Creating Division

The sermon that Paul preaches at Pisidian Antioch was remarkable. It was logical, applied, earnest and based on truth. Yet it created division. Some were made glad by what they heard. Here we see the mystery of God's sovereignty in that the same sermon produced such different effect. Those who were made glad were the elect. They did not choose the Christ whom Paul preached. It is the work of preaching to call upon people to believe. Then believers, having started out with gladness, should continue with gladness.

But others were very angry about what they heard. It is an amazing response as Paul had been so clear in what he had said. He was not offensive in what he said. But the people feared the loss of power and reputation. They hated God and so were angry. However well we might explain the truth, there will always be division.