Acts: Go & Be Chapters 10-18နမူနာ

What is this passage saying?

Paul and Barnabas continue their missionary journey as they sail to Pisidia, a major city (John MacArthur Study Bible.) Before they got to Pisidia, they came to Perga, and their assistant in the ministry, John Mark, left them and returned to Jerusalem. John was Barnabas’ cousin. We have seen his name mentioned multiple times in the last chapters. This quick verse might not mean much now but John Mark’s actions would eventually lead to Paul and Barnabas having a fight in chapter 15 and they would separate to do the independent ministry of each other. Yet, as John MacArthur writes about this passage- John Mark’s sudden departure would not hinder the ministry. The two apostles got to the synagogue in Pisidia and once the floor was open for people to speak Paul took his chance. He spoke with boldness and with great knowledge of God’s Word. He quoted scripture and then explained how the Old Testament writers were talking about Jesus. What is so attractive about Paul to believers is his courage. His unquenchable desire to share God’s Word. When we read these moments of him sharing the gospel, he seems so fearless. The actions of Paul support the words of Paul. Paul counted the Gospel as more valuable than his own life. The proclamation of the Gospel was the most important thing. Because he knew what the Gospel had done for him.

What is this passage teaching?

The way Paul shares the Gospel here is so crucial for us to learn from. He begins with the Israelites in Exodus and ends with Jesus. This passage teaches us how to know the Gospel throughout the whole Bible. Paul is teaching a clinic on how to show Jesus throughout the Bible. Paul was the master of showing people the importance of the Old Testament. The Old Testament is filled with incredible stories of God’s providence and His patience. In the Old Testament, the Holiness of God is undeniable. When need to read about His glory consuming a mountain. How His presence in the ark of the covenant could not be touched by sinful man. How He consumed Elijah’s water-soaked sacrifice in the presence of 450 prophets of Baal. When we know about these moments in history, we are able to better understand the magnitude of Jesus making a way for God’s presence to dwell in man. When we know the intricacies of the Temple- we realize the miracle that we would be called a temple of God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 3:16-17. Paul is speaking to men who knew the Old Testament backward and forwards. But this did not frighten Paul because he knew the Old Testament backward and forwards. With the Holy Spirit in him enlightening him to scripture and with the boldness to speak- lives were going to be changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Do you have an ever-growing knowledge of God’s Word? If you have just started studying scripture Praise the Lord! Now is the time to build a solid foundation in God’s Word. If you have been a Christian for a while, be encouraged and excited to grow your knowledge with the goal of seeking lost people. Just as doctors tirelessly study to save lives- how much more should we Christians be studying the Bible?

How do I respond?

Study God’s Word. Love His Word. Ask Him to help you desire His Word. The Bible only gets better the more you study it.