Acts 13 tells us how what we call “Paul’s First Missionary Journey” begins. It was not Paul’s idea, but God’s. The same one who told the disciples “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) also made Himself known in Antioch.

Acts 13:1-2 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Paul had been transformed from a persecutor of Christ (Acts 9:4) to one who would make Jesus known among the nations. “Nations” in Hebrew is the same word as “Gentiles,” everyone who was not part of God’s chosen people. Paul would certainly share the Good News of God’s Messiah with his own people, but he would also share it with everyone else, those who were not yet included among God’s chosen people, so that they could become part of the body of Christ.

This was evident from their very first stop on Cyprus

Acts 13:5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues.

A little later, they arrived in Pisidian Antioch, and again went to the synagogue first (Acts 13:14). Paul’s sermon there is a masterful explanation of how Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to save His people. I encourage you to take the time – right now – to read Acts 13:13-43. Go ahead. I’ll wait.

(Imagine me listening to the theme from Jeopardy while you are reading.)

Powerful stuff. I want to highlight this.

Acts 13:38–39 “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.

Jesus was crucified to pay for the sins of the world. He was raised to conquer death for all people. When you believe in Him you receive the forgiveness and life and salvation He earned. Powerful stuff indeed.

The next Sabbath, a larger crowd gathers, and the Jewish leaders were jealous of all the attention Paul is getting. That is when Paul clarifies that this message is for ALL PEOPLE.

Acts 13:46–48 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “ ‘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 were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

Gracious Lord, thank you for bringing your salvation to this earth for ALL PEOPLE, so that we could be included in your family. Remind us that we are not to keep it to ourselves, but to share this with those who are still in darkness. Use us to bring people into your marvelous light. Amen.