Acts 13: 14-43 This is the first message recorded in Scripture that was preached in Turkey. What can we learn from it? What were the expectations when Paul shared it? What can our expectations be today when we share the Gospel message?
Introduction to the way services were performed in synagogues in the first century: Luke shows us how it was with Jesus and now with Paul: the reading from the law and prophets, and then the invitation to guests and others who are acknowledged as sage people to comment with a word of encouragement. It was also adopted by Paul in the Corinthian church where he says ““What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” (Building up, encouragement)
1 Corinthians 14:26
We can practice that here: open encouragement
The message was preached to God-fearing people:
(Compare with Stephen who shared about Abraham and Moses)
A quick nod to the history until David – the messianic figure for the future king
A man after God’s heart to do his will
Then directly to Jesus: the savior, with John the Baptist being the forerunner
His death, burial and focus on the resurrection and the scriptural support for that as being the sign of the Messiah!
The focus on forgiveness of sins and a warning from Habakkuk 1:5
It ends with the yearning to know more!
Conclusion: do you yearn to experience what only God can give?