And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, (22) strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”  (23) So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.  (24) And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.  (25) Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.  (26) From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.

(27)  Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke, writer of one of the gospels and occasional traveling companion of the Apostle Paul.  Luke wrote Acts as an historian.  He shows how the message of salvation in Jesus was taught by the ancient church – he also gives us dates, historical context, detailed description of events; all to proclaim the truth of the gospel that was being preached in the early church

The Apostle Paul and his companion, Barnabas, were commissioned by the early church in Antioch to spread the gospel.  In Acts, Luke chronicles how these two witnesses – Paul and Barnabas, went to the Jews in the synagogues first and how they were treated to terribly at Antioch of Pisidia.  As a result, the Apostle Paul, proclaims that his commission to be preacher to the Gentiles was given him by Christ and his power to do so was from the Holy Spirit.  He  then declared he would preach the gospel to Jews and Gentiles together – both are reconciled to God in the one body of Christ.  Paul and Barnabas were exiled from Antioch of Pisidia and they left for Iconium where they spoke to both Jews and Gentiles.  Paul was no longer afraid to give offence to the Jews.  He and Barnabas ventured their souls on the word of God and  the truths  they spoke were confimed by miracles and wonders and signs granted by God. However, Iconium was divided and violence was attempted against the Apostles so they fled to the city of Lystra.

In Lystra, Paul healed – by the power of God – a man lame from birth.  Luke tells us that Paul studied this man and perceived that he had faith enough to be healed.  Ancient Lystra had a pagan background and saw this healing as an action of the gods and they prepared to sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas as to gods themselves.  Greatly upset, Paul and Barnabas rushed to restrain the people and used the occasion to declare that they were just mortal men and God did these miraculous things. People should glorify God, not deify man.   Paul declared that God left as witness to His sovereignity, the rainfall, the light, the fruitful seasons, the fullness and gladness in the hearts of men.  He used the cure of the lame man to introduce the gospel among both Jews and Gentiles – the metaphor is that we are all lame from birth until God puts strength in us.

Certain Jews from Antioch of Pisidia and Iconium came to Lystra and aroused the people – now emotional and confused – to stone Paul and drag his seemingly dead body out of the city.  However, the discliples gathered around Paul and he arose and returned to the city.  The stoning of Paul was not a judicial sentence but mob violence – it was a miracle that Paul could even stand and that these events moved him so little that he reentered Lystra.  But Paul and Barnabas moved on to the city of Derbe.where they preached the gospel.  After some time there they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch to reinforce the foundations of the church thay had planted at these cities.  Paul made sure the believers knew that the only danger was losing their hold on Christ.  The converted were confirmed and the certainty of what Paul preached was reaffirmed –  that they must be bound to God.  The Apostle insisted that the believers must endure tribulation to enter into the kingdom of God.  We have been bought at a price and all His disciples must take up their cross.  We shall not be lost but the joy and glory of God’s kingdom will be our reward.

There was then an organization of a setttled ministry in that ancient church.  Some were ordained to teach, some to preath, to administer gospel ordinances, to instruct, to oversee.  Paul and Barnabas retraced their steps continuing to lay the foundation of the early church and to explain Christ’s teachings and parables.  Finally they returned to Antioch at Syria because that was where the Apostles had been recommended by the grace of God to their missionary journey.  They had fulfilled this journey and gathered the Church together at Antioch to give them an account of all God had done through them.  It was especially important to tell them how God had shown them that the Gentiles were included – not only invited to believe but touched by God’s grace to accept His offer of salvation.

(14) But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.

(43) Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

(44) On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.  (45) But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.  (46) Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.  (47) For so the Lord has commanded us:

‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles

That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth’ “.

(48) Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord.  And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

(49) And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.  (50) But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their region.  (51) But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium.  (52) And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

When the Apostle Paul traveled on his missionary journeys – given the commission by the Holy Spirit – it was his custom to put on his rabbinical robes and go first to the temple to address the Jews.  Chapter 13 is written to show justification of Paul in turning from the Jews, who not only rejected the gospel he was ordained by God to preach, but to show how Paul turned to the Gentile world – a great offense to the Jews.

