使徒言行録13:42-52　Acts 13:42-52,

In the synagogue of Antioch, a city in the region of Pisidia in present-day Turkey, Paul preached a powerful sermon declaring that Jesus was the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. Those who heard his message were deeply moved, and many stayed behind to hear more of Paul’s teachings. On the next Sabbath, almost the whole city gathered to hear Paul speak. However, seeing the large crowd, the Jews became jealous of Paul’s popularity. Although they had begged him the previous week to speak again on the next Sabbath, this time they began to revile Paul and contradict what was spoken by Paul. How terrible!

Despite the harsh treatment they received from the Jews, Paul and Barnabas did not give up proclaiming Jesus’ salvation. Instead, they declared that from now on they would proclaim Jesus’ salvation to the Gentiles, i.e., those who were not Jews. These words are recorded in verses 46 and 47 of today’s Bible passage as follows.

“It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Jesus was the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. However, the Jews, who were supposed to have studied the Old Testament, refused to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Therefore, Paul and Barnabas said, “Behold, we are turning to the Gentiles,” and decided to proclaim the salvation of Jesus to the Gentiles. But if even the Jews, who had studied the Old Testament, did not believe in Jesus, could the Gentiles believe in him? Yes, they could! This is because proclaiming Jesus’ salvation to the Gentiles was God’s plan. This plan was written in the Old Testament: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord. And all who were appointed to eternal life believed in Jesus.

Have you ever shared the gospel of Jesus with others? Have you ever experienced that even when you shared the gospel, people did not believe easily? And have you ever felt discouraged and thought, “Since people don’t believe even when I share the gospel, I should just give up”? As it is written in verse 48, “as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” In other words, it does not mean that everyone will believe just because you share the gospel. It is those who have been predestined by God to receive eternal life who believe. And we do not know who those people are. Sometimes, the very people we thought would never believe do believe. When that happens, we are amazed and think, “God is truly amazing!” Therefore, let us always proclaim Jesus’ salvation and leave it to God to decide who will believe!