THE GOSPEL REJECTED & ACCEPTED

May 26

We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or be used for a sermon group discussion.

Sermon Title: THE GOSPEL REJECTED & ACCEPTED

Scripture References: ACTS 13:1-52

Summary:

Acts 13 shows us the first missionary journey of Paul and the everyday life of a missionary. Today, we’ll see the importance of being in God’s presence and led by the Holy Spirit. We’ll see an excellent and brief overview of the Bible and gospel story. We’ll see the resistance and rejection when sharing the gospel. But we’ll also see how the gospel is never hindered but accepted and produces great results. What does it take for this to happen? Let’s take a look!

Notes:

V. 1-3

Barnabas and Saul Commissioned

In worship, prayer, and fasting, the Holy Spirit took the initiative to prophetically speak through the church body and appoint or set apart Barnabas and Saul for the special service they had been called to. God had already called Paul to be a light to the gentiles but now through the Holy Spirit God confirms and even sends them to their first location.
“Up to this point, those who were scattered carried the gospel to new places. But there were none who deliberately went to new places to start and organize new assemblies of believers…” aka, plant and establish churches. -Horton, ACTS, page 231
This is packed with key prerequisites before commissioning someone to be a missionary or plant churches. This isn’t done haphazardly or carelessly.

First, these men are prophets and teachers of the church. They have real-life experience serving in church leadership and daily ministry responsibilities.
Second, they were called by God for a task to share the gospel with the Gentiles.
Third, they were directed by a word from the Holy Spirit while in prayer and fasting. This was prompted from the top, by God, not by man. They even continued to seek the Lord's direction in prayer and fasting.
Fourth, the church laid hands on them, an approval from God and the church, and sent them on their missionary trip. (1 Timothy 5:22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands…[Ordination]).

V. 4-12

Blinding and Opening Eyes!

They preached the Word of God in Jewish synagogues (Plural, Judaism was popular here).
A Jewish sorcerer named Bar-Jesus in Hebrew, and Elymas in Greek.

In Aramaic, Bar-Jesus means “Son of Jesus.” But Paul told him that instead of being a son of Jesus (“Jesus” means “Yahweh is salvation”), Elymas was a child (huie, lit., “son”) of the devil. The name Elymas is something of a problem. Probably it is a Semitic word meaning “sorcerer,” which was given or taken by him as a nickname. Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 388). Victor Books.

He positioned himself close to the governor to sway his mind and decisions. He interfered and tried to keep the governor from believing the gospel message.
Saul is now referred to as Paul from this point forward. Paul rebukes the sorcerer with strong language calling Bar-Jesus, deceitful, fraudulent, an enemy of all that is good, and a perverter of the true ways of the Lord. Paul communicates his judgment under the leading and prompting of the Holy Spirit, declaring this judgment from God himself.
In judgment, Paul inflicted a temporary blindness on Elymas. This is the first of Paul’s recorded miracles and it was performed in conflict with a Jew over giving the gospel to a Gentile. Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 388). Victor Books.
To the governor, this was a sign that validated the message and the result is the governor becomes a believer in Jesus.
Was Paul wrong for this rebuke of the sorcerer? No. Why didn’t he pray for his enemy first? This was different. In this case, Paul is prompted by the Holy Spirit to render this rebuke and judgment, which serves as a sign to the governor. There are times when God uses an apostle to deliver a strong rebuke or judgment. Spiritual warfare is real and there was a battle here.
Paul declared that “the hand (power) of the Lord” would be in judgment (at last) “against” him. He would be blind “until an appointed time,” that is until God saw fit to let him see again (Probably this was intended as an opportunity for Elymas to repent.) Horton, ACTS, pg 237.

V. 13-41

Paul’s recap of the salvation redemptive story

The setting is on the Sabbath in the Jewish synagogue. Paul and Barnabas are invited to speak and their audience are Jews and God-fearing Gentiles.
Paul gives one of the best overviews of the story of the Bible and the gospel in short form that you’ll read in the Bible.

This is the first recorded discourse of Paul and the most completely preserved, illustrating how Paul preached to an audience grounded in the Old Testament. The message may be divided into three parts by the three occurrences of direct address (13:16, 26, 38) and outlined as follows: (1) the anticipation of and preparation for the coming of the Messiah (vv. 16–25), (2) the rejection, crucifixion, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus (vv. 26–37), and (3) the application and appeal (vv. 38–41). Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 389). Victor Books.
Paul concludes with a warning to not fulfill the prophet’s words (Habukkuk 1:5), to not let it apply to them (v. 41).

V. 42-49

The Rejection and Reception

V. 43 “Continue in the grace of God” means they became believers…
V. 44-45 Paul and Barnabas return a week later and almost the entire city attends to hear them preach. One group is filled with envy and jealousy therefore expressing slander, argumentative, and stirring up disruption. The other group is filled with the Holy Spirit and expressing joy.
V. 46 “Because the Jews refuse to believe the gospel, they have pronounced upon themselves the judgment that they are not “worthy of eternal life.” This word “worthy” does not refer to their personal worthiness, but to their disqualifying themselves through unbelief.” FLBC, page 604.
The rejection of the Jews provides an opportunity to now turn to the Gentiles and preach this message (v. 46-47).

