Acts 13:22-26
Chapter 13
22
After that time, God removed him and raised up David as king, to whom he bore witness, saying, I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will do all I want him to do.
23
It is from the descendants of David that God has now raised up the promised Savior of Israel, Jesus.
24
Before he appeared, John proclaimed a baptism of repentance for all the people of Israel.
25
As John was finishing his life’s work, he said: ‘I am not what you think I am, for after me, another is coming, whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.’
26
Brothers, children of Abraham’s family, and you who also fear God, this message of salvation has been sent to you.
Commentaries
In Antioch of Pisidia.
The missionary team reaches Antioch of Pisidia and goes to the synagogue on the Sabbath. They are invited to speak about the readings from the Law and the Prophets. This visit is similar to the one Jesus made to the synagogue in Nazareth, described by Luke in his Gospel (cf. Lk 4:16-30). However, while Jesus was unsuccessful, Paul and Barnabas succeeded. The listeners, including pagans interested in Judaism, invite them to return and speak the next Sabbath. That day, a large crowd gathered to listen, and Luke says the entire population was present. The Jewish leaders, filled with envy, insulted and contradicted the missionaries. What was remarkable, however, was that many pagans understood the missionaries’ message.
In contrast, most of the Jews rejected it. Confronted with this attitude, Paul and Barnabas openly declare that from now on, preaching the Gospel to the pagans will take priority. Luke doesn’t want to end the story on a negative note of expulsion, so he notes that, although the authorities pushed them out, the disciples stayed in the city, filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.