WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.700 Please turn your Bibles to Acts chapter 13. If you haven't got a Bible with you, there's Bibles by the door. I think it would really help you to have a Bible with you and follow me along in this long chapter. 00:00:12.660 --> 00:00:23.000 I'm sure you all read it in preparation and so you're totally familiar with it. The key text in the passage is right at the end. It's verses 48 and 49. 00:00:23.000 --> 00:00:36.679 And when the Gentiles, that's the non-Jews, heard this message, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord. And as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 00:00:37.920 --> 00:00:41.539 And then this familiar phrase, and the word of the Lord was spreading through the region. 00:00:41.539 --> 00:00:49.060 Up till now, in the book of Acts, this fledgling church has been very Jewish. 00:00:50.340 --> 00:00:56.420 In Acts chapter 2, when the church explodes and grows, do you remember it explodes out of Jerusalem. 00:00:57.820 --> 00:01:01.840 And from there it spreads out all around the world, but it's still very Jewish. 00:01:01.840 --> 00:01:10.540 You've got Cornelius. He became a Christian. He got converted recently and he was on the coast. He was Roman and not Jewish at all. 00:01:11.359 --> 00:01:17.120 He's come to the Lord, but it's all very much like that he's joined something Jewish. 00:01:18.159 --> 00:01:21.420 There's still a Jewish flavour to it. 00:01:22.180 --> 00:01:27.580 There's a new church in Antioch and Syria and it's got lots of Gentiles in it. 00:01:28.040 --> 00:01:31.719 Lots and lots, but they've still joined something Jewish. 00:01:31.840 --> 00:01:36.040 There's a Jewish flavour running through it. 00:01:37.719 --> 00:01:44.359 But the Christian gospel is for everybody without distinction. 00:01:46.120 --> 00:01:55.379 The gospel is not for everyone without exception, but it is for everyone without distinction. 00:01:56.760 --> 00:02:01.120 You can't say this morning, I'm a worm so I can't be saved. 00:02:01.840 --> 00:02:05.939 You can't say I'm from Iran so I can't be saved. 00:02:06.320 --> 00:02:10.099 You can't say I'm homeless so I can't be saved. 00:02:10.099 --> 00:02:15.859 It's for everyone without distinction. 00:02:15.860 --> 00:02:20.980 And that's the message really of Acts 13, how that came to be. 00:02:20.979 --> 00:02:22.979 It's what Luke is going to answer. 00:02:22.979 --> 00:02:27.340 And he answers it by taking us to three cities. 00:02:28.719 --> 00:02:32.479 Come with me to chapter 12 and verse 25. 00:02:34.079 --> 00:02:37.659 And Barnabas and Paul have gone to Jerusalem. 00:02:37.659 --> 00:02:43.159 They've come back with someone else, a guy called John Mark, back to Antioch. 00:02:43.219 --> 00:02:44.099 That's our first city. 00:02:46.300 --> 00:02:48.599 Look at the church in Antioch, verses 1 to 3. 00:02:50.180 --> 00:02:53.560 There are prophets in this church and teachers. 00:02:54.819 --> 00:02:59.159 Prophets, people who receive new revelations from God. 00:02:59.159 --> 00:03:01.079 There aren't people like that today. 00:03:01.740 --> 00:03:03.159 Because we have the Bible. 00:03:03.240 --> 00:03:04.299 The Bible is complete. 00:03:05.259 --> 00:03:07.400 But it wasn't in Acts chapter 13. 00:03:08.120 --> 00:03:09.060 And so there were prophets. 00:03:10.300 --> 00:03:13.599 And teachers who can teach the Christian faith. 00:03:14.620 --> 00:03:17.159 And they don't only teach the Christian faith, the scriptures. 00:03:18.199 --> 00:03:21.139 But they receive new revelations from God, these teachers and prophets. 00:03:21.379 --> 00:03:22.539 Just look at their names with me. 00:03:22.639 --> 00:03:23.219 Look at verse 1. 00:03:23.659 --> 00:03:24.960 You've got Barnabas, he's a Jew. 00:03:24.960 --> 00:03:27.640 You've got Simon from Niger. 00:03:27.800 --> 00:03:29.360 He's a black man from Africa. 00:03:30.060 --> 00:03:32.060 You've got Lucius from Cyrene. 00:03:32.560 --> 00:03:33.520 You've got Manion. 00:03:34.439 --> 00:03:34.920 Maneon. 00:03:35.340 --> 00:03:36.740 Who's been brought up. 00:03:36.840 --> 00:03:39.600 He's an old family friend of Herod the Tetrarch. 00:03:40.300 --> 00:03:41.520 And you know Herod the Tetrarch. 00:03:41.659 --> 00:03:44.140 Because he's the man who chopped John the Baptist's head off. 00:03:45.460 --> 00:03:47.360 Can you see the mixture in the church? 00:03:49.140 --> 00:03:50.540 It's a great mixture, isn't it? 00:03:51.700 --> 00:03:53.260 This church in Antioch. 00:03:53.259 --> 00:03:55.979 Which is going to become the great missionary centre. 00:03:56.599 --> 00:03:59.819 There's already within it tremendous diversity. 00:04:01.419 --> 00:04:03.340 And amongst these men who are prophets and teachers. 00:04:03.419 --> 00:04:04.379 Look at what they're doing in verse 2. 00:04:04.739 --> 00:04:05.620 They are worshipping. 00:04:08.280 --> 00:04:09.799 These five men have got together. 00:04:09.959 --> 00:04:11.120 And they are worshipping God. 00:04:11.479 --> 00:04:12.139 Trusting God. 00:04:12.199 --> 00:04:13.479 And they are giving God the praise. 00:04:14.599 --> 00:04:18.139 They are seeking God in a special way. 00:04:18.379 --> 00:04:19.139 They're fasting. 00:04:19.139 --> 00:04:22.939 And they're going without their food. 00:04:23.300 --> 00:04:25.779 Because they're so intent on seeking the Lord. 00:04:28.099 --> 00:04:29.560 And as they do so. 00:04:29.719 --> 00:04:32.159 Because they are men who receive special revelations. 00:04:32.500 --> 00:04:33.360 Because they are prophets. 00:04:33.439 --> 00:04:35.039 The Holy Spirit speaks to them directly. 00:04:36.639 --> 00:04:38.039 And the Holy Spirit says verse 2. 00:04:38.479 --> 00:04:40.620 While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting. 00:04:40.699 --> 00:04:41.360 The Holy Spirit said. 00:04:41.360 --> 00:04:43.879 Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul. 00:04:43.979 --> 00:04:45.000 For the work to which I've called them. 00:04:45.000 --> 00:04:49.000 Saul has already been to Galatia. 00:04:50.079 --> 00:04:51.139 And he comes from Tarsus. 00:04:51.220 --> 00:04:51.879 Now there's a map. 00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:52.720 I should have done a map. 00:04:52.879 --> 00:04:55.160 Because I'm so wanting you to understand. 00:04:55.279 --> 00:04:55.899 Can you see where they are? 00:04:56.199 --> 00:04:58.060 We are on your right. 00:04:58.220 --> 00:04:58.600 Antioch. 00:04:58.620 --> 00:04:59.139 That's where we are. 00:04:59.279 --> 00:04:59.420 Alright. 00:04:59.939 --> 00:05:01.860 So Paul has been in Galatia. 00:05:02.680 --> 00:05:04.199 And he's come up from Tarsus. 00:05:04.500 --> 00:05:06.339 He's been in Galatia 10 years. 00:05:06.339 --> 00:05:10.239 He's already got this great sense of conviction. 00:05:10.719 --> 00:05:11.839 That the gospel. 00:05:12.000 --> 00:05:13.179 The good news of the Lord Jesus. 00:05:14.299 --> 00:05:15.719 Should go to non-Jews. 00:05:16.799 --> 00:05:19.219 Barnabas has come up from the Jerusalem church. 