The aftermath of Paul’s sermon in Antioch Acts 13:44-52
We have already noticed how Paul preached in the synagogue in Antioch. His message was one which centred upon Christ as the only means of justification, v38-39 and concluded with a solemn warning to his Jewish audience, v40-41.
That warning proved to be a timely one! While some of the congregation sided with Paul and his message, v43 it becomes clear that most of the Jews were not inclined toward the gospel Paul had preached. There is an undertone of coldness and aloofness discernible in v42-43. Subsequent events show that a deep and bitter hostility developed very quickly.
I A REMARKABLE DEMONSTRATION OF HUNGER FOR THE WORD OF GOD.
- Interest, v44. One week after Paul’s sermon what tremendous interest is generated in the message that Paul preached. Note specially the description of what they desired: the word of God. It was Paul’s message but viewed only as a message from God that aroused this interest. This is what the gospel is, 1Peter 1:25. Yet, it is unquestionably a work of grace in these men to bring them to see this fact. Cp 1Thess 2:13. The scale of this work is remarkable. Here is an instance of revival!
- Joy. The multitudes were glad of Paul’s stated calling, v48. They welcomed the prospect of a man sent from God to communicate to them the word of the Lord. Again this joy is seen to centre specifically on the message for they glorified the word of the Lord. Cp Rom 10:15.
- Hunger for the word became saving faith in many. There is an important distinction to be made between a desire for the word and saving faith. Not all who showed an interest went on to believe the gospel. CP Matt 13:20-21. The role of the sovereign grace of God is acknowledged here. Cp 2:47. The eternal saving purpose of God underlies the exercise of faith in the gospel. Unless He acts to give faith, no sinner will believe the word of God. Cp Eph 1:19, 2:8-9. Faith is the result of the quickening of the new birth.
II OPPOSITION FACED.
Cp v45-47, 50.
- Source. The opposition that arose against Paul and his ministry came from the Jews. They were motivated to oppose him because of envy, or ‘zeal’. They desired an exclusive interest in the gospel! They had a sort of a ‘dog in the manger’ attitude! They didn’t want Christ themselves but didn’t want others to have Him either. Spiritual pride in themselves stirred them to oppose God’s word and those who preached it.
- The nature of their opposition. There were several steps to their opposition.
- Spoke against… They used their words to oppose Paul and the word of God. The same word is repeated and translated contradicting.
- They did so with blasphemy. To oppose God’s servants and their ministry necessarily involves a blasphemous contempt for God.
- Harassment and expulsion, v50. Steps are now taken to remove Paul from the city. Men and women in positions of authority are influenced against Paul and they treat him as a common criminal, ejecting him from the city. The devout here refers to religious but may even refer to those devoted to heathen deities. Since this was a heathen city these were likely devotees of idols whose faith was threatened by the gospel and so were liable to be stirred up against Paul.
III DEALING WITH OPPOSITION.
Cp v46-47, 51-52.
- Paul and Barnabas stand against their accusers, v46-47. They use Biblical arguments to support their actions. Already these people had been warned about the consequences of rejecting the truth of what Paul taught, v40. The time has come now to turn away from the Jews as they had resisted Christ to the point of no return.
- Shaking off the dust, v52. In this they simply obey the commands of Christ to His disciples. Cp Matt 10:14. When their word was rejected there came a point when they simply moved on and left those who opposed them to their own devices and to the judgement of God.
- Rejoicing disciples, v52. The converts in Antioch are filled with joy even in the face of this opposition. Cp 5:41, Matt 5:11-12. Paul and Barnabas have been removed. They have been deprived of their ministry. Yet, having the Holy Ghost they can face these things with joy. Happy perseverance in the faith of the gospel requires the fullness of the Holy Ghost.