Acts 13

Today's Passage: Acts 13

Verse 46: And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of
God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal
life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.”

This verse really caught my eye. Paul had spent most of the chapter summarizing the Old
Testament (v. 16-41) and how all of it has led up to Jesus. The Jews were at first interested and
wanted to hear more (v. 42-43). But when the whole city showed up to hear Paul and Barnabas
(v. 44-45), the Jews became jealous. You see, the Jews didn’t want the Gentiles to know God.
The Jews were prideful and wanted the best treatment from God. In doing this, they pushed
God away because of their pride and mistreatment of others.

Paul knew the Jews were not going to turn from their ways. He even said: you judge yourselves
unworthy of eternal life. But then we see the contrast of the Gentiles. They were excited the
Gospel was available for them (v. 48-49).

In your life, do you keep the Gospel to yourself? The Jews didn’t want their “enemies” to know
God. Is the same true for you? Do you pray for your enemies to know Jesus?

Written By: Brice Stockton