00:05:19.299 --> 00:05:20.419 To this church in Antioch. 00:05:20.959 --> 00:05:22.859 Which was a Jewish and a Gentile church. 00:05:24.120 --> 00:05:26.579 And Barnabas already had this great conviction. 00:05:26.839 --> 00:05:28.639 That the good news of the Lord Jesus. 00:05:29.399 --> 00:05:31.459 Was for Jews and for Gentiles. 00:05:31.459 --> 00:05:33.919 And now the Holy Spirit tells them. 00:05:33.979 --> 00:05:34.779 In a special way. 00:05:34.839 --> 00:05:36.620 To get to the work. 00:05:37.180 --> 00:05:38.779 Of taking this gospel. 00:05:39.799 --> 00:05:41.199 Outside Jewishness. 00:05:42.339 --> 00:05:43.500 So we read verse 3. 00:05:43.579 --> 00:05:44.620 There's a commissioning ceremony. 00:05:44.740 --> 00:05:45.139 Can you see it? 00:05:45.339 --> 00:05:46.579 Then after fasting and praying. 00:05:46.959 --> 00:05:48.139 They laid their hands on them. 00:05:48.319 --> 00:05:48.819 Sent them off. 00:05:51.179 --> 00:05:52.039 There the elders. 00:05:52.219 --> 00:05:53.599 Act as representatives. 00:05:53.599 --> 00:05:54.659 Of the whole church. 00:05:54.879 --> 00:05:56.359 And they're sent off. 00:05:56.579 --> 00:05:57.939 With the whole church's blessing. 00:05:59.159 --> 00:06:00.399 And the church is now being taken. 00:06:00.399 --> 00:06:01.799 Under the Holy Spirit's guidance. 00:06:01.939 --> 00:06:03.019 Do you remember Jesus' command? 00:06:03.479 --> 00:06:04.299 Take the gospel. 00:06:04.819 --> 00:06:06.539 To the ends of the earth. 00:06:08.199 --> 00:06:08.939 Up till now. 00:06:09.060 --> 00:06:10.579 The gospel has mainly. 00:06:11.120 --> 00:06:12.259 Gone to the Jews. 00:06:13.079 --> 00:06:14.079 There have been some Gentiles. 00:06:14.139 --> 00:06:14.759 Converted haven't there? 00:06:14.979 --> 00:06:16.219 You think of the Ethiopian eunuch. 00:06:17.519 --> 00:06:18.759 You think of Cornelius. 00:06:18.839 --> 00:06:19.659 And his household. 00:06:20.679 --> 00:06:22.179 These people in Antioch. 00:06:22.179 --> 00:06:22.859 And in Syria. 00:06:23.399 --> 00:06:24.639 But now there is going to be. 00:06:24.819 --> 00:06:27.199 A great number of. 00:06:27.579 --> 00:06:28.259 Non-Jews. 00:06:28.339 --> 00:06:29.039 Who come into the kingdom. 00:06:30.399 --> 00:06:33.259 And they are taking very seriously. 00:06:33.539 --> 00:06:34.139 This command. 00:06:34.259 --> 00:06:35.439 That the gospel is to go to. 00:06:35.620 --> 00:06:36.519 Every creature. 00:06:36.799 --> 00:06:38.000 Just as Jesus commanded. 00:06:39.060 --> 00:06:40.139 Every person. 00:06:41.659 --> 00:06:42.519 Wherever they live. 00:06:43.620 --> 00:06:44.620 Whoever they are. 00:06:45.779 --> 00:06:46.859 Whatever they've done. 00:06:47.939 --> 00:06:49.419 Whatever they believe at this moment. 00:06:49.539 --> 00:06:50.299 Must hear the gospel. 00:06:52.239 --> 00:06:53.560 And so Antioch is the first place. 00:06:53.899 --> 00:06:54.239 We visit. 00:06:54.439 --> 00:06:56.159 So we now leave Antioch. 00:06:56.899 --> 00:06:58.079 And we go to Cyprus. 00:06:58.079 --> 00:07:00.839 Look at verses 13. 00:07:01.339 --> 00:07:02.319 Verses 4 to 12. 00:07:02.699 --> 00:07:04.099 Paul and Barnabas leave Antioch. 00:07:04.359 --> 00:07:05.120 And go to the coast. 00:07:05.159 --> 00:07:05.959 It's about 16 miles. 00:07:06.779 --> 00:07:07.779 And they go to Salusia. 00:07:08.599 --> 00:07:09.859 Which is the coastal port. 00:07:09.919 --> 00:07:11.379 They're going to set sail to Cyprus. 00:07:11.639 --> 00:07:12.519 Let's find out what happened there. 00:07:12.519 --> 00:07:13.379 Look at verse 5. 00:07:14.479 --> 00:07:15.799 They arrive in Salamis. 00:07:15.879 --> 00:07:17.180 Which is about 6 miles from the port. 00:07:18.680 --> 00:07:19.339 And in that city. 00:07:19.439 --> 00:07:20.639 There are synagogues. 00:07:20.740 --> 00:07:21.019 Plural. 00:07:21.459 --> 00:07:22.180 Look at verse 5. 00:07:22.500 --> 00:07:23.939 Barnabas and Paul go and preach. 00:07:24.419 --> 00:07:25.519 In those synagogues. 00:07:25.519 --> 00:07:27.939 Which suggests that they spend several weekends there. 00:07:31.240 --> 00:07:32.259 John Mark is with them. 00:07:32.319 --> 00:07:33.399 He's their kind of assistant. 00:07:34.599 --> 00:07:37.199 And it was there they preached the word of God. 00:07:37.240 --> 00:07:38.120 They go through the whole island. 00:07:39.299 --> 00:07:40.799 We don't know how long they spent there. 00:07:40.919 --> 00:07:42.500 But most people think about two months. 00:07:44.019 --> 00:07:45.319 They get to the other end. 00:07:46.279 --> 00:07:46.680 Paphos. 00:07:46.939 --> 00:07:47.599 The great port. 00:07:48.620 --> 00:07:49.939 The Phoenicians built it. 00:07:50.019 --> 00:07:51.359 The Romans developed it. 00:07:51.360 --> 00:07:53.439 And there's no Jewish synagogue there. 00:07:55.020 --> 00:07:56.280 But there are some Jews. 00:07:58.439 --> 00:08:00.879 And one of them is in particular favor with a Roman governor. 00:08:01.840 --> 00:08:03.040 The pro-council of Cyprus. 00:08:03.160 --> 00:08:03.639 The boss man. 00:08:03.740 --> 00:08:04.500 Sergius Paulus. 00:08:04.900 --> 00:08:06.180 But this guy's a rogue. 00:08:07.620 --> 00:08:09.000 Things at this point change. 00:08:09.220 --> 00:08:09.840 You'll see the change. 00:08:09.879 --> 00:08:10.580 Look at verse 9. 00:08:12.240 --> 00:08:13.600 Then Saul who is called Paul. 00:08:14.520 --> 00:08:17.360 Remember most people in the ancient world spoke several languages. 00:08:17.360 --> 00:08:19.500 And while Paul moved amongst the Jews. 00:08:19.639 --> 00:08:20.220 He was called. 00:08:20.420 --> 00:08:21.360 He was named Saul. 00:08:22.319 --> 00:08:24.000 He was named after the first king of Israel. 00:08:24.199 --> 00:08:25.379 From the tribe of Benjamin. 00:08:26.100 --> 00:08:28.240 But now he's going to be mixing amongst the Romans. 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:30.060 And civil servants. 00:08:30.500 --> 00:08:31.020 And governors. 00:08:31.319 --> 00:08:32.419 And pro-councils and sentries. 00:08:32.639 --> 00:08:34.779 So he starts using the Roman form of his name. 00:08:34.860 --> 00:08:35.159 Paul. 00:08:37.019 --> 00:08:39.580 And so at this point he becomes the leader of the mission really. 00:08:40.740 --> 00:08:42.860 It's been Barnabas and Paul. 00:08:42.940 --> 00:08:44.460 But now it is Paul. 00:08:44.460 --> 00:08:47.320 You'll see verses further down. 00:08:47.400 --> 00:08:48.100 Verse 13. 00:08:48.220 --> 00:08:49.280 It's Paul and his party. 00:08:49.620 --> 00:08:50.200 Verse 46. 00:08:50.379 --> 00:08:51.440 It's Paul and Barnabas. 00:08:51.800 --> 00:08:54.700 Paul has now emerged in Acts 13 into the place of leadership. 00:08:55.840 --> 00:08:57.960 And there's going to be a great showdown. 00:08:58.100 --> 00:09:01.780 Because there is a Jew who's very close to the governor. 00:09:02.180 --> 00:09:05.500 And the governor is an intelligent man. 00:09:05.940 --> 00:09:07.300 But the Jewish guy. 00:09:07.480 --> 00:09:08.240 He's a quack. 