In Antioch In Pisidia
IN ANTIOCH IN PISIDIA
ACTS 13:13-41
The message of the good news of Jesus is for us (13:26).
From this point in the book of Acts the name of “Paul” replaces the birth name “Saul” (cf. 13:9) except in those few passages which tell again the story of his conversion (eg 22:7). The reason for this is that missionary activity moved on to Gentile territory where the apostle’s Roman cognomen was more suitable. Moreover, for the first time, we read of “Paul and his company” (13:13). Barnabas has slipped into second place (contrast 12:25; 13:2 and 13:43). Was this prominence now given to Paul the cause of Mark’s defection (13:13b), as he saw his cousin (Colossians 4:10) passed over? More probably, it was that Mark never envisaged such an extensive penetration of Gentile country, as Paul and the party pressed on into Asia Minor.
The first goal of Paul’s journey beyond the Taurus mountains was Antioch in Pisidia (13:14). Paul selects a place of strategic importance as a center and base of apostolic ministry—Pisidian Antioch was a Roman colony. He makes full use of the synagogue as a sounding-board from which his message may go out.
Jewish worship gave opportunity for any qualified visitor to expound the Scriptures in the form of a “homily.” Hence the invitation of 13:15. The apostle’s sermon is an appeal to God’s revelation under the old covenant. “The law and the prophets” (13:15; Romans 3:21) were his source of authority—at least as a preparation for, and witness to, the coming Christ of God. In this sermon his chief point rests with David (13:22), who prefigures his greater Son, Israel’s Messiah (13:23).
The gospel facts (13:27-32) cover the same details which are given in Peter’s earlier addresses (2:22ff.; 3:13f.; 10:37-41), and the prophecies of Psalms 2 and 16 are again laid under tribute (13:33,35). Two prophecies are new. Which?
At the heart of his message lies the characteristic Pauline emphasis on (a) the resurrection of Jesus as God’s vindication of him, and (b) the provision of righteousness by faith, which meets the demands of the Law. 13:30 and 13:39 are pivotal and the Romans epistle is the later elaboration of these vital themes.
Notes 13:21: King Saul doesn’t often figure in Old Testament testimonies to Jesus. Did the speaker have a personal interest, coming from the same tribe (Philippians 3:5)? 13:26: an appeal to born Jews and “God-fearers.” 13:32: a favorite Pauline expression (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 9:16).
Ponder Neglect of spiritual truth is not always due to ignorance. Sometimes we can know it too well (13:27).