Acts 13:6-15, 38-44
13 From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. 14 From Perga they went on to
Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.”16 Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: “Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! 38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain
under the law of Moses. 40 Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: 41 “‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’”42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath.
43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. 44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
Reflection
This is the story of Paul’s work in Antioch (pronounced Ant-E-Awk.) The importance of this scripture to our missionary mentality is the need to share our faith. Many people think that they are ill equipped to share the gospel. They say that they have had no training and that this should be the job of a pastor who has gone to school for this. The truth is that we have a very simple faith. It can all be brought down to the fact that Jesus died so that we may have life and have it abundantly. This is the basis of what Paul tells the people in
Antioch and the results speak for themselves. Do you worry about sharing your faith? Why?
