Turning to the Gentiles

As Paul and Barnabas leave the synagogue, people ask them to continue the message the following Sabbath. By the next week, nearly the whole city gathers. Some are glad, but others become jealous and contradict Paul.

It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.

Paul and Barnabas explain that the Lord's salvation is meant to reach the ends of the earth. Gentiles rejoice and many believe, while opposition drives the missionaries from the district. The disciples do not leave crushed. They are filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

As Paul and Barnabas leave, the people ask them to speak about these things again the next Sabbath. Many Jews and devout Gentile converts follow them, and the missionaries urge them to continue in the grace of God. The invitation grows because the message has been heard, not because the speakers have manufactured a spectacle.

On the following Sabbath, nearly the whole city gathers. The crowd creates a new pressure: some Jewish leaders become jealous when they see the numbers and oppose Paul with insults. Paul and Barnabas say the word of God had to be spoken to the Jews first, but since some reject it and judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, they will turn to the Gentiles.

Paul quotes God's promise to make the servant a light for the Gentiles so that salvation may reach the ends of the earth. The Gentiles rejoice and honor the word of the Lord, and those appointed for eternal life believe. Opposition follows: influential women and leading men stir up persecution and drive the missionaries out. The disciples remain filled with joy and the Holy Spirit, showing that joy is not dependent on being welcomed everywhere.