God’s Guiding Word: Spiritual Renewal
May 30
Introduction
Acts 13:42–52: Paul and Barnabas are invited to return to the synagogue in Antioch, and many Gentiles receive their message with joy. Others, however, seek to expel them from their region.
Today’s Key Verse: Acts 13:47
[Paul and Barnabas said:] “This is the commandment that the Lord has given us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, so that all the world may be saved.’”
Reading
42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to come back the next Sabbath and tell them more about these things. 43 After the people had left the meeting, Paul and Barnabas were followed by many Jews and by many Gentiles who had been converted to Judaism. The apostles spoke to them and encouraged them to keep on living in the grace of God.
44 The next Sabbath nearly everyone in the town came to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; they disputed what Paul was saying and insulted him. 46 But Paul and Barnabas spoke out even more boldly: “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we will leave you and go to the Gentiles. 47 For this is the commandment that the Lord has given us:
‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
so that all the world may be saved.’”
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the Lord’s message; and those who had been chosen for eternal life became believers.
49 The word of the Lord spread everywhere in that region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the leading men of the city and the Gentile women of high social standing who worshiped God. They started a persecution against Paul and Barnabas and threw them out of their region. 51 The apostles shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went on to Iconium. 52 The believers in Antioch were full of joy and the Holy Spirit.
Reflect
How did Paul and Barnabas encourage the believers? Who opposed their message? What did Paul and Barnabas say to them (verses 46–47)? In their response they quote from Isaiah 49:6. How did the believers receive their message (verse 48)? In what ways does the Holy Spirit fill you with joy?
Pray
Holy God, thank you that the Good News of your salvation is for all people. May all who hear the Good News and believe in you be filled with joy. Help me to be a light and share the Good News with others so that they will be led to you. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Acts 14:1–20: Paul and Barnabas continue their missionary journey.
