“Appoint Barnabas and Saul to the work I have called them to undertake.” After they fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on these two and sent them off. “Therefore, brothers and sisters, know this: Through Jesus we proclaim forgiveness of sins to you. From all those sins from which you couldn’t be put in right relationship with God through Moses’ Law, through Jesus everyone who believes is put in right relationship with God. Take care that the prophets’ words don’t apply to you: “Look, you scoffers”…When the Jews saw the crowds, they were overcome with jealousy. They argued against what Paul was saying by slandering him. Speaking courageously, Paul and Barnabas said, “We had to speak God’s word to you first. Since you reject it and show that you are unworthy to receive eternal life, we will turn to the Gentiles. This is what the Lord commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles,” “so that you could bring salvation to the end of the earth”.” When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and honored the Lord’s word. Everyone who was appointed for eternal life believed, and the Lord’s word was broadcast throughout the entire region. However, the Jews provoked the prominent women among the Gentile God-worshippers, as well as the city’s leaders. They instigated others to harass Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their district. Paul and Barnabas shook the dust from their feet and went to Iconium. Because of the abundant presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, the disciples were overflowing with happiness.”
Acts 13:2-3, 38-41, 45-52 CEB
God Always Sends People With His Message
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Romans 10:14-15 NIV
“Appoint Barnabas and Saul to the work I have called them to undertake.” After they fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on these two and sent them off.
Acts 13:2-3 CEB
God’s Desire Is For Everyone To Have a Relationship With Jesus
“God wants everyone to be saved and to fully understand the truth. There is only one God, and there is only one way that people can reach God. That way is through Christ Jesus, who as a man gave himself to pay for everyone to be free. This is the message that was given to us at just the right time.”
1 Timothy 2:4-6 ERV
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, know this: Through Jesus we proclaim forgiveness of sins to you. From all those sins from which you couldn’t be put in right relationship with God through Moses’ Law, through Jesus everyone who believes is put in right relationship with God.
Acts 13:38
Question for you… Am I being sent or the one God is seeking?
When God Sends Someone, I Get To Choose A Response
I can choose to reject the message and slander the sent!
The Jews provoked the prominent women among the Gentile God-worshippers, as well as the city’s leaders. They instigated others to harass Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their district...
Acts 13:50 CEB
I can choose to accept the message and joyfully share it myself!
When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and honored the Lord’s word. Everyone who was appointed for eternal life believed, and the Lord’s word was broadcast throughout the entire region.
Acts 13:48-49 CEB
If I Am Sent My Responsibility is to speak and then…
I Rejoice With Those Who Chose To Follow God
When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced & honored the Lord’s word..
Acts 13:48b CEB
In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Luke 15:10 NIV
I Remove Myself From Those Who Refuse To Follow
Paul and Barnabas shook the dust from their feet and went to Iconium.
If any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet…”
Mark 6:11 NIV
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV