Living ActsSample

Reflection

Acts 13 launches a new chapter in the story. The gospel goes fully international.

In Antioch, the church is praying and worshipping when the Holy Spirit speaks. Paul and Barnabas are sent. Not because they are bored, but because God is moving. Their journey begins with obedience.

They follow a pattern. They go first to the synagogue, sharing Jesus with their own people. Sometimes they are welcomed, sometimes they are rejected. When doors close, new ones open. They speak to crowds and individuals, religious leaders and political figures, truth-seekers and opponents.

On Cyprus, Paul confronts deception head-on, and a Roman governor comes to faith. In Pisidian Antioch, the whole city gathers, only for opposition to erupt. Rejection and revival sit side by side. Some resist fiercely. Others respond with joy and are filled with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 13 reiterates the fact that sharing Jesus always brings a reaction. Not everyone will agree. Not everyone will celebrate. But the gospel keeps moving forward. Paul and Barnabas do not water down the message to the audience. They remain bold, attentive, and ready for whatever opportunity God places in front of them.

A simple and searching thought is, who is our audience, and will we have the courage to speak when the moment comes?

Challenge

Today, spend some time thinking about how the gospel relates to people you connect with. Be alert to one opportunity to speak or act for Jesus, whether with one person or many.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, make me attentive and bold.

Help me recognise the opportunities you place before me and respond with faith.

Amen.