So Paul turned to the Gentiles in Antioch. This pattern was repeated in city after city until Paul reached Rome (cf. Acts 13:50–51; 14:2–6; 17:5, 13–15; 18:6; 19:8–9). There for the final time in the book the Apostle Paul turned from Jews to Gentiles (28:23–28). Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 390). Victor Books.
A direct fulfillment of Isaiah 49:6: He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” (This was referring to Jesus but Paul and Barnabas are emissaries or ambassadors for Jesus carrying this on.)

V. 48 Election - The Gentiles, whom God included in the redemptive salvation plan were receptive and believed.

Then Luke adds: All who were appointed for eternal life believed" (v. 48). The verb "were appointed" has been understood to endorse pre-destination and to teach that the personal salvation of individuals is the result of God's eternal decree. The context helps us in understanding Luke's meaning here. The Jews were indifferent to eternal life and refused to believe the gospel, whereas the Gentiles believed the good news and received the gift of eternal life. Clearly human choice does have a part in saving faith. The response of believing or refusing to believe is not determined by an eternal decree. The Scriptures place the responsibility for one's response to the gospel on that person and never on God. No one receives resurrection life apart from a conscious act of faith in Christ. What Luke is teaching here is that God's great plan of salvation includes Gentiles and that it is irrevocably unfolding in the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles. By believing the gospel they were "appointed for eternal life,” that is, the life of the age to come, which has dawned in Christ. It is resurrection life that God has ordained that all who believe in Jesus Christ should receive (Arrington, 1988, 137). -FullLife Bible Commentary, page 605

V. 50-52

A number of the local Gentile women had become adherents to Judaism. Among these God-fearing women were those who were probably wives of prominent Gentile citizens. The Jews now turn these socially important women against the missionaries. -FLBC, page 605.
Rejection of the gospel was strong in this region but it didn’t hinder the Gospel from spreading! Paul and Barnabas noted their rejection and shook the dust from their feet.
The believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Joy is a common experience when believers are filled with or full of the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21; Rom. 14:17; 15:13; 1 Thess. 1:6) [ongoing filling is emphasized here].

Application:

Value and prioritize dwelling in the presence of God

In the setting of worship, prayer, and fasting God directed the church through a Spirit-led word to set apart Barnabas and Paul for a specific service.
We can’t afford not to dwell with God in His Word, worship, prayer, and fasting. Consecrated times in His presence become opportunities for the Lord to affirm His love and confirm His next steps for us.
When we lean in and dwell with God we are close enough to hear His whispers and learn the voice of the Holy Spirit. God’s voice and leadership are louder and clearer when we are in His presence.
We shouldn't make decisions for our lives where we first haven't been at the feet of the Lord of our lives.

Fulltime ministry callings are directed from God and need to be approached with reverent fear, prayer, and Holy Spirit confirmation.

Evangelism takes time

I believe street evangelism and door-to-door evangelism can be very effective. I also believe in relational evangelism because the majority of people are exposed to the gospel through networks of relationships.
We read trips like this and think Barnabas and Paul were immediately doing street evangelism and they very well could have as the Lord led them. But Luke often gets to the point and doesn’t always reveal that it was customary for Paul to stay and familiarize himself with the area. We know for sure that Paul stayed in Pisidion Antioch for at least a week. Paul dwelled in a city for some time to know how to connect the gospel to the people.
It’s both/and approach. Share your testimony and the story of Jesus as the Lord leads and build relationships with those around you. Learn their story. Love and care for them. Earn a place in their life so you can love and share the life of Christ. This is going to help when they become believers and need your guidance. You’ve already built a discipleship relationship and continue the journey with them.

Trust the Gospel to work

The Gospel is enough. Paul and Barnabas took them through the scriptures and story of the Bible, especially the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Paul would add his testimony in too on different occasions.
Know the gospel, believe it yourself, and then share it!

Some will reject and some will accept Jesus

Share the gospel and then let people decide. Some accept and some reject. Don’t take it personally. They aren’t rejecting you as much as they are rejecting God.
And don’t let it discourage you because the Holy Spirit is working on others who will receive. The Holy Spirit helps the gospel stick and impact, especially on the hearts of those who have ears to hear what the Lord is saying through you.

Don't be surprised by Spiritual and Physical resistance

While you and I are out there sharing the gospel unseen forces and visible forces are trying to stop you. We should share the gospel from a place of spiritual preparation (remember the first takeaway). I would argue when we’re in the presence of the Lord our heart to share increases.
The Lord will lead us on when it's time to shake the dust off our shoes and go to someone open to the Gospel.

Discussion:

What did God use in this sermon to speak to your heart or situation?
What part of the scripture stuck out to you and why?
What was the first of Paul’s recorded miracles and why was it preformed?
What was the difference from the first visit that Paul and Barnabas made to the Jewish Synagogue and their return visit a week later?
In what ways do you excel in prioritizing being in the presence of God and in what ways could you improve?
Have you experienced spiritual and physical resistance when sharing the Word of God?
What takeaways or points did you find the most important to you during the sermon?

The most important decision you will ever make!

If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!

We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.

Pray Together

We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!

Ryan Coon