Notes on Acts 13

Today, I would like to put away John for a short while and jot down some notes on Acts 13.
The church of Antioch in Syria was flourishing. In Antioch, the followers of Christ were for first time called Christians (Acts 11:26). For the first time, the Holy Spirit spoke out for Himself instead of speaking through the disciples (Acts 13:2). He instructed the church to send Barnabas and Saul to evangelize the Gentile world. This is the famous first missionary journey of St. Paul. Saul was renamed Paul in Paphos of Cyprus (Acts 13:9). In Paphos, Paul defeated a magician called Elymas and converted the proconsul Sergius Paulus. Then, Paul and Barnabas continued the missionary journey to Antioch of Pisidia and preached to the Jews in the synagogue on Sabbath. After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue invited Paul to deliver a sermon. Paul quickly reviewed the history of Israel from Abraham to Moses (without naming them), from Samuel to David (naming them). Then he focused on the mission of John the Baptist and moved on to Jesus. Today, we read Acts 13:26-33. This was Paul's interpretation of the passion and resurrection of Jesus. Here is an outline.

1. Those in Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus. Nor did they understand the meanings of the Prophets which they read very Sabbath. They condemned Jesus, inadvertently fulfilling the prophecies (Acts 13:27). Unlike Matthew who put all the responsibility for Jesus' death on the Jews, Paul seemed to be sympathetic towards them. Despite the fact that his own life was threatened by the Jews in Damascus (Acts 8:23-24), his language was less condemning.
2. Shall we blame the Jewish rulers? Paul said no.
   It was only out of ignorance that they condemned the Son of God. Through their ignorance, they worked out God's plan. Indeed, our wisdom and knowledge are no more than ignorance in God's eyes. Whether you are a PhD or a McDonald waiter, God is able to work out His plan through you when He finds you 'useful'.
   For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
   For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).
3. God fulfilled His promises to the Jewish fathers by raising Jesus from the dead (Acts 13:33). We shall deal with these promises in the reading tomorrow.

My sweet Jesus, I thank Ss. Peter and Paul for their missions to the Gentiles. It is Your wish to free all men from the bondage of sins. These two great saints have cooperated with You to bring us, Gentiles, salvation. May we follow their footsteps to bring Your good news to all we meet. Amen.