Following the encounter in Paphos, the leadership dynamic shifted. Previously, Barnabas had been the clear leader of the missionary team, but from this point forward, Luke begins referring to “Paul and his companions” (Acts 13:13, NLT), signaling Paul’s emerging leadership role. They sailed from Paphos to Perga in Pamphylia, disembarking at the port of Attalia and walking five miles inland to Perga. While they would later preach there (Acts 14:25), at this time, Perga was simply a stopover. However, an important detail is mentioned—John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. Though Luke doesn’t explain why, Acts 15:37–39 reveals that the split caused serious tension between Paul and Barnabas. Some speculate Mark was unsettled by the shift in leadership, or perhaps uncomfortable with the growing outreach to Gentiles. Regardless of the reason, Paul viewed his departure as a failure of commitment.
Next, Paul and Barnabas continued to Pisidian Antioch, a significant city in southern Galatia. On the Sabbath, they attended the synagogue where the leaders invited them to share a word of encouragement after the readings from the Law and Prophets (Acts 13:14–15). This invitation may have been prompted by their reputation or even Paul’s visible credentials as a former Pharisee. While we don’t know the specific passage read that day, synagogue preaching typically tied together texts from both the Torah and the Prophets, and Paul’s message focused on encouragement and fulfillment of God’s promises.
Addressing both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, Paul launched into a sweeping historical overview. He skipped over the patriarchs and began with Israel’s time in Egypt, briefly touching on the Exodus, wilderness journey, and conquest of Canaan. In just a few verses, he summarized nearly 450 years of history (Acts 13:16-20a), using strong verbs to emphasize God’s activity: God chose, prospered, led, endured, overthrew, and gave. His goal was clear—to show that God was in control of Israel’s history and gracious in His dealings with them.
Paul then moved from Moses to David, highlighting how God gave Israel a king after His own heart (Acts 13:20b–22). David served as the launching point for Paul’s central message: the arrival of the Messiah from David’s line. Paul emphasized that just as God had sent Moses and David, He now had sent Jesus (Acts 13:23). Referring to John the Baptist’s preparatory ministry, Paul clarified that John pointed to someone far greater—Jesus, the promised Savior (Acts 13:24–25).
Paul then addressed his audience with a direct offer of salvation. He recounted the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus by the people of Jerusalem, ironically fulfilling the very Scriptures they read every Sabbath (Acts 13:26–27). Though they found no legal reason to execute Him, they demanded His death. He was buried in a tomb, but God raised Him from the dead, and many witnesses saw Him afterward (Acts 13:28–31). This was no myth—it was a well-attested historical fact.
Quoting Psalm 2, Isaiah 55, and Psalm 16, Paul showed how Jesus’ resurrection fulfilled Old Testament prophecy (Acts 13:32–37). David, whose tomb they knew well, held his decayed body, but Jesus’ tomb did not. This proved that Jesus was the greater Son, the fulfillment of God’s promises to David, and the sign of God’s unbreakable covenant.
Paul’s message culminated in the announcement of forgiveness. Through Jesus, everyone who believes is freed from sin—justified in a way the law of Moses could never accomplish (Acts 13:38-39). But Paul didn’t end with an invitation alone. He also warned them, quoting Habakkuk 1:5, that scoffing at God’s work would lead to destruction (Acts 13:40–41). God’s offer of grace was real—but so was the danger of rejecting it.
After the synagogue service, Paul and Barnabas were invited to return the next Sabbath. Many Jews and devout converts followed them and were encouraged to remain faithful to God’s grace (Acts 13:42–43). By the following week, nearly the whole city turned out to hear them preach. This stirred up jealousy among the Jewish leaders, who began to slander Paul and argue against him (Acts 13:44–45).
In response, Paul boldly declared that, since the Jews had rejected the message of eternal life, they would now turn to the Gentiles. Quoting Isaiah 49:6, Paul explained that God’s purpose was always to bring light to the nations (Acts 13:46–47). The Gentiles rejoiced and honored the word of the Lord, and many who were appointed to eternal life believed (Acts 13:48). The message spread throughout the entire region.
But not everyone was pleased. The Jewish leaders stirred up influential city officials to drive Paul and Barnabas out (Acts 13:50). Undeterred, the missionaries symbolically shook the dust from their feet, just as Jesus had instructed (Luke 10:11). They moved on to Iconium, leaving the new believers in Antioch filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:51–52).
Lessons and Truths for Today
1. God Can Use Rejection to Redirect His Mission
John Mark’s unexpected departure could have been a setback, but God used it to shape Paul’s leadership and refocus the mission. Later, when the Jews rejected the gospel in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles—just as God intended.
🡲 Application: Don’t be discouraged by rejection or relational setbacks. God can use disappointments to redirect you to the people and places He’s calling you to reach.
📖 “But Paul and Barnabas traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia. On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services.” (Acts 13:14, NLT)
📖 “Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, ‘It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it… we will offer it to the Gentiles.’” (Acts 13:46, NLT)
2. The Gospel Is for Everyone—But Not Everyone Will Accept It
Paul preached a clear message about Jesus: His death, burial, resurrection, and the offer of forgiveness to all who believe. Some Jews rejected it, but many Gentiles rejoiced and believed. The gospel brought both division and revival.
🡲 Application: Faithfully share the gospel, but don’t be surprised by mixed reactions. Some will resist the message, but others will find life and joy through it. Keep planting seeds and trust God with the results.
📖 “When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers.” (Acts 13:48, NLT)
3. Forgiveness and Freedom Come Through Faith in Jesus Alone
Paul boldly declared that what the law of Moses could never accomplish—being made right with God—is now available through Jesus. This is the heart of the gospel: not religious effort, but saving grace.
🡲 Application: Stop striving to earn what God has already freely given in Jesus. Let your heart rest in the grace of God, and share that same grace with others who are still searching for peace.
📖 “Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do.” (Acts 13:39, NLT)
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