Acts 12:24-25 - back to Antioch
Acts 13:1-12 - people in Antioch from all over the Roman Empire. Manaen was raised with Herod the Great's son.
Vs. 2 - the divine calling
One one hand, Acts = mostly narrative, history, the story.... (contrast w/Ephesians = doctrine & application)
However, this narrative is full of lessons and life applications
APPLICATIONS
#1. The Gospel is for all people and all people groups. (one of the major points of Acts!)
No one is beyond the need FOR or Reach of the Gospel. This truth is unfolding here in Acts - started with the Jews, then the Hellenistic Jews, then the Samaritans, Greeks, Gentiles, etc.
#2. The Gospel is the SAME for all people groups!
On one hand, language, customs, culture may affect the PRESENTATION
However, nothing is to change the CONTENT (message)
Therefore:
As Paul crosses geographic, cultural and social boundaries, the Message remains the SAME!
So... "Jesus Film" - in many languages, the wordless book, etc.
If you encounter a 'gospel' that does NOT fit all people ... is best to re-examine it!! Gal. 1:6-9
#3. The presentation of the gospel will always result in mixed reactions.
Example: Sergius Paulus vs Elymas
Maybe: (1) Apparent Indifference - not really indifferent but in rebellion against receiving
(2) Joyous Reception
(3) Violent Opposition - always is opposition. Not always violent, but opposition nonetheless.
Why such opposition?
(1) The Gospel declares the hearer is a sinner
(ie: out of God's favor and in need of reconciliation)
(2) The Gospel implies the presenter is in favor with God!
Therefore often perceived as "holier than thou"!)
(3) The Gospel states there is no other way to God (Salvation)
John 14:6 (exclusivity seen as BAD!!)
(4) The Gospel declares that apart from Christ you'll spend eternity in hell.
Compare gospel to "ugly pill"
The message - offensive vs. the messenger - offensive!!
(5) The presentation of the Gospel sets the stage for spiritual warfare! Acts 13:10
Hence Eph. 6:12
OBSERVATIONS
(A) if you're not prepared for difficulty and opposition... you're not prepared to serve the Lord!!
(if can't handle opposition, can't do ministry)
(B) if Satan can't turn a person against the faith ... he'll attempt to distract them FROM the Faith!
And distraction maybe the biggest obstacle to American people!!! (ie: Both believers an non-believers.)
#4. There are still false prophets among us. Sometimes they 'operate' as CHRISTIANS!! with/in the church!!
Compare: "Jewish Sorceror"
How to 'test' for false (beyond predictions that fail)
(measure a false prophet by their about: (1) The Person of Jesus Christ
(2) The Bible (as God's Word) (God's Revelation)
(3) Orthodoxy ie: the central, primary, cardinal teachings of the Faith.
Acts 13:12 - Sergius Paulus convinced by the miracle or the Word?
On one hand, Don't know.
However, compare the Sadducees and Pharisees who witnessed many miracles but would not accept Christ.
Compare Rich man (and Lazarus) = "send Lazarus to my brothers". "They have the Law and Prophets"
Can't always go by the miracles. Example: Rev. 16:10-11
POINT:
#5. You may not be able to work a miracle (like Paul) but you can do a Gospel Presentations (like Paul).
Question: was Sergius Paulus ONLY convert on this leg of the journey? Was the only one named. However, NOT LIKELY!!
Point: #6. The effective work of the Lord often takes place without notice or fanfare!! - we don't always notice.
OR... God is often at work even whenwe don't see it.
1 Cor. 15:58
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