Paul’s First Sermon
The fifth sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 13:13-52 (specifically, Acts 13:16-41 & 46-47)
Setting: The synagogue in Antioch
Speaker: Paul
Audience: Jews and God-fearing Gentiles (likely converts to Judaism)
Preceding Events: Paul is merely present at the Sabbath service and invited to speak
Overall Theme: Paul connects the life of Jesus with the Old Testament teaching and prophecies.
Scripture Quoted: Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 55:3, Psalm 16:10, Habakkuk 1:5, Isaiah 49:6
Central Teaching: The news about Jesus is for all people (both Jews and Gentiles).
Subsequent Events: Paul and his companions are invited back, but opposition mounts against them and they are driven away. Nevertheless, their message spreads throughout the region.
Key Lesson: Be ready to speak of Jesus when the opportunity is presented—and ready to leave when the opportunity to speak is withdrawn.
We must be vigilant and ready to act or speak when God provides an opening for us. If we’re not, we may lose the opportunity to do so. If we delay, the door may shut, and it will be too late to reopen it.
This post is from the series “Sermons in the book of Acts.” Read about sermon #4 or sermon #6.
Read more about the book of Acts in Tongues of Fire: 40 Devotional Insights for Today’s Church from the Book of Acts, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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