February 2, 2014 Acts 13:36-52 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Embracing Us in Love Introduction Acts 13:36-52: Paul and Barnabas are invited to return to the synagogue, and many Gentiles received their message with joy. Others, however, sought to expel them from their region. Today’s Scripture: Acts 13:47 “This is the commandment that the Lord has given us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, so that all the world may be saved.’” Today’s Reading 36 For David served Gods purposes in his own time, and then he died, was buried with his ancestors, and his body rotted in the grave. 37 But this did not happen to the one whom God raised from death. 38-39 All of you, my fellow Israelites, are to know for sure that it is through Jesus that the message about forgiveness of sins is preached to you; you are to know that everyone who believes in him is set free from all the sins from which the Law of Moses could not set you free. 40 Take care, then, so that what the prophets said may not happen to you: 41 ‘Look, you scoffers! Be astonished and die! For what I am doing today is something that you will not believe, even when someone explains it to you!’” 42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to come back the next Sabbath and tell them more about these things. 43 After the people had left the meeting, Paul and Barnabas were followed by many Jews and by many Gentiles who had been converted to Judaism. The apostles spoke to them and encouraged them to keep on living in the grace of God. 44 The next Sabbath nearly everyone in the town came to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; they disputed what Paul was saying and insulted him. 46 But Paul and Barnabas spoke out even more boldly: “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we will leave you and go to the Gentiles. 47 For this is the commandment that the Lord has given us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, so that all the world may be saved.’” 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the Lords message; and those who had been chosen for eternal life became believers. 49 The word of the Lord spread everywhere in that region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the leading men of the city and the Gentile women of high social standing who worshiped God. They started a persecution against Paul and Barnabas and threw them out of their region. 51 The apostles shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went on to Iconium. 52 The believers in Antioch were full of joy and the Holy Spirit. Reflect How did Paul and his companions encourage the believers? Who opposed their message? What did Paul and Barnabas do? Has anyone ever challenged you about your faith? If so, how did you respond? Pray Lord Jesus, I want to be a light that leads others to you. Help me to be a witness for you and to proclaim boldly your message of love and salvation. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who experience persecution for sharing the Good News.
Posted on: Sun, 02 Feb 2014 14:44:21 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015