TUESDAY June 27, 2023
An Opportunity to Speak
But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.”
Acts 13:14-15
Paul and his company were heading to the area of Galatia to minister the Gospel. Remember, John Mark had left them and returned to Jerusalem. Meanwhile, God had continued to direct Paul and Barnabas to Antioch in Pisidia. We now join them seated among people in a synagogue, and the rulers have given them opportunity to speak.
Paul was given the opportunity to minister the Gospel. This was going to be exciting! In this Roman Provence, their audience was made up of both Jews and Gentiles. In verses 14-41, we will hear one of the best and the only complete sermon that Paul ever preached!
After the reading concluded in the synagogue, there was usually a time on the Sabbath Day for someone else to share a word of encouragement. Paul got up to give a word to the people. Again, what a great opportunity! He began to teach them a theological sermon, going chronologically through the Old Testament, covering the history of Israel, and leading them into the current events of Christ and the Gospel message.
Even though Paul had become very sick during his first missionary trip, he continued to minister the Gospel with an even greater dependency on the Lord for his strength. While we have good health, praise God for it. Serve the Lord with all your strength while you can, because one day you may not have it. When that time comes, you will have to depend on the Lord in a greater capacity.
Whether strong or weak, take full advantage of the opportunities God gives you to preach the Gospel. Be ready to speak sound doctrine!
To preach the gospel is to state every doctrine contained in God’s word, and to give every truth its proper prominence.
~C.H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
