Acts 13:13-52 | the Next Chapter in Israel's StorySample

In the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, Paul said that God had now fulfilled his long-awaited promise by raising Jesus from the dead. God had come in power to deliver his people, as he had done in the exodus from Egypt. Only this time, the deliverance was not from the empires that had oppressed and mistreated Israel—the Egyptians, Babylonians, and others. Not even from the current menacing power of the Romans. But from sin itself, humanity’s age-old inclination to turn away from God.

“Let it be known to you, brothers and sisters, that through this man (Jesus) forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you” (Acts 13:38). This forgiveness, Paul said, goes far beyond what obedience to the law of Moses can do. “Everyone who believes is justified through him from everything that you could not be justified from through the law of Moses.” Paul’s audience had heard someone read from the Law just a few minutes earlier.

Paul, an observant Jew himself, knew all about obeying the law of Moses. But he had come to see that it wasn't enough. Not even close. God had done something new, fulfilling the law in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and opening up a new way of life empowered by God's Spirit, the Spirit poured out at Pentecost. Later Paul would expound on his understanding of the Law and the Spirit in his letter to the Galatians.

But for the Jews in the audience who were awaiting a warrior king, like David, who would drive out the Romans and bring the Jews back to the promised land, Paul’s message must have been a disappointment. For those who thought their obedience to the law of Moses was enough to make them right in God’s eyes, why would they need further justification? As Jesus had said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31-32).

Paul had a word of exhortation for them, too, urging them to beware not to fulfill the words of the prophets themselves, as the leaders in Jerusalem had done by killing Jesus. “Look, you scoffers, marvel and vanish away, because I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will never believe, even if someone were to explain it to you.” Sharp words can cut through hardened hearts.

Paul was saying: wake up. This is for you. Scoffers keep God at a distance, mocking and saying “that could never happen” or “I don’t need this.” Don’t be one of them.

Take some time to reflect, and ask God to grant you greater self-awareness, leading to repentance and gratitude and faith. Pray that God would open your heart to see your need for forgiveness and your need for God. Believe the gospel, the royal proclamation of King Jesus, and what it means for you today. You are forgiven.