Read Acts 13:13-52

Jesus Is The Answer

The man who was formerly one of the most feared persecutors of the disciples of Jesus became one of the most fearless proclaimers of the truth concerning the Son of God. In Antioch of Pisidia, during his first missionary journey with Barnabas, Paul appealed to the historical background of the Messiah as well as the proof of fulfilled prophecy in Jesus’ life.

Paul concluded his message by identifying Jesus as the answer to man’s biggest problem: sin. Because of sin, man’s relationship with God is severed (Isaiah 59:1-2). Because of Jesus, man can be reconciled to God! “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be made justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38-39). Man can be forgiven and justified in the sight of the Almighty!

What was the response to this message? The Gentiles received the message and desired to know more. “So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath” (Acts 13:42). There were also “many of the Jews and devout proselytes” who “followed Paul and Barnabas” and “persuaded them to continue in the grace of God” (Acts 13:43).

However, there were other Jews who “were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul” (Acts 13:45).

The same is true today. Some will receive the word like the Gentiles who “were glad and glorified the word of the Lord” (Acts 13:48), while others will “reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life” (Acts 13:46). Each individual must make the choice: receive or reject the gospel of God; turn to Jesus as the answer or turn away from Him and continue in rebellion. What is your choice?