The Bible Teacher's Commentary
Paul J. Bucknell
Antioch of Psidia
Acts 13:13-50
Paul’s long message is recorded here. We will only touch on certain aspects of it. This visit to Antioch in Pisidia marked a significant shift in the mission's focus toward the Gentiles.
A Coming Leader (Acts 13:16-29)
The promised leader had come. Despite the disobedience of God’s people, God still used them to bring about His plan.
- Egypt: A place where God made the nation of Israel great, growing 70 people to 2,000,000.
- Wilderness: Where the Lord put up with them for 40 years.
- Canaan: Where He distributed their land as an inheritance.
Offices: The people asked for a king. God rejected Saul and gave them David, from whose descendants the Messiah would come.
The Gospel Presentation (Acts 13:30-41)
Essence of the message:
- Resurrection: Jesus personally rose from the dead, as witnessed by Paul and others.
- Promise: Jesus is the actual descendant of David and the promised Messiah.
- Warning: Paul included a warning of peril that is often omitted in modern messages.
Process of Salvation
“And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48). This highlights the importance of election—God appoints those who will believe.
Three Theological Models: These show how Gentiles join God's promises to the Jews.
- Romans (Grafting): Nations added as branches to the people of God.
- Galatians (Seed): Joined to Abraham’s seed through faith in Christ.
- Ephesians (Reconciliation): Breaking the partition through the cross.
Responses to the Gospel (Acts 13:42-50)
While many Gentiles rejoiced, the Jews persistently rejected and persecuted Paul. This led Paul to turn his primary focus to the nations.
Acts: Other BFF Articles |
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Acts Intro & Outline Acts Map: 1-2 Journeys |
Acts 13:1-3 Sending Church Next: #4-7 Other Stops |