Topical Bible: Paul: Visits Antioch (In Pisidia), and Preaches in the Synagogue

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The Apostle Paul's visit to Antioch in Pisidia marks a significant moment in his first missionary journey, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. This event is pivotal in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentile world and highlights Paul's strategic approach to evangelism.

Context and Background

Antioch in Pisidia was a prominent city in the Roman province of Galatia, located in what is now modern-day Turkey. It was a center of commerce and culture, with a diverse population that included Jews and Gentiles. Paul's visit to this city is detailed in Acts 13:13-52, during his first missionary journey alongside Barnabas and John Mark.

Paul's Preaching in the Synagogue

Upon arriving in Antioch, Paul and his companions went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, a customary practice for Paul as he sought to reach both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. The synagogue served as a natural starting point for his ministry, providing an audience familiar with the Scriptures.

In Acts 13:16-41, Paul delivers a powerful sermon, beginning with a recounting of Israel's history. He emphasizes God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ. Paul declares, "From the descendants of this man, God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as He promised" (Acts 13:23). He further explains the death and resurrection of Jesus, asserting that through Him, forgiveness of sins is proclaimed.

Paul's message is both a continuation of Jewish tradition and a radical proclamation of the new covenant in Christ. He concludes with a warning from the prophets, urging his listeners to believe and not to scoff at the salvation offered through Jesus.

Response and Impact

The initial response to Paul's message is mixed. Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism are intrigued and invite Paul and Barnabas to speak further on the next Sabbath. Acts 13:44-45 describes how nearly the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord, indicating the profound impact of Paul's preaching.

However, the success of the message also incites jealousy among some Jewish leaders, leading to opposition and persecution. Despite this, Paul and Barnabas boldly declare, "It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles" (Acts 13:46). This pivotal moment underscores the shift in focus towards the Gentile mission.

Legacy and Theological Significance

Paul's visit to Antioch in Pisidia is a microcosm of his broader mission strategy and theological emphasis. It illustrates the transition from a predominantly Jewish audience to a more inclusive outreach to the Gentiles. This event also highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the universal scope of the Gospel.

Theologically, Paul's sermon in Antioch underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, affirming that Jesus is the promised Messiah. It also emphasizes the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation, a central tenet of Pauline theology.

In conclusion, Paul's visit to Antioch in Pisidia and his preaching in the synagogue represent a critical juncture in the early Christian movement. It exemplifies the bold proclamation of the Gospel and the expansion of the Church beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries, laying the groundwork for the global spread of Christianity.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 13:14-41
But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
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Library

The Acts of the Apostles
... cures lame man at Lystra, is stoned, returns to Antioch (xiv.). ... Paul's Second Missionary
Journey: xv.36-xviii.22."Paul with Silas visits the Churches ...
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