symbolic act have on these people?” By rejecting God and His teachers, these people are bringing curses on themselves. God never curses anybody; however, people can bring curses on themselves when they reject God, and this is happening here.
“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Wait a minute, Barnabas and Paul! You’ve just been thrown out of the entire region surrounding Antioch and have had to flee to Iconium. Civic leaders have reviled you and done everything they can to make things miserable for you; yet, you are “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit?” Yes. The point here is simple: we can be full of joy and the Holy Spirit anytime we are doing the will of God. As long as we are following God’s will for our lives, He will give us His grace and His joy. We do not need to be swayed by outward events as long as we are sure God is with us.
Currently, we are enduring a difficult situation not unlike that of Paul and Barnabas. Despite doing everything we can to remain faithful, vicious critics are spreading lies about us. But God remains on the throne and God is a God of truth and justice. We can remain calm and joyful in the midst of these problems because God is the Giver of joy and the Holy Spirit is always with us as our Comforter. If you find yourself in a similar situation, remember that God is the Judge and God is the One who justifies. You too can have God’s joy and Holy Spirit peace.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, we praise You that You are a God of light and truth and You are the Giver of Joy. Please fill each of us with Your joy and with Your Holy Spirit. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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