00:09:09.259 --> 00:09:10.540 He's a sorcerer. 00:09:11.280 --> 00:09:12.139 He's a wizard. 00:09:12.139 --> 00:09:12.320 He's a wizard. 00:09:14.460 --> 00:09:15.480 He's someone. 00:09:15.700 --> 00:09:17.019 We thought to me of Mr. Omar. 00:09:17.200 --> 00:09:19.060 Standing outside Ealing Broadway Station. 00:09:19.160 --> 00:09:19.820 It's that kind of guy. 00:09:19.879 --> 00:09:22.060 He claims to speak in God's name. 00:09:23.620 --> 00:09:26.840 And he's losing his influence with the pro-council. 00:09:27.220 --> 00:09:28.540 Because of this guy Paul. 00:09:29.519 --> 00:09:31.980 The pro-council wants to hear the gospel. 00:09:32.379 --> 00:09:35.139 He's sent for Paul and Barnabas to hear the gospel preached. 00:09:35.139 --> 00:09:42.980 And this quack of a man tries to get the doors shut towards the gospel. 00:09:43.980 --> 00:09:46.259 He tries to get the gospel preachers turned away. 00:09:46.439 --> 00:09:46.819 Kicked out. 00:09:46.879 --> 00:09:47.519 Look at verse 9. 00:09:47.879 --> 00:09:51.679 But Saul, who's also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him. 00:09:51.840 --> 00:09:53.039 And publicly said. 00:09:54.639 --> 00:09:55.639 Well look what he says. 00:09:56.919 --> 00:09:57.819 Verse 10. 00:09:57.820 --> 00:10:00.140 He says. 00:10:05.640 --> 00:10:07.180 You son of the devil. 00:10:08.220 --> 00:10:09.600 You enemy of all righteousness. 00:10:10.020 --> 00:10:11.840 Full of deceit and villainy. 00:10:12.680 --> 00:10:16.680 Will you stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 00:10:16.679 --> 00:10:23.699 And let's just imagine that this morning I stood up. 00:10:24.359 --> 00:10:25.419 I looked someone in the eye. 00:10:26.239 --> 00:10:27.120 And I said to them. 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:30.319 You son of the devil. 00:10:31.559 --> 00:10:33.339 You enemy of all righteousness. 00:10:34.859 --> 00:10:38.059 There'd be complaints to presbytery by half past one, wouldn't they? 00:10:38.399 --> 00:10:40.120 Some of you would think this is so outrageous. 00:10:40.339 --> 00:10:42.240 How dare a preacher speak like this? 00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:48.240 But this man is filled with error and with wickedness. 00:10:48.320 --> 00:10:51.240 Now why does Paul speak so strongly to him? 00:10:51.340 --> 00:10:52.180 Understand this. 00:10:53.759 --> 00:10:56.759 People would say, Paul, the way you're speaking, it's not very Christian, is it? 00:10:57.560 --> 00:10:59.240 But what is this man doing? 00:11:00.259 --> 00:11:01.279 Let's think about what he's doing. 00:11:01.399 --> 00:11:05.899 He is trying to stop people's ears so that they don't hear the gospel. 00:11:07.399 --> 00:11:08.659 And Paul says. 00:11:10.519 --> 00:11:11.720 You son of the devil. 00:11:12.799 --> 00:11:13.779 And you're an enemy. 00:11:15.500 --> 00:11:18.440 You try to stop people hearing the gospel. 00:11:19.240 --> 00:11:22.120 You try to stop people hearing the good news of the Lord Jesus. 00:11:22.340 --> 00:11:25.759 Like many religious leaders do in this country. 00:11:26.180 --> 00:11:27.460 What does the Bible say about them? 00:11:27.799 --> 00:11:28.759 You're a son of the devil. 00:11:29.399 --> 00:11:30.000 You're an enemy. 00:11:34.240 --> 00:11:35.639 And now, verse 11. 00:11:35.759 --> 00:11:38.220 Behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you. 00:11:38.340 --> 00:11:39.879 You'll be blind and unable to see. 00:11:39.879 --> 00:11:43.559 Immediately, a mist and darkness fall on the man. 00:11:44.620 --> 00:11:47.659 And he goes about seeking people to lead him by the hand. 00:11:47.759 --> 00:11:49.240 And then the proconsul believed. 00:11:49.320 --> 00:11:49.820 I bet he did. 00:11:49.820 --> 00:11:53.360 When he saw what had been done. 00:11:53.360 --> 00:11:56.720 But can you just notice, what was the proconsul astonished by? 00:11:58.340 --> 00:12:01.140 He's astonished by, isn't he, the teaching of the Lord? 00:12:01.139 --> 00:12:03.879 He's shaken by the miracle. 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:04.480 So would you be. 00:12:04.559 --> 00:12:05.100 So would I be. 00:12:05.580 --> 00:12:08.360 But the proconsul believed because of the message. 00:12:08.720 --> 00:12:11.679 Although he was amazed that someone should be struck blind by an apostle. 00:12:11.679 --> 00:12:15.359 But it was the teaching of the Lord that shook him the most. 00:12:15.839 --> 00:12:16.979 And brought him to faith. 00:12:17.679 --> 00:12:19.479 The proconsul, he got converted. 00:12:20.959 --> 00:12:24.039 The Roman official is converted. 00:12:24.039 --> 00:12:32.379 Now, what I've battled with, and I've battled lots with this passage this week, is why did they go to Cyprus? 00:12:33.799 --> 00:12:36.360 Why did they leave Antioch to go to Cyprus? 00:12:37.980 --> 00:12:48.860 Why, when they were called by the Holy Spirit to a mission that was to all the world, why make Barnabas' home Cyprus the starting point? 00:12:48.860 --> 00:12:51.500 Why do that? 00:12:52.139 --> 00:12:55.659 The Holy Spirit says, go out into all the world, Barnabas goes home. 00:12:58.320 --> 00:13:02.519 Paul had already been evangelising for about ten years around his home, Tarsus. 00:13:02.960 --> 00:13:05.279 And Barnabas was going to evangelise with Paul. 00:13:07.680 --> 00:13:11.240 Tarsus was Paul's home, and Cyprus was Barnabas' home. 00:13:13.320 --> 00:13:16.659 And I think the answer is this, that we start at home. 00:13:18.860 --> 00:13:23.159 We start amongst the people that know us best, and who understand us best. 00:13:25.120 --> 00:13:29.740 This Antioch church was the least Jewish of all the churches. 00:13:31.200 --> 00:13:38.860 There were so many Gentile Christians in it, who'd been brought into being by Jewish Christians from Cyprus. 00:13:39.940 --> 00:13:42.879 Undoubtedly, this church had a concern for their home. 00:13:42.879 --> 00:13:49.960 Missions started where they were known best, and amongst the people that they understood best. 00:13:50.200 --> 00:13:51.159 We start at home. 00:13:52.960 --> 00:13:56.899 Here's light shines furthest, shines brightest, nearest home. 00:13:59.039 --> 00:14:00.639 And that's the Holy Spirit's strategy, isn't it? 00:14:00.639 --> 00:14:06.460 I was going up, people would talk about going to do beach missions. 00:14:06.840 --> 00:14:14.039 You know beach missions, where you'd wear a kind of red outfit, and you'd stand on a beach, and you'd kind of do little skits for children. 00:14:14.159 --> 00:14:18.460 And you'd hand out, you would hand out tracts and all sorts of things. 00:14:18.460 --> 00:14:25.620 And it was looked on as this is a great thing for young people to go and do beach missions. 00:14:25.920 --> 00:14:26.780 This is standing for the Lord. 00:14:26.980 --> 00:14:31.259 It's so easy, isn't it, to go to Scarborough, where no one will ever meet you again, and be really bold for the Lord. 00:14:32.080 --> 00:14:37.500 It's really easy to do mission thousands of miles away from your home. 00:14:37.800 --> 00:14:42.019 It's much harder, isn't it, to speak to your grandparents about the Lord Jesus. 