MONDAY July 10, 2023

A Light to the Gentiles

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. 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.’ ”
Acts 13:46-47

Paul and Barnabas were full of the Holy Spirit, and in the face of opposition, they became very bold. Using the authority of the Scriptures, they showed how the Jews were so privileged. They were first to receive the knowledge of the Messiah. God spoke to them first through the prophets. The Scriptures spoke of the Messiah coming through Jesse, the father of King David, King of Israel. This they already knew.

Imagine, although many Jews had received the Gospel message, the vast majority had rejected it. Through their unbelief, they were found unworthy of eternal life. So Paul and Barnabas basically told them, “See you later. We are now going to give the Gospel to the Gentiles!” As faithful disciples of Christ, stewards of the Gospel, they obeyed the command of Jesus to preach the Gospel to all peoples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...” (Matthew 28:19). They were unstoppable.

Paul and Barnabas were well-versed in the Scriptures. They used the Old Testament, Isaiah 49:6, to speak of Christ’s call as a light to the Gentiles: “ ‘...I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” God’s salvation was not exclusive––only for the Jews; it was available to all people.

Everything that was happening was unfolding according to God’s divine plan and purposes. The Word of God was being fulfilled biblically and scripturally. The Gentiles now had a great reason to rejoice! They had access to eternal life. Romans 15:11-12 relays this joyful praise: “Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!” And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope.” Amazing, amazing!

One of the bonuses of being a Christian is the wonderful hope that extends beyond the grave into the glory of God’s tomorrow.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!