44On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.
46Then 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. 47For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
" 'I have made youg]">[g] a light for the Gentiles,that youh]">[h] may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'i]">[i]"
48When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
49The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
Paul and Barnabas were not intimidated by their opposition. Instead, they boldly spoke out, proclaiming the good news to the Jews, but now that they had rejected the gospel it would be preached to gentiles.
When we are doing what God called us to do, even in hard situation we find joy. Because our eyes are focused in Him.
2 comments:
Fabiana, you're right. The Jews were filled with jealousy because their focus was on themselves. When Paul and Barnabas' preachings threatened to take away what attention and influence they had, they forced them out of the region. Yet, Paul and Barnabas continued on with joy filled with the Holy Spirit. I guess being filled with the Holy Spirit goes hand in hand with being one with God's will. And the joy that they had even as they were shaking the dust off their feet, a given in this mysterious equation.
Thanks for your commentary fabiana-it's nice to have you back. i think this passage teaches us something very important, that is, it is NOT our responsibility or failure if the person or persons with whom we share the gospel do not accept it. paul and barnabas were filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit regardless of the rejection they received because they did not put their entire hope in the "success" of their "ministry". they entrusted that part to God, but continued to be faithful to what the Lord had called them to do.
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