 In the passage we are reading today, Luke, as writer of Acts of the Apostles, records that there were also devout proselytes (God fearing Gentiles who followed the Law)  who were in attendance that first Sabbath at Antioch of Pisidia.  Paul preaching began with a review of the history of Israel with an emphasis on Israel being the chosen and covenantal nation of God.  The Apostle Paul made use of the Scriptures to show that Christ was the Messianic deliverer promised to Israel.  The heart of his talk was that Jesus was crucified as prophesied and laid in a tomb and then, raised from the dead.  That Jesus was indeed resurrected was witnessed to by the Apostles and many others who were still living at the time of Paul’s address at Antioch of Pisidia. The cornerstone of Paul’s message is that salvation is not earned by following the Law but justification comes only by and through faith in Jesus Christ.

Many of those present at this Sabbath worship asked Paul and Barnabas to return the following Sabbath and to talk further on this Messianic message.   Paul and Barnabus had established their policy of speaking the “good news” first to the Jew and then to the Gentile.  When almost the whole town showed up on the next Sabbath to listen to the words of Paul the Jews became envious.  They showed contempt for his words and went out of their way to condemn them, not because they did not believe the gospel but because they were resolved not to believe and wanted to shut out the words of conviction spoken by Paul.  The Gentiles were as willing to listen as the Jews were not.  The Gentiles wanted what the Jews refused.  Not all Jews turned away – and Paul, a Hebrew of Hebrews, is a prime example.

Paul’s direction was always to first speak to the Jews of redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ – they were the nation to whom the promise was made and to whom Christ was first sent.  The Jews were outraged and opposed the preached doctrine.  They turned to contradiction and blasphemy.  Now the Apostle Paul openly declared the end of his obligation to the Jews and declared his intention of bringing Christ to the Gentiles. Also, Paul and Barnabus became bold and as they had no more fear of offending the Jews.

Paul and Barnabus were expelled from the town  and shook off the dust from their sandals.  This was somewhat ceremonial and the equivalent of declaring they would have nothing more to do with them – let them keep what was theirs which was nothing more than dust.  Paul had made an offer of the gospel and this action proved that he had been there for Christ and the message had been rejected.  Paul and Barnabus left –  they showed no fear or grief but felt elated and filled with joy and trust in Christ.  Whatever difficulties lay ahead they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council.  And the high priest asked them, (28) saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name?  And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: ” We ought to obey God rather than men.  (30)  The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you            murdered by hanging on a tree.  (31) Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.  (32)  And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

(40b)  they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus and let them go.  (41)  So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

The Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke as both historical testimony and chronicle of the early Church.  Luke also wrote one of the four Gospels,   was a Gentile, a convert to Christianity, a missionary and a companion of the Apostle Paul. Luke begins Acts by recording that the apostles were commanded by Jesus to be witnesses for Him and to make disciples of all nations to the ends of the earth.

On the Jewish feast of Weeks on the Day of first fruits,  which fell on the 50th day after the Sabbath of the Passover, the gift of the Holy Spirit, promised by Christ descended upon the apostles.   The Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and even though forbidden by the Sanhedrin to speak of Jesus or teach in His name, they continued their teaching with boldness.There were signs and wonders accompanying the teaching of the Apostles and many were converted – remember the early church began in Jerusalem, taught by the Jewish apostles to the Jewish people.  For a second time the Apostles were arrested by the orders of the high priest, the Apostles having ignored the orders of the Jewish Council not to preach the gospel.   Luke records that during the night, an angel of the Lord released them from the jail and told them to go back to the temple to teach publicly the word of God.   When the Sanhedrin sent for the prisoners they  were told that the jailers were in place, the prison doors were shut but the prisoners were not only not there but they had returned to the Temple to teach the people.  This lack of fear shown by these Jewish followers of Christ who was crucified at the behest of the same Council is astounding.

