Acts 13:42-52

Missionary Endeavor


Introduction:

Our evangelistic endeavors all have mixed reactions. Some hearts are hungry and desire to hear more from the Word of God. Others stand in opposition desiring to contradict everything we say. We can learn from Paul and Barnabas for they knew how to cope with rejection. They shook the dust off their feet – Acts 13:51


  1. The Initial Reaction – 42-44

    1. Hunger for the Word

      1. New born Christians – I Pet. 2:2

      2. Mature Christians – Heb. 4:13,14

    2. Perseverance – v.43; I John 2:19; John 8:31; Heb. 3:14

    3. Sabbath Day Worship – v.44

      1. A vital sign of true faith

      2. Curiosity – Acts 17:19,20

      3. Emphasis on the Word – 44,46,48,49 (James Boice – preaching in our day)


  1. The Subsequent Response – 45-48

    1. Jealousy

      1. The Jews resented salvation was available for the Gentiles – Jonah 4:1-3

      2. The Greek word – to “contradict,” is antilego, imper.act “to oppose or speak against” v.45

      3. Blaspheming – I Cor. 12:8

    2. Not Intimidated

      1. They acted with great courage – “spoke boldly”

      2. The Jews brought the verdict of judgment on themselves – Matt. 15:24; John 5:40

    3. Turning to the Gentiles

      1. Always in God’s plan – Isa. 49:6; Luke 2:31-32

    4. God’s Sovereignty – v.48

      1. Luke’s use of the word “appointed” Gk. Tasso, “to inscribe or “enroll” Rev. 3:5; 20:15; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12; 21:27; 22:19)

      2. God’s eternal purpose – John Calvin comments


  1. The Final Results – 49-52

    1. Despite discouragement they pressed on – II Cor. 11:23-33; 12:9,10

    2. How does one respond to rejection?

      1. Shake the dust off your feet – v.51; Luke 9:5; Matt. 10:14; Acts 18:6)

      2. They went to new work in Iconium – v.51

      3. They were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit – 52; John 12:43; Rom. 2:29; Luke 6:26)




Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church 207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

Web Site fultonrpc.org

5/9/2010