Acts 13:42-52
42 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.
Reflection
Acts 13:46 perhaps officially marks Paul and Barnabas turning to the Gentiles (non-Jews) so that the blessing of God can reach all nations. They quote Isaiah 49:6 to demonstrate that this was God’s plan all along (Acts 13:47). In God’s grace, he offers the blessings of the gospel to everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16).
Repeatedly in Acts we see that God’s grace plays the crucial role in the advance of the gospel. When the Gentiles hear the gospel, we read that “as many as were appointed to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48). Luke is showing us that even our faith in the gospel is a gift of God’s grace.
Revelation 2:8-11
8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.
9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’
Reflection
Jesus reminds us again that he died and came to life (Rev. 2:8; cf. 1:18). He then calls the church in Smyrna to be faithful unto death (2:10) as they endure persecution from the synagogue of Satan (v. 9). Those who persevere through suffering are truly responding to what the Spirit says to the churches (v. 11). They will receive the crown of life (v. 10) and not be hurt by the second death (v. 11).
Psalm 22:9
9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breasts.
As Luke indicates, even our faith is a gift from God (Acts 13:48). Ask him to continue growing your faith as he increases your appreciation for the gospel in the coming days and weeks.