SUNDAY September 17, 2023

Preaching to the Gentiles

And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
Acts 18:4-6

In Corinth, in the synagogue, both Jews and Greeks were present. Paul reasoned with them without forcing his way in to speak, but he spoke when God gave him the opportunity. Even though God had called him to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, he loved the nation of Israel and had such a heart for his Jewish brethren.

As Paul reasoned with these men every Sabbath from the Scriptures, he helped them to think and consider Christ. They listened to him expound on the Cross, and Christ’s Resurrection. Compelled by the Holy Spirit, he testified to his fellow countrymen that Jesus was the Christ––the Anointed One of God, the Messiah. Paul spoke of Christ with such fervency, and his preaching brought them to a place where they had to make a choice––either accept or reject the Gospel message.

What was the Jews’ reaction to the Gospel? Rejection! So Paul told them: “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” In Acts 20:26-27, Paul said a similar phrase: “Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.”

Where in the Scriptures did Paul get this concept? In Ezekiel 3:18-19, the prophet Ezekiel was called to be a watchman. He was to warn Israel of God’s coming judgment; otherwise, their blood would be on his hands. In the same way, Paul knew he was responsible to warn people of God’s judgment and to share the Gospel of salvation so they could be saved.

We also have a great responsibility to share the Gospel with others––to make them accountable. Deliver the message regardless of the response.

But what if you ignore His warnings? Then you are in the gravest danger, for some day God will no longer be speaking to you. Then it will be too late.
~Billy Graham~

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