First Gentile Missions: Pisidian Antioch, Part 3

Paul explains in Romans 11:7, 8 that the physical descendants of Abraham failed to obtain what they were seeking—a right relationship with God. However, the elect, a remnant chosen by grace (v. 5), did find Christ and obtained salvation. The rest were subjected to judicial hardening.

This is theme of the text before us. Paul preached the gospel to the Jews and God-fearers in the synagogue of Pisidian Antioch. His message was received by some. Others asked that Paul speak to them again on the matter the next Sabbath.

When that day arrived, almost the whole city came to hear Paul. The sight of the large crowd caused the Jews to be jealous. They saw this response as a threat to their power and influence. So they began to contradict Paul and revile him. Luke, then, records Paul's rebuke (Acts 13:46, 47). He argues that it was necessary to preach the gospel to the Jews first, which he did. Since they rebuffed—cast it away from them, Paul informed them that he was turning to the Gentiles. When the Gentiles heard this they rejoiced and glorified the Word. The Jews, in turn, launched a persecution and drove the missionaries out of their district.

Luke's purpose for recording this is to show that the Jews were being officially cut off so that the Gentiles might come to salvation.