00:14:42.019 --> 00:14:46.319 It's much harder to speak to mum and dad for some of you. 00:14:47.299 --> 00:14:54.439 It's much harder for you to speak to your brother and sister who know you best and know all your faults, and to speak to them about the gospel. 00:14:55.179 --> 00:14:58.620 But mission starts at home. 00:15:00.059 --> 00:15:08.179 To be bold as a lion at holiday Bible club or on camp, but actually to be unwilling to speak to people at school. 00:15:10.480 --> 00:15:11.840 God's ways we start at home. 00:15:12.579 --> 00:15:13.699 Okay, city number three. 00:15:14.539 --> 00:15:16.919 And this is where the confusion starts. 00:15:17.460 --> 00:15:20.419 It's Antioch again, but it's not the Antioch it was before. 00:15:20.980 --> 00:15:23.120 There are 16 Antiochs, alright? 00:15:24.399 --> 00:15:25.740 This Antioch is in Syria. 00:15:27.379 --> 00:15:29.480 It's Antioch towards Pisidia. 00:15:31.840 --> 00:15:32.919 Now when did all this happen? 00:15:32.980 --> 00:15:34.360 It's about 47 or 48 AD. 00:15:34.500 --> 00:15:36.319 It's coming up towards 49 AD. 00:15:36.319 --> 00:15:38.819 No one knows the exact date, but it's in that realm. 00:15:40.199 --> 00:15:41.159 They leave Cyprus. 00:15:41.159 --> 00:15:43.240 They sail towards the Turkish coast. 00:15:43.879 --> 00:15:44.799 Look at verse 13. 00:15:45.120 --> 00:15:48.179 They arrive in Perga and Pamphylia, but they don't preach there. 00:15:48.759 --> 00:15:49.480 They depart. 00:15:49.620 --> 00:15:51.559 In verse 14, they go inland. 00:15:51.559 --> 00:15:55.519 About 100 miles to Antioch towards Pisidia. 00:15:55.579 --> 00:15:56.339 That's the name of the city. 00:15:56.340 --> 00:15:59.639 Why didn't they preach in Perga? 00:15:59.639 --> 00:16:03.860 Why did John Mark go home? 00:16:06.100 --> 00:16:07.860 Paul tells us a little bit about that in Galatians. 00:16:07.860 --> 00:16:13.560 It's clear that when he arrives on the southern coast of what is modern Turkey, Paul is ill. 00:16:13.680 --> 00:16:14.519 He's ill for a while. 00:16:14.560 --> 00:16:15.460 He's pretty seriously ill. 00:16:16.899 --> 00:16:18.340 But why did John Mark go home? 00:16:18.340 --> 00:16:23.899 We don't know apart from that Paul refused to take him on the next journey. 00:16:25.300 --> 00:16:26.360 The next missionary ship. 00:16:26.440 --> 00:16:29.440 Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, but Paul didn't. 00:16:29.480 --> 00:16:30.259 They fell out over it. 00:16:30.259 --> 00:16:33.500 The reason is this. 00:16:33.559 --> 00:16:36.639 There was one thing that Paul could not stand all his life. 00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:43.819 And it was this idea that Gentile Christians, people like you and me who are not Jews, are somehow inferior to Jewish Christians. 00:16:43.820 --> 00:16:51.000 The very idea that there are Gentile and Jewish Christians was an awful thought to the Apostle Paul. 00:16:52.040 --> 00:16:54.080 There are only Christians. 00:16:56.180 --> 00:17:00.320 The idea that Gentile Christians have to be flavoured with Jewishness. 00:17:01.240 --> 00:17:03.320 Paul understands the gospel much better than that. 00:17:04.940 --> 00:17:13.000 And Paul was coming to that point, obviously nearer and nearer to that point where he could see it wasn't enough just to take the gospel to the Jews. 00:17:13.819 --> 00:17:16.240 And hope that they would go to the Gentiles. 00:17:16.980 --> 00:17:20.639 No, missionaries had to go to the Gentiles directly and bypass the Jews. 00:17:22.339 --> 00:17:23.980 And perhaps John Mark didn't follow that. 00:17:25.019 --> 00:17:26.119 Perhaps that is the reason. 00:17:26.200 --> 00:17:32.159 What is clear in Acts 15 is that John Mark refused to go to the work. 00:17:33.779 --> 00:17:36.539 The work, of course, is what is described in Acts 13, verse 2. 00:17:37.799 --> 00:17:41.220 The work of evangelising the Gentiles directly. 00:17:41.220 --> 00:17:45.880 John Mark would come to see that directly later. 00:17:46.440 --> 00:17:47.240 Clearly later. 00:17:47.600 --> 00:17:50.700 And Paul would love John Mark dearly later. 00:17:50.860 --> 00:17:52.000 Mark would write the gospel. 00:17:52.420 --> 00:17:53.319 Mark would be restored. 00:17:53.740 --> 00:17:55.039 But at this point he goes home. 00:17:56.500 --> 00:17:58.700 He wasn't yet ready for the work that was ahead. 00:17:59.019 --> 00:17:59.860 So Paul is ill. 00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:01.259 John Mark is gone. 00:18:01.620 --> 00:18:03.640 And Barnabas is walking these hundreds of miles. 00:18:03.640 --> 00:18:06.480 And at last coming to Antioch and Pisidia. 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:08.780 Verse 14. 00:18:08.900 --> 00:18:09.360 They arrive. 00:18:09.500 --> 00:18:10.420 They go into the synagogue. 00:18:10.920 --> 00:18:11.780 And there are Jews. 00:18:11.900 --> 00:18:12.759 In fact, there's loads of them. 00:18:14.300 --> 00:18:16.280 In fact, there's 20,000 of them in that city. 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:22.580 One of the emperors had encouraged the Jews to settle in Antioch in Pisidia. 00:18:22.579 --> 00:18:24.379 So they arrive, Paul and Barnabas. 00:18:24.519 --> 00:18:27.599 They go to the synagogue on the Sabbath day and they sit down. 00:18:29.019 --> 00:18:30.399 We're not in a Christian church. 00:18:30.759 --> 00:18:31.619 We're in a synagogue. 00:18:33.059 --> 00:18:35.759 There's the singing of Psalms, which would be familiar to us. 00:18:36.139 --> 00:18:38.839 There's the reading of the law, which we would understand. 00:18:39.220 --> 00:18:41.119 And there's the reading of the extracts of the prophets. 00:18:41.119 --> 00:18:44.219 And then there's the rulers of the synagogue. 00:18:45.339 --> 00:18:47.059 Who are talking to the congregation. 00:18:48.379 --> 00:18:52.379 They recognize Paul and Barnabas as visitors. 00:18:52.579 --> 00:18:54.859 Do they recognize Paul as a visiting rabbi? 00:18:55.079 --> 00:18:57.299 And they say to Paul, have you got something for us? 00:18:57.339 --> 00:18:58.619 Have you got a sermon for us? 00:18:59.079 --> 00:19:00.019 And now is the moment. 00:19:02.239 --> 00:19:04.139 What we do know is verse 16. 00:19:04.419 --> 00:19:05.419 Paul stood up. 00:19:07.099 --> 00:19:08.059 It's an interesting thing, isn't it? 00:19:08.079 --> 00:19:08.759 Paul stood up. 00:19:08.759 --> 00:19:13.299 And as the New Testament often tells us, he motions with his hand. 00:19:15.099 --> 00:19:18.079 Paul's gestures are often commented on. 00:19:19.319 --> 00:19:22.839 We don't know whether it was the kind of claw that Paul Levy uses. 00:19:22.960 --> 00:19:25.519 Or whether it was the finger that Reuben Hunter uses. 00:19:25.640 --> 00:19:27.460 We don't know what the gesture was. 00:19:27.779 --> 00:19:30.119 And it's why you shouldn't comment on preacher's gestures. 