Paul’s sermon at Antioch

Paul and Barnabas move from the island of Cyprus to the mainland of Asia Minor as they continue their missionary journey. As they move north to Antioch they suffer the disappointing setback of John Mark’s defection. Yet the work goes on!

 The city they come to was one of major importance in the Greek, Roman and Byzantine eras. It lay deep within modern Turkey and the ruins of it are still visible today.

Here, in the synagogue of the city Paul preaches Christ. Perhaps recognized as a teacher by his dress, Paul is invited to preach to the assembled congregation, v14-15. The congregation is a mixed one, v16, 43. The outline of Paul’s message is given at some length in these verses. It consists of a long historical introduction with the main point coming in v38-41. The following verses describe the various reactions to his ministry.

I  PAUL PREACHED A MESSAGE ROOTED IN A LONG HISTORY OF MERCY TO THE NATION OF ISRAEL AND THROUGH THEM TO THE WORLD.

This is not a rambling discussion of historical facts. Very deliberately Paul is underscoring the work of God to provide a Saviour. He will come in the final place to Christ Himself—a real historical figure, v38—but he shows many examples of how this was foreshadowed in their history.

1. The exodus, v17. He begins many centuries before with these events—in themselves a foreshadowing of the provision of a Redeemer. Moses is obviously in view too.
2. Joshua, v19. Under his leadership the land—from which the Jews of his audience have been scattered—was conquered. Here is another ‘Jesus’ in their history through whom God had shown great mercy.
3. The Judges, v20. Cp Neh 9:27. These were men through who God worked great deliverances.
4. Saul, v21. Even he is mentioned as being the gift of God.
5. David, v22-23. He is presented here in a beautiful way. The man who had the heart of God and who becomes the ancestor of the Messiah Saviour.
6. John the Baptist, v24-25. In much more recent times the Saviour had been heralded by John’s message of repentance and washing.
7. Mercy continued to them, v26-27. Despite, and even because of, the rejection of Christ by the leaders of the nation, they were hearing this message. God had now stepped into their history in mercy. What a long line of historical interventions we become part of by exposure to the gospel!
8. The resurrection, v30-37. This single episode of history is laboured by Paul as it is the anchor point of the whole scheme of mercy. By this means the sure mercies God had covenanted to David are presented to men in the gospel, v32.

II  THE ESSENCE OF THE GOSPEL PAUL PREACHED.

Cp v38-41.

1. Forgiveness of sins, v38. The word Paul uses means remission or release. It indicates a pardon the delivers the sinner from the obligation to pay the penalty of that sin. This word presents the sinner as guilty and bound by that guilt to satisfy Divine Law. Yet the gospel declares that the price of release has been paid and the sinner may go free. This glorious truth centres on Christ’s work of redemption—therefore…through this man, v38. Cp Heb 9:22, 10:18, Luke 24:47.
2. Completely justified by faith in Christ, v39. The failing efforts of men to keep the law are underlined. Salvation is impossible by that route. The work of the Saviour has provided the means of perfect justification before God. Cp 2Cor 5:21. Both aspects of that justification are seen here. The faultless Saviour provides the righteousness God demands and pays the penalty of sin to remove its condemnation. It is a complete salvation—all things… It is only had by faith in Christ.
3. Despising the gospel brings fearful consequences, v40-41. The gospel includes a warning not to neglect it! Those who despise it perish under stunning judgement. He cites Hab 1:5. These men as part of the diaspora were living proof of the veracity of this warning.