Footsteps #23

Notice how Paul’s sermon in Acts.13 highlights the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. (13:28-38.) Acts.13:38-39 presents the issue of the law’s inability to justify(save). Despite the binding character of its moral commandments, the law is unable to bring justification because it cannot produce perfect obedience in those who observe it (Acts.15:10, Rom.8:3). Even if the law could produce perfect obedience in us, that perfect obedience cannot compensate for past sins (Rom.3:19; Gal.3:10-11). This is why justification (being declared ready for heaven) cannot be earned, not even partially. We can receive it only by faith in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice (Rom.3:28, Gal.2:16), a gift that we do not deserve. However central it may be to the Christian life; obedience can never earn us salvation.

 
Despite the harsh way Paul ended his message, the reaction of most in the synagogue was highly favourable. The following Sabbath, however, things changed drastically. It is highly probable that “the Jews” who were rejecting the gospel message were the synagogue leaders, those who represented official Judaism. Luke ascribes their ruthless attitude toward Paul to jealousy. In the ancient world, several aspects of Judaism, such as monotheism, lifestyle, and even the Sabbath, exerted a strong attraction among non-Jews, and many of them joined the Jewish faith as converts. Male circumcision, however, was a serious hindrance, as it was considered a barbaric and disgusting practice. Consequently, many Gentiles would attend the synagogues to worship God and keep the Sabbath, but without formally converting to Judaism. These were known as “God-fearers,” and it might have been the God-fearers, as well as the proselytes, of the Antioch synagogue (Acts.13:16,43) who helped to spread the news about Paul’s message among the people in general, and they came in great numbers.

The possibility to experience salvation without first having to adhere to Judaism was no doubt particularly attractive to many. This may help to explain the jealousy of the Jewish leaders. In any case, by rejecting the gospel they were not only excluding themselves from God’s salvation but also liberating Paul and Barnabas to turn their full attention to the Gentiles, who rejoiced and praised God for including them in His saving plan.