00:19:33.720 --> 00:19:35.299 And so he begins to preach. 00:19:35.299 --> 00:19:37.559 Look at verse 16, man of Israel. 00:19:38.759 --> 00:19:40.740 He's speaking to the Jews, but there's non-Jews there. 00:19:43.019 --> 00:19:46.140 Men of Israel, you Jews, and those who fear God. 00:19:47.379 --> 00:19:49.619 There were people who feared the Jewish God. 00:19:50.519 --> 00:19:53.220 But they were not Jews. 00:19:53.460 --> 00:19:55.599 And they'd not yet become Jews. 00:19:55.839 --> 00:19:58.200 But nonetheless, they came because they were interested. 00:19:58.200 --> 00:20:01.100 And he begins to preach. 00:20:01.180 --> 00:20:02.319 It's a really interesting thing. 00:20:02.380 --> 00:20:03.279 We haven't got time to do it now. 00:20:03.360 --> 00:20:09.340 But if you go to Acts chapter 2, and you compare Peter's sermon at Pentecost with Acts chapter 13, 00:20:09.539 --> 00:20:11.019 there's tremendous similarities. 00:20:13.220 --> 00:20:14.880 Look at Paul's sermon in Antioch of Pisidia. 00:20:14.880 --> 00:20:21.780 Both sermons, both in Acts 2 and in Acts 13, tell how God chose Israel. 00:20:23.260 --> 00:20:26.180 Both of them give a potted and quick summary of Israel's history. 00:20:26.600 --> 00:20:28.820 Both of them focus very quickly on David. 00:20:29.280 --> 00:20:33.060 Both of them explain that Jesus is a descendant of David. 00:20:33.059 --> 00:20:36.319 Jesus is the Messiah according to the promise. 00:20:36.839 --> 00:20:41.619 Both of them say that Jesus is the fulfillment of what the prophet spoke. 00:20:42.259 --> 00:20:45.259 Both of them emphasize his life, his death. 00:20:45.639 --> 00:20:48.319 And they tell us particularly that he didn't stay dead. 00:20:48.399 --> 00:20:49.639 He didn't rot in the grave. 00:20:49.819 --> 00:20:52.879 But according to Acts 16, he's risen from the grave. 00:20:52.880 --> 00:20:56.440 Both of them make reference to the Psalms. 00:20:58.500 --> 00:21:04.860 And Peter in Acts chapter 2, and 15 years later in Acts chapter 13, Paul says the same thing. 00:21:04.940 --> 00:21:09.480 Let all the house of Israel know that God has made this Jesus both Lord and Christ. 00:21:09.580 --> 00:21:10.280 He's in charge. 00:21:11.820 --> 00:21:14.480 This Jesus whom you crucified is Lord and Christ. 00:21:14.840 --> 00:21:16.020 But Paul goes a step further. 00:21:16.120 --> 00:21:17.500 Look at verses 38 and 39. 00:21:17.500 --> 00:21:19.140 Let it be known, therefore, brothers, 00:21:19.140 --> 00:21:24.700 that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 00:21:26.240 --> 00:21:36.540 And by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:38.900 You see that? 00:21:40.340 --> 00:21:45.400 Just by believing, you are put right with God. 00:21:45.400 --> 00:21:54.420 Just by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, his righteousness is put to your account. 00:21:56.900 --> 00:22:02.759 Nobody, nobody has ever been able to keep all the rules and ceremonies of the Old Testament. 00:22:04.620 --> 00:22:06.940 But when you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:22:07.500 --> 00:22:10.640 then your breaking of every rule is forgiven. 00:22:11.940 --> 00:22:14.460 And you are justified, whoever you are. 00:22:14.460 --> 00:22:17.039 Whether you're an Israelite, 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:19.759 whether you're a God-fearer, 00:22:19.900 --> 00:22:20.539 whoever you are, 00:22:20.680 --> 00:22:21.640 everyone who believes. 00:22:23.920 --> 00:22:25.460 Now you see, Peter was preaching, wasn't he, 00:22:25.680 --> 00:22:27.380 to Jews on the day of Pentecost. 00:22:28.559 --> 00:22:30.440 And his sermon is very Jewish, 00:22:30.559 --> 00:22:32.319 but Paul is preaching to the world here. 00:22:34.360 --> 00:22:36.000 Everyone without distinction, 00:22:37.440 --> 00:22:38.940 just by believing, 00:22:40.299 --> 00:22:41.380 is saved. 00:22:41.700 --> 00:22:43.039 Can you see the influence of Stephen? 00:22:44.460 --> 00:22:45.740 How Stephen's sermon, 00:22:45.740 --> 00:22:48.640 on the Old Testament scriptures, 00:22:48.840 --> 00:22:50.319 all came and coming to fruition. 00:22:52.100 --> 00:22:55.600 And this message is going to cause a massive row in the church. 00:22:56.880 --> 00:22:59.680 There's going to be a great conference in Jerusalem about this, 00:22:59.740 --> 00:23:00.620 in Acts chapter 15. 00:23:00.940 --> 00:23:03.519 And it will become clear that this really is the gospel. 00:23:03.519 --> 00:23:09.220 that you do not have to become a Jew first. 00:23:10.460 --> 00:23:13.660 You do not have to take on a Jewish flavor. 00:23:14.079 --> 00:23:16.619 You come to Jesus Christ just as you are, 00:23:16.740 --> 00:23:19.220 as someone who is a sinner. 00:23:21.599 --> 00:23:24.099 Acknowledging that you are a lawbreaker, 00:23:24.099 --> 00:23:28.240 and believing and trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:23:28.339 --> 00:23:29.439 and your sins can be forgiven. 00:23:30.879 --> 00:23:32.619 You don't have to make up for them. 00:23:35.219 --> 00:23:36.259 You have to believe. 00:23:37.500 --> 00:23:38.639 And you are justified, 00:23:38.859 --> 00:23:41.299 and God's righteousness is put to your account. 00:23:41.379 --> 00:23:42.039 That is the gospel. 00:23:43.879 --> 00:23:45.319 It's tremendous news. 00:23:45.419 --> 00:23:46.480 It's tremendous preaching. 00:23:46.480 --> 00:23:49.680 It's tremendous news for you today. 00:23:50.160 --> 00:23:51.700 That there's nothing that you can do 00:23:51.700 --> 00:23:53.079 to put yourself right with God. 00:23:53.940 --> 00:23:55.640 But Jesus Christ has done it all. 00:23:56.880 --> 00:23:58.339 And if you will trust in him, 00:23:58.400 --> 00:24:00.099 your greatest need can be met. 00:24:01.259 --> 00:24:01.960 What's the reaction? 00:24:02.140 --> 00:24:02.960 Well, verse 42. 00:24:03.120 --> 00:24:03.559 Can you see it? 00:24:03.880 --> 00:24:04.779 Tremendous enthusiasm. 00:24:06.200 --> 00:24:06.620 I love it. 00:24:06.860 --> 00:24:07.460 They went out, 00:24:07.539 --> 00:24:08.460 the people begged them 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:10.539 to be told these things again next Sabbath. 00:24:10.620 --> 00:24:11.819 Come and preach this sermon again. 00:24:11.819 --> 00:24:15.359 You put yourself in the place 00:24:15.359 --> 00:24:16.079 of one of those Gentiles. 00:24:16.200 --> 00:24:16.779 Week by week, 00:24:16.879 --> 00:24:17.579 month by month, 00:24:17.879 --> 00:24:19.399 you've gone to the synagogue. 00:24:20.779 --> 00:24:21.700 You've had a seat 00:24:21.700 --> 00:24:23.279 and said to the kind of cheap seats, 00:24:23.700 --> 00:24:24.879 you're welcome, 00:24:25.000 --> 00:24:26.419 but you know you're not welcome. 00:24:27.139 --> 00:24:28.059 You enjoy it, 00:24:28.119 --> 00:24:29.720 but you know it's not fully for me. 00:24:31.099 --> 00:24:31.960 And week after week, 00:24:32.079 --> 00:24:32.639 month after month, 00:24:32.740 --> 00:24:33.419 year after year, 00:24:33.500 --> 00:24:33.799 you go, 00:24:34.039 --> 00:24:35.460 you admire the Jewish God. 00:24:35.539 --> 00:24:37.359 You've heard the glorious stories 00:24:37.359 --> 00:24:38.240 of his greatness. 