SUMMARY
PaulThe Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was the author of several New Testament letters and the founder of many Christian communities. is invited to speak when he and his companions attend a synagogueA synagogue is a Jewish house of worship. Jesus often taught in synagogues where he sometimes ran afoul of Jewish leaders. In the book of Acts, Paul and others attend synagogues and teach in them. in Pisidian Antioch. His speech, which cites Scripture to support the conviction that Jesus is God’s MessiahThe Messiah was the one who, it was believed, would come to free the people of Israel from bondage and exile. In Jewish thought the Messiah is the anticipated one who will come, as prophesied by Isaiah. In Christian thought Jesus of Nazareth is identified..., creates much excitement and interest but also division in the Jewish community.
ANALYSIS
In Acts 13:9 Saul becomes known as Paul and assumes his role as a leader and missionary for Jesus Christ. In Antioch of Pisidia he and his companions go to the local synagogue and are invited to speak. Paul provides an overview of God’s historical dealings with God’s people. Paul associates his present synagogue audience with the ancient Israelite people of God designated to receive God’s promises. He identifies Jesus as the descendent of David who would receive “the holyHoly is a term that originally meant set apart for the worship or service of God. While the term may refer to people, objects, time, or places, holiness in Judaism and Christianity primarily denotes the realm of the divine promises made to David” (v. 34).
Paul’s speech is a great success, emphasizing the continuity of God’s promises and the reliability of Scripture. But this success has a downside. So many people respond favorably, both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, that some other Jews become jealous and collude with local leaders to drive Paul and Barnabas away. In v. 47, Paul and Barnabas quote from Isaiah 49:6 (words also said by Simeon in Luke 2:32), which calls Israel to be a “light for the Gentiles.” Accepting this Isaianic vocation, Paul and Barnabas announce that they will now turn to the Gentiles. Although they continue to preach the gospel to fellow Jews, this incident in Pisidian Antioch dramatically accelerates the mission to Gentiles.
