Acts 13:14-52

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Paul's First Missionary Journey Continues

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. There should always be an emphasis on Scripture when the Gospel is presented.

  2. There will always be mixed reactions when the Gospel is presented.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Don’t force people to accept the Gospel!

QUESTIONS

  1. When approximately was Paul’s first missionary journey?

  2. What missionary strategy can we glean from Paul’s journey to Antioch of Pisidia?

  3. What was the typical structure of a first century synagogue service?

  4. Outline Paul’s sermon in the synagogue.

  5. List a few of the Old Testament references Paul uses in his sermon.

  6. What was the mixed reaction to Paul’s sermon?

ANSWERS

  1. The late 40s A.D.

  2. Paul preached in the big cities and let the gospel ripple down from there.

  3. There were a couple of readings from Scripture, both the Law and the Prophets, and then commentary was made.

  4. Verses 16-25 – Israel’s history in which God was preparing the nation for the coming of the Messiah Verses 26-37 – The rejection, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus, the true Messiah Verses 38-41 – The application and appeal

  5. Psalm 2, Isaiah 55, Psalm 16, Habakkuk 1

  6. Some of them wanted to hear more on the next Sabbath, some believed right away, and others became jealous and contradicted the truth of the gospel.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Paul quotes multiple references from the Old Testament to preach that Jesus is the Messiah. What an effective way to reach his audience! We know that the Word of God is powerful and active. How well do you know God’s Word? How do you let it speak for itself in your ministry?

  2. Accepting the good news of Jesus Christ is a matter of the will. We cannot force people to accept the gospel. Discuss what techniques we can use to introduce people to the Lord. Ultimately the decision is between them and the Holy Spirit.

CHALLENGE

  1. There will always be mixed reactions to the gospel. Your responsibility is to preach, and the Holy Spirit will do the rest.

KEY VERSES

  • “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent.” Acts 13:26

  • “So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.” Acts 13:42

  • “And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” Acts 13:48

Acts, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsActs 13:14-52