00:24:39.759 --> 00:24:41.039 And people have been telling you 00:24:41.039 --> 00:24:41.859 for years, 00:24:42.059 --> 00:24:43.740 you've got to become a Jew 00:24:43.740 --> 00:24:47.000 to become one of the people of God. 00:24:48.720 --> 00:24:49.920 And now you hear 00:24:49.920 --> 00:24:51.420 that the Messiah has come. 00:24:52.339 --> 00:24:54.339 And the proof that the Messiah has come 00:24:54.339 --> 00:24:56.680 is that Jesus didn't rot in the grave, 00:24:56.779 --> 00:24:57.859 but he's risen from the dead. 00:24:59.019 --> 00:25:00.759 And your sins can be forgiven 00:25:00.759 --> 00:25:02.180 by coming to Jesus Christ. 00:25:03.259 --> 00:25:04.779 And you do not have to keep 00:25:04.779 --> 00:25:06.279 all the minute regulations 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:07.099 of the Old Testament 00:25:07.099 --> 00:25:08.700 because all of those things 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:10.299 pointed forward to Jesus. 00:25:11.039 --> 00:25:13.220 But those things 00:25:13.220 --> 00:25:15.139 are not the way of salvation. 00:25:16.399 --> 00:25:17.399 Jesus Christ 00:25:17.399 --> 00:25:18.720 is the way of salvation. 00:25:18.859 --> 00:25:19.759 And so here's the truth. 00:25:20.180 --> 00:25:22.379 You can be a fully fledged 00:25:22.379 --> 00:25:23.859 child of God 00:25:23.859 --> 00:25:25.960 and of all the benefits 00:25:25.960 --> 00:25:26.960 of godliness 00:25:26.960 --> 00:25:28.920 by coming to Jesus Christ. 00:25:29.180 --> 00:25:30.079 And they are begging 00:25:30.079 --> 00:25:31.259 to hear that message again. 00:25:33.779 --> 00:25:34.700 Congregation breaks up, 00:25:34.759 --> 00:25:35.319 verse 43. 00:25:35.319 --> 00:25:37.359 And after the meeting 00:25:37.359 --> 00:25:39.399 and the synagogue broke up, 00:25:39.460 --> 00:25:40.899 many Jews and devout converts 00:25:40.899 --> 00:25:41.579 to Judaism 00:25:41.579 --> 00:25:42.679 followed Paul and Barnabas. 00:25:42.720 --> 00:25:43.439 You can picture the scene 00:25:43.439 --> 00:25:44.039 down the street 00:25:44.039 --> 00:25:45.179 urging them, 00:25:45.960 --> 00:25:46.480 urging them, 00:25:46.539 --> 00:25:47.019 come back. 00:25:49.879 --> 00:25:51.099 Here are Jews 00:25:51.099 --> 00:25:52.039 and Gentiles 00:25:52.039 --> 00:25:52.919 and proselytes 00:25:52.919 --> 00:25:54.059 asking them questions. 00:25:54.059 --> 00:25:56.500 And he's speaking to them 00:25:56.500 --> 00:25:57.919 and he's trying to persuade them, 00:25:58.339 --> 00:25:59.220 live, continue 00:25:59.220 --> 00:26:00.599 in the grace of God. 00:26:01.940 --> 00:26:03.079 God saved us 00:26:03.079 --> 00:26:03.980 by his grace 00:26:03.980 --> 00:26:04.539 and kindness, 00:26:04.679 --> 00:26:05.500 not by our works, 00:26:05.599 --> 00:26:07.159 not by our performance. 00:26:07.700 --> 00:26:08.799 And a week goes by, 00:26:08.859 --> 00:26:09.859 it's the following Saturday. 00:26:11.059 --> 00:26:11.899 You can imagine 00:26:11.899 --> 00:26:12.679 the talk through the week, 00:26:12.740 --> 00:26:13.740 did you hear what went on 00:26:13.740 --> 00:26:14.259 in that synagogue? 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:16.619 Did you hear the message 00:26:16.619 --> 00:26:17.539 that man brought? 00:26:17.639 --> 00:26:18.139 We've never heard 00:26:18.139 --> 00:26:18.919 anything like it. 00:26:20.519 --> 00:26:21.379 Get there early 00:26:21.379 --> 00:26:21.919 next Saturday, 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:22.679 verse 44, 00:26:22.680 --> 00:26:23.820 the next Sabbath, 00:26:23.960 --> 00:26:24.840 almost the whole city 00:26:24.840 --> 00:26:26.779 gathered to hear 00:26:26.779 --> 00:26:27.320 the word of God. 00:26:27.400 --> 00:26:27.920 Wouldn't you have loved 00:26:27.920 --> 00:26:28.380 to have been there? 00:26:29.940 --> 00:26:30.600 Can you imagine 00:26:30.600 --> 00:26:31.120 this synagogue 00:26:31.120 --> 00:26:32.720 bursting its walls 00:26:32.720 --> 00:26:33.259 with Jews 00:26:33.259 --> 00:26:34.240 and with Gentiles? 00:26:36.240 --> 00:26:36.900 But can you imagine 00:26:36.900 --> 00:26:38.120 what the Jewish people 00:26:38.120 --> 00:26:38.740 thought about 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:39.900 their precious synagogue 00:26:39.900 --> 00:26:40.799 being invaded 00:26:40.799 --> 00:26:41.700 by all these 00:26:41.700 --> 00:26:43.019 unholy Gentiles? 00:26:45.960 --> 00:26:46.779 Trampling in. 00:26:49.019 --> 00:26:49.960 They go in, 00:26:50.120 --> 00:26:50.560 someone's sitting 00:26:50.560 --> 00:26:51.080 in their seat. 00:26:52.680 --> 00:26:53.759 They say, 00:26:53.840 --> 00:26:54.320 I've not seen you 00:26:54.320 --> 00:26:54.920 here before. 00:26:59.400 --> 00:27:00.320 And all these people 00:27:00.320 --> 00:27:00.799 are there 00:27:00.799 --> 00:27:01.940 to hear this 00:27:01.940 --> 00:27:03.100 visiting preacher 00:27:03.100 --> 00:27:04.160 preach the word of God. 00:27:07.539 --> 00:27:08.279 You can imagine, 00:27:08.400 --> 00:27:08.560 can't you, 00:27:08.560 --> 00:27:09.200 if you've been running 00:27:09.200 --> 00:27:10.200 a straight down the line 00:27:10.200 --> 00:27:11.220 synagogue for years 00:27:11.220 --> 00:27:11.940 and years and years 00:27:11.940 --> 00:27:13.060 and the same old people 00:27:13.060 --> 00:27:14.460 come week after week 00:27:14.460 --> 00:27:15.060 after week 00:27:15.060 --> 00:27:15.539 after week. 00:27:17.100 --> 00:27:18.420 And one new preacher 00:27:18.420 --> 00:27:19.740 comes from out of town, 00:27:19.740 --> 00:27:21.140 he preaches just once 00:27:21.140 --> 00:27:23.220 and the following week 00:27:23.220 --> 00:27:24.140 the whole city 00:27:24.140 --> 00:27:24.839 turns up. 00:27:27.059 --> 00:27:28.019 How would you feel? 00:27:30.200 --> 00:27:31.440 How would you feel 00:27:31.440 --> 00:27:34.000 if 600 people 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:35.099 turn up next Sunday morning 00:27:35.099 --> 00:27:37.519 and you can't get in 00:27:37.519 --> 00:27:39.039 and you've got to sit 00:27:39.039 --> 00:27:39.900 not in the overflow 00:27:39.900 --> 00:27:41.480 but in the kind of overflow 00:27:41.480 --> 00:27:42.660 of the overflow rooms 00:27:42.660 --> 00:27:43.620 and there's a massive 00:27:43.620 --> 00:27:44.339 queue to the toilet 00:27:44.339 --> 00:27:44.960 and you didn't get 00:27:44.960 --> 00:27:45.620 any tea and coffee 00:27:45.620 --> 00:27:46.120 and biscuits. 00:27:46.119 --> 00:27:48.379 And all these new people, 00:27:48.779 --> 00:27:49.239 how would you feel? 00:27:52.539 --> 00:27:53.659 Well the effect of some people 00:27:53.659 --> 00:27:54.159 is jealousy. 