Acts in 28 Daysनमूना

Acts 13:13-48

Imagine yourself going out with your friends for a nice activity, something you all enjoy doing. Some of your friends do not know Jesus and have no clue what you actually believe. You are having a great time. While you are taking a break, one of your friends suddenly asks out of the blue, “Hey, [your name], you believe in Jesus, right? What does that really mean for you? Tell us.”

All other conversations quieten down. Suddenly, the eyes of the whole group are focused on you. Some of your friends look curious, while others are kind of giggling about the whole thing. What do you say? What do you do?

In this chapter of Acts, we find Paul and Barnabas in a similar situation. They are Jews, and, as is the custom, they go to the synagogue on the Sabbath. While they were sitting there, they’re asked to stand up and speak. They have an opportunity right here. What do you see Paul and Barnabas do?

We don’t know what went through their heads; maybe they were hoping to be asked that question. Whatever their train of thought may have been, we see that Paul immediately stands up and takes this opportunity to share about his faith in Jesus.

We can read the contents of Paul’s sermon from verse 16 to verse 42, and there are a few lessons we can learn from how and what he shares. Paul begins by sharing what the people in the synagogue already know. Up until verse 22, where he talks about King David, everyone in that synagogue would have agreed with what he had said. Paul has cleverly connected the story of Jesus to his audience's own history. After that, he quotes various parts of their own scriptures (the Tanakh, the first part of the Bible we Christians read today). He quotes from the Psalms, Isaiah and Habakkuk.

What can we learn from this? First and foremost, Paul and Barnabas were there in that synagogue because they were led by the Spirit. Throughout their journeys we read time and time again that it is God’s Spirit who is leading them. Secondly, we see Paul connecting the good news of Jesus to their own history. And finally, he just does it! When given the opportunity to share about his faith, Paul is ready to go.

GO DEEP

Take a moment to think back about that situation at the beginning of this study. You are there with your friends and they are asking you to share. Would you be able to do so? What would you share? Talk with God about this and how you feel about it.

BE BOLD

As a follower of Jesus, we should be ready to share about our faith (1 Peter 3: 15). Think about what you would share, and how you could connect Jesus’ story to the personal story of your listeners if you were asked the question, “Hey, [your name], tell us what you believe.” Maybe practice by writing out an answer or having a practice conversation out loud with yourself.

MEMORISE IT

“Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.” - Acts 13:15b