So the Apostles were sent for and came peaceably.  When they were charged with disobeying the orders of the first judgment and the further charge of sedition – setting the people against the Jewish leaders for persecuting to death Jesus, who was the promised Messiah,   Peter responded that God’s authority was superior to that of the Sanhedrin.  Interestingly, this was a reaffirmation of the position of the Apostles, rather than a reasoned defence of their teaching –  The Apostles claimed to be witnesses to Christ, appointed by Him to preach this word of repentance and salvation to the world – not only this but the Holy spirit had been given to the Apostles to glorify Christ and prove that his doctrine is divine.

Furious at this perceived insurrection, Luke tells us that Gamaliel – a Pharisee, Elder of the Sanhedrin, Doctor of the Law, student of the Old Testament and teacher of the Apostle Paul – rose to address and advise the Council that if the accused were acting as on their own they would fail on their own.  However, if they were from God nothing would defeat God.   The Sanhedrin agreed to check their rage and they beat (scourged) the Apostles and commanded them again to speak no more in the name of Jesus.

Instead, after what should have been a humiliating and horribly painful punishment, the Apostles considered it an honor that their suffering could be useful to further the Gospel and were grateful that they were considered worthy to be dishonored for Christ.  They joyfully continued to preach even though commanded not to do so.  They were on fire with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people.  And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.  (13) Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.  (14) And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, (15) so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.  (16) Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

The Acts of the Apostles has been traditionally believed to have been written by Luke;  a Gentile, a companion of the Apostle Paul and the writer of one of the Gospels.  This book of the New Testament chronicles the early days of the Church and deals mostly with the “acts” of Peter and Paul and their ministerial work.  Luke wrote as an historian and states that the purpose of Acts was to proclaim the truth of the gospel that was being preached “so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”  Luke shows how the message of salvation in Jesus was taught by the ancient church – he also gives us dates, historical context, detailed description of events all with regard to the spread of the Word of salvation in Christ Jesus.

The early church began in Jerusalem and spread to the centers of the known world, even to the capital city of Rome under the direction of the Holy Spirit – a message of a process of salvation that finally freed itself from the legalism and lifestyle of the Jewish people.  Acts was meant also to show that Christianity was the culmination and fulfillment of Israel’s hope.  The date of this book almost certainly precedes the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.  It ends with the Apostle Paul enduring his first imprisonment in Rome in 64 A.D.

There was an explosion of spiritual energy at Pentecost and the apostles were on fire with the Word they had been instructed to preach to all nations.  The Jewish high priests and Sadducees were clearly disturbed about an upset to the status quo – there was much popular support of the proclamation that Israel disowned and killed Jesus who was the Messiah and whom God raised from the dead.  The miracles the apostles worked proved their divine mission – not just a few works but many and diverse works.  These wonders were the sign of divine presence and power and these works were not done in secret but in full presence of the people who would witness and verify them.

That the apostles (all Jewish men)  met in Solomon’s Porch indicates they met in the temple in an open place – another sign of god’s work that the high priests let this public worship continue despite their hatred and envy and condemnation of Christianity.  It is also stated that the apostles were of one accord – unanimous in doctrine, worship and discipline.  The wonders and signs gained the apostles great respect – a recognition of the truth of what was being taught.

The early Church grew by great numbers.  The fact that Luke mentions the multitudes grew both of men and women gives us an insight that the apostles were inclusive as they had been taught by Jesus.  The apostles were presented with many afflicted and their reputation and the acceptance by the faithful of the gospel was enhanced by the cures of those people.   I want to add here that the apostles were not magnifying themselves but the works they performed were done to transmit the glory of Christ.  As it was not likely that the Jewish leaders would let these afflicted be brought to the temple and Solomon’s Porch in their jealousy and rage, Luke tells us that the sick were brought into the streets hoping even that the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on them telling us that people of that ancient world believed that Peter possessed magical powers.