00:27:56.799 --> 00:27:57.819 Because this Sunday, 00:27:57.979 --> 00:27:58.199 Saturday, 00:27:58.339 --> 00:27:59.000 when Paul is preaching 00:27:59.000 --> 00:27:59.619 verse 45, 00:27:59.779 --> 00:28:00.639 there's people contradicting 00:28:00.639 --> 00:28:01.179 and shouting. 00:28:01.959 --> 00:28:02.799 They're shouting out 00:28:02.799 --> 00:28:03.319 in opposition. 00:28:05.059 --> 00:28:05.699 And while he's preaching 00:28:05.699 --> 00:28:06.779 we're told they're blaspheming 00:28:06.779 --> 00:28:07.819 and they're opposing 00:28:07.819 --> 00:28:09.459 the things spoken by Paul 00:28:09.459 --> 00:28:11.179 and now Paul and Barnabas 00:28:11.179 --> 00:28:11.859 grow bold. 00:28:11.979 --> 00:28:13.079 They don't shrink back, 00:28:13.179 --> 00:28:13.939 they grow bold. 00:28:14.139 --> 00:28:14.439 Bold. 00:28:14.639 --> 00:28:15.719 They've just called a man 00:28:15.720 --> 00:28:17.360 an enemy 00:28:17.360 --> 00:28:18.539 and a child of the devil. 00:28:18.700 --> 00:28:19.440 They get bold. 00:28:19.740 --> 00:28:20.640 Even more bold. 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:23.500 Because when the opposition 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:24.100 increases, 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:25.500 the true Christian leader 00:28:25.500 --> 00:28:26.579 strength increases. 00:28:28.140 --> 00:28:29.220 The tension mounts. 00:28:31.220 --> 00:28:32.299 The spiritual might 00:28:32.299 --> 00:28:33.019 also mounts. 00:28:33.600 --> 00:28:34.019 The opposition 00:28:34.019 --> 00:28:35.400 becomes ferocious. 00:28:35.579 --> 00:28:36.240 The word of God 00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:37.240 becomes more ferocious. 00:28:38.640 --> 00:28:39.299 And Paul and Barnabas 00:28:39.299 --> 00:28:40.120 grew bold 00:28:40.120 --> 00:28:40.900 and said 00:28:40.900 --> 00:28:42.339 what's necessary. 00:28:43.380 --> 00:28:43.940 They say 00:28:43.940 --> 00:28:44.460 it's necessary 00:28:44.460 --> 00:28:45.100 that the word of God 00:28:45.099 --> 00:28:46.019 will be spoken to you first 00:28:46.019 --> 00:28:47.659 but since you reject it, 00:28:48.659 --> 00:28:51.559 since you thrust it aside 00:28:51.559 --> 00:28:52.480 and judge yourselves 00:28:52.480 --> 00:28:54.219 unworthy of eternal life, 00:28:54.279 --> 00:28:54.879 isn't that interesting? 00:28:55.599 --> 00:28:56.439 I don't need this. 00:28:57.059 --> 00:28:57.819 I don't need this. 00:28:58.459 --> 00:28:58.799 Behold, 00:28:58.879 --> 00:28:59.319 we're turning 00:28:59.319 --> 00:29:00.279 to the Gentiles 00:29:00.279 --> 00:29:00.839 to the world. 00:29:02.899 --> 00:29:03.559 For so the Lord 00:29:03.559 --> 00:29:04.319 has commanded us 00:29:04.319 --> 00:29:04.619 saying 00:29:04.619 --> 00:29:05.740 I have made you a light 00:29:05.740 --> 00:29:06.599 for the Gentiles 00:29:06.599 --> 00:29:07.919 that you may bring salvation 00:29:07.919 --> 00:29:08.859 to the ends 00:29:08.859 --> 00:29:09.500 of the earth. 00:29:09.500 --> 00:29:13.460 Paul explains 00:29:13.460 --> 00:29:14.619 from the Old Testament 00:29:14.619 --> 00:29:16.420 that God's purpose 00:29:16.420 --> 00:29:16.900 in choosing 00:29:16.900 --> 00:29:17.740 the people of Israel 00:29:17.740 --> 00:29:19.420 was that from them 00:29:19.420 --> 00:29:20.059 light, 00:29:20.279 --> 00:29:20.799 his light, 00:29:21.019 --> 00:29:21.680 would go out 00:29:21.680 --> 00:29:22.259 to the ends 00:29:22.259 --> 00:29:22.759 of the earth. 00:29:24.059 --> 00:29:25.660 When God chose Israel, 00:29:25.740 --> 00:29:26.539 he chose Israel 00:29:26.539 --> 00:29:27.200 to be a light 00:29:27.200 --> 00:29:27.940 to the nations. 00:29:28.460 --> 00:29:29.140 And God didn't 00:29:29.140 --> 00:29:29.740 choose Israel 00:29:29.740 --> 00:29:30.660 just to bask 00:29:30.660 --> 00:29:31.359 in the sunshine 00:29:31.359 --> 00:29:32.180 of God's light 00:29:32.180 --> 00:29:33.579 and say, 00:29:33.680 --> 00:29:34.359 isn't God good 00:29:34.359 --> 00:29:34.920 to his people? 00:29:35.380 --> 00:29:36.460 God chose Israel 00:29:36.460 --> 00:29:37.420 so that they would 00:29:37.420 --> 00:29:38.980 take his light 00:29:38.980 --> 00:29:39.660 to the ends 00:29:39.660 --> 00:29:40.220 of the earth. 00:29:42.180 --> 00:29:42.920 But since you 00:29:42.920 --> 00:29:43.700 reject the gospel 00:29:43.700 --> 00:29:44.620 and you judge yourselves 00:29:44.620 --> 00:29:45.740 unworthy of eternal life, 00:29:45.799 --> 00:29:47.240 we are going to bypass you. 00:29:48.680 --> 00:29:49.440 And we're going to go 00:29:49.440 --> 00:29:50.579 directly to the Gentiles. 00:29:51.900 --> 00:29:52.259 Well, 00:29:52.340 --> 00:29:53.039 the Jews are not 00:29:53.039 --> 00:29:53.640 too pleased by that. 00:29:53.700 --> 00:29:54.400 Look at verse 48. 00:29:57.460 --> 00:29:58.180 What a city 00:29:58.180 --> 00:29:59.039 that there's joy. 00:29:59.180 --> 00:29:59.980 Now when the Gentiles 00:29:59.980 --> 00:30:00.460 heard this, 00:30:00.519 --> 00:30:01.420 they began rejoicing, 00:30:01.620 --> 00:30:02.360 glorifying the word 00:30:02.360 --> 00:30:02.680 of the Lord. 00:30:02.680 --> 00:30:04.100 And as many were appointed 00:30:04.100 --> 00:30:04.980 to eternal life, 00:30:05.079 --> 00:30:05.340 believed. 00:30:05.339 --> 00:30:06.740 And we learn 00:30:06.740 --> 00:30:07.980 that God's electing love 00:30:07.980 --> 00:30:09.619 from before the foundation 00:30:09.619 --> 00:30:10.199 of the world 00:30:10.199 --> 00:30:11.619 is working in history. 00:30:13.279 --> 00:30:14.359 It's showing itself 00:30:14.359 --> 00:30:15.740 in the eyes and ears 00:30:15.740 --> 00:30:16.379 of men and women 00:30:16.379 --> 00:30:17.059 and boys and girls 00:30:17.059 --> 00:30:17.980 of Antioch and Pisidia. 00:30:19.039 --> 00:30:20.099 And as many as appointed 00:30:20.099 --> 00:30:20.879 to eternal life, 00:30:20.980 --> 00:30:21.220 believed. 00:30:22.659 --> 00:30:23.379 And we read that 00:30:23.379 --> 00:30:24.559 that wasn't the only effect. 00:30:24.919 --> 00:30:25.439 Verse 49, 00:30:25.779 --> 00:30:26.399 the word of the Lord 00:30:26.399 --> 00:30:27.000 spread throughout 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:27.659 the whole region. 00:30:28.699 --> 00:30:29.339 There's revival, 00:30:29.500 --> 00:30:30.359 but there's also a riot. 00:30:30.500 --> 00:30:31.000 Verse 50, 00:30:32.259 --> 00:30:33.139 the Jews incited 00:30:33.139 --> 00:30:33.899 devout women 00:30:33.899 --> 00:30:34.839 of high standing 00:30:34.839 --> 00:30:35.579 and the leading men 00:30:35.579 --> 00:30:35.959 of the city 00:30:35.959 --> 00:30:36.699 and they stirred up 00:30:36.699 --> 00:30:37.220 persecution. 00:30:38.419 --> 00:30:39.319 It's Paul and Barnabas 00:30:39.319 --> 00:30:39.919 and drove them 00:30:39.919 --> 00:30:40.480 out of their district. 