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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Acts 13:42, after Paul had preached at length and we have the content of his preaching there was a positive response. We would like to hear you again on this next Sabbath. Come again. We invite you to speak further. These people were interested.
There was much conversation, and discussion. Paul and Barnabas urged them to continue in the grace of God. Here from the very start we see how disciples are taught to persevere. Perseverance is mentioned early on in Paul first outreach.
Verse 44. There was quite an attendance the next Sabbath, and the main aim of those who appeared was to hear the word of the Lord. There must have been a high proportion of Gentiles present, because the Jews were filled with jealousy, and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.
Verse 46. Here we see something of Paul's boldness as he says that we had to speak the word of God first to you, but since you reject it, we now turn to the Gentiles!
Again we see how Paul was a preacher who relied much upon the Scriptures, particularly when speaking to religious Jews. After all, they had been raised up to be a light for us Gentiles and to bring salvation to the earth.
On this occasion, the Gentiles who were present warmed to the Word of God and all who were appointed to eternal life believed.
Now pause. These are important words. Do not rush over these verses. We are reading of what happened in the very early days of mission in this totally new territory. Take time to read the Scripture passage and ask God to speak to you and show you the significance of what is happening.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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