(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.