00:30:40.599 --> 00:30:41.019 Think of that. 00:30:42.299 --> 00:30:42.919 Paul and Barnabas 00:30:42.919 --> 00:30:43.859 have brought the word 00:30:43.859 --> 00:30:45.559 that brings everlasting life. 00:30:46.679 --> 00:30:47.639 And because of that word, 00:30:47.839 --> 00:30:48.559 countless, 00:30:48.819 --> 00:30:49.619 hundreds of people 00:30:49.619 --> 00:30:50.240 will go 00:30:50.240 --> 00:30:51.720 into an eternity 00:30:51.720 --> 00:30:52.399 safely 00:30:52.399 --> 00:30:53.220 and with joy 00:30:53.220 --> 00:30:54.039 and with peace. 00:30:54.039 --> 00:30:56.180 all they've done 00:30:56.180 --> 00:30:57.559 is bring good news 00:30:57.559 --> 00:31:00.279 that everyone 00:31:00.279 --> 00:31:01.700 without distinction 00:31:01.700 --> 00:31:02.799 who believes in 00:31:02.799 --> 00:31:03.519 the Lord Jesus 00:31:03.519 --> 00:31:04.339 may be saved. 00:31:05.079 --> 00:31:06.659 There's no further condition 00:31:06.659 --> 00:31:07.920 and they're expelled for it. 00:31:09.200 --> 00:31:10.359 So they shake the dust 00:31:10.359 --> 00:31:11.000 off their feet 00:31:11.000 --> 00:31:11.700 and they go 00:31:11.700 --> 00:31:12.579 to the next town. 00:31:12.579 --> 00:31:12.680 Amen. 00:31:20.359 --> 00:31:21.480 Verse 52, 00:31:21.480 --> 00:31:22.180 the disciples, 00:31:22.440 --> 00:31:23.180 they are filled 00:31:23.180 --> 00:31:24.360 with joy 00:31:24.360 --> 00:31:25.400 and with the Holy Spirit. 00:31:27.259 --> 00:31:27.839 And Luke 00:31:27.839 --> 00:31:28.759 is explaining, 00:31:29.220 --> 00:31:31.120 Luke is explaining 00:31:31.120 --> 00:31:31.420 to us 00:31:31.420 --> 00:31:32.059 how the gospel 00:31:32.059 --> 00:31:33.140 goes around the world. 00:31:34.640 --> 00:31:35.599 And the response 00:31:35.599 --> 00:31:36.539 to that is 00:31:36.539 --> 00:31:38.079 joy 00:31:38.079 --> 00:31:38.799 but also 00:31:38.799 --> 00:31:39.380 fury. 00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:43.740 And the truth 00:31:43.740 --> 00:31:44.299 is 00:31:44.299 --> 00:31:47.140 will Paul 00:31:47.140 --> 00:31:48.160 stay his ground? 00:31:48.160 --> 00:31:49.560 The question is 00:31:49.560 --> 00:31:50.480 will he stay his ground? 00:31:51.540 --> 00:31:51.840 There's going to be 00:31:51.840 --> 00:31:52.420 a great conference 00:31:52.420 --> 00:31:52.759 of this 00:31:52.759 --> 00:31:54.000 in chapter 15. 00:31:55.640 --> 00:31:57.040 Is it really true 00:31:57.040 --> 00:31:58.200 that you can become 00:31:58.200 --> 00:31:59.380 a child of God 00:31:59.380 --> 00:32:01.220 without 00:32:01.220 --> 00:32:02.740 becoming a Jew? 00:32:04.060 --> 00:32:05.019 Is it truly 00:32:05.019 --> 00:32:05.960 true 00:32:05.960 --> 00:32:08.000 that by believing 00:32:08.000 --> 00:32:08.820 in Jesus Christ 00:32:08.820 --> 00:32:09.300 this morning 00:32:09.300 --> 00:32:10.060 you can have 00:32:10.060 --> 00:32:11.460 everlasting life 00:32:11.460 --> 00:32:13.480 without adopting 00:32:13.480 --> 00:32:14.400 Jewish customs 00:32:14.400 --> 00:32:15.080 and rites 00:32:15.080 --> 00:32:16.380 and ceremonies? 00:32:16.380 --> 00:32:19.240 Is it really 00:32:19.240 --> 00:32:19.660 true 00:32:19.660 --> 00:32:20.080 this morning 00:32:20.080 --> 00:32:20.460 that you can 00:32:20.460 --> 00:32:20.980 become God's 00:32:20.980 --> 00:32:21.560 child without 00:32:21.560 --> 00:32:22.080 going through 00:32:22.080 --> 00:32:22.500 the synagogue 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:22.940 door? 00:32:24.240 --> 00:32:24.980 It is. 00:32:26.420 --> 00:32:27.040 And that will 00:32:27.040 --> 00:32:27.540 be confirmed 00:32:27.540 --> 00:32:28.220 later on. 00:32:29.960 --> 00:32:30.700 But Paul 00:32:30.700 --> 00:32:31.500 stands his ground 00:32:31.500 --> 00:32:31.840 on that 00:32:31.840 --> 00:32:32.240 and he will 00:32:32.240 --> 00:32:33.020 not give an inch. 00:32:34.760 --> 00:32:35.600 Is it really 00:32:35.600 --> 00:32:35.980 true that 00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:36.620 circumcision 00:32:36.620 --> 00:32:37.520 won't actually 00:32:37.520 --> 00:32:38.640 save anybody 00:32:38.640 --> 00:32:40.320 and is necessary? 00:32:40.420 --> 00:32:40.920 Is that really 00:32:40.920 --> 00:32:41.260 true? 00:32:43.360 --> 00:32:43.820 And what we'll 00:32:43.820 --> 00:32:44.260 see is 00:32:44.260 --> 00:32:44.760 we will see 00:32:44.760 --> 00:32:45.320 that the Apostle 00:32:45.319 --> 00:32:45.839 Paul will be 00:32:45.839 --> 00:32:46.500 maligned, 00:32:46.659 --> 00:32:46.879 he'll be 00:32:46.879 --> 00:32:47.399 opposed, 00:32:47.539 --> 00:32:47.779 he'll be 00:32:47.779 --> 00:32:48.500 made fun of, 00:32:48.559 --> 00:32:48.819 he'll be 00:32:48.819 --> 00:32:49.319 rejected, 00:32:49.740 --> 00:32:50.059 he'll be 00:32:50.059 --> 00:32:50.619 boycotted, 00:32:50.779 --> 00:32:51.119 he'll be 00:32:51.119 --> 00:32:51.579 cancelled. 00:32:53.139 --> 00:32:53.659 He'll be 00:32:53.659 --> 00:32:54.039 cancelled. 00:32:55.720 --> 00:32:56.240 He'll be 00:32:56.240 --> 00:32:56.879 stoned for it, 00:32:56.919 --> 00:32:57.099 he'll be 00:32:57.099 --> 00:32:57.559 left half 00:32:57.559 --> 00:32:58.259 dead for it, 00:32:58.379 --> 00:32:58.879 but he will 00:32:58.879 --> 00:32:59.399 insist there 00:32:59.399 --> 00:33:00.200 is no middle 00:33:00.200 --> 00:33:00.659 wall of 00:33:00.659 --> 00:33:01.099 separation. 00:33:01.460 --> 00:33:01.740 So whether 00:33:01.740 --> 00:33:02.319 you're a Jew 00:33:02.319 --> 00:33:03.059 or a Greek, 00:33:03.220 --> 00:33:03.720 a Roman, 00:33:04.279 --> 00:33:04.879 an Iranian, 00:33:05.419 --> 00:33:05.960 a Brit, 00:33:06.679 --> 00:33:07.039 you're from 00:33:07.039 --> 00:33:07.619 Japan, 00:33:08.240 --> 00:33:08.960 an American, 00:33:09.259 --> 00:33:09.859 an Indian, 00:33:10.339 --> 00:33:11.059 whatever the 00:33:11.059 --> 00:33:11.740 message remains, 00:33:11.859 --> 00:33:12.480 anyone who 00:33:12.480 --> 00:33:13.019 believes in 00:33:13.019 --> 00:33:13.680 Jesus Christ 00:33:13.680 --> 00:33:16.579 is justified 00:33:16.579 --> 00:33:17.079 by all 00:33:17.079 --> 00:33:17.400 things, 00:33:17.460 --> 00:33:17.779 from all 00:33:17.779 --> 00:33:18.160 things, 00:33:19.720 --> 00:33:20.099 that through 00:33:20.099 --> 00:33:20.539 this man 00:33:20.539 --> 00:33:21.099 forgiveness of 00:33:21.099 --> 00:33:21.539 sins is 00:33:21.539 --> 00:33:21.980 proclaimed to 00:33:21.980 --> 00:33:22.180 you and 00:33:22.180 --> 00:33:22.680 by him 00:33:22.680 --> 00:33:23.379 everyone who 00:33:23.379 --> 00:33:24.119 believes is 00:33:24.119 --> 00:33:25.779 freed from 00:33:25.779 --> 00:33:26.759 everything which 00:33:26.759 --> 00:33:27.480 you could not 00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:28.220 be freed by 00:33:28.220 --> 00:33:29.119 the law of 00:33:29.119 --> 00:33:29.519 Moses. 00:33:31.480 --> 00:33:31.960 And so our 00:33:31.960 --> 00:33:32.680 message in this 00:33:32.680 --> 00:33:33.220 church is this, 00:33:33.299 --> 00:33:34.000 we are saved 00:33:34.000 --> 00:33:34.779 by the grace 00:33:34.779 --> 00:33:35.339 of God 00:33:35.339 --> 00:33:37.660 and salvation 00:33:37.660 --> 00:33:38.639 is free 00:33:38.640 --> 00:33:40.380 to all. 00:33:40.380 --> 00:33:40.440 Thank you.