First Message
Acts 13:13-16
Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
How many of you know that God is with you not just when you come but also when you go. We do so that his power may be greater seen through even this. My, this is an awful lot of P-names here. Soon at the end, we will also see a similar apostle whose name is John. This one was sent rather against his will to an island called Patmos. There he will see the mystery of the last days which are still to come. But for now, these two return their testimony servant unto Jerusalem. He came just when they had need of him like the colt spoke of in Luke 19:31. There he left them again in similar fashion. To Paul, he was merely company. This situation sounds almost like an angel entertained unawares of Hebrews 13:2 does it not. Beyond that, John likely had his fill of travelling together as a servant to those ministering in difficult places. See, before we even ask, God knows just what we need. But this text is not all about John and his wants, is it. So having accomplished the work of God here, by bringing his Word with power, the apostles loosed from hence. I know, after the good food and company we just experienced, it can be a wrench to let things go. But when you are in the service of God, he makes even this to be a joy.
It seems strange to find such during the test but thus saith Philippians and the Lord. After all these things, is it any wonder that Revelation 2:12 is written to the angel of the church of Pergamum. This would have been what is now considered modern day Turkey. But then, this entire region had once been under Assyrian rule. Now, the port of Pamphilia in Pergamum is seen connected with Antioch of Pisidia in the north. Nor does the Scripture make such a distinction in vain. Maybe the gospel had not yet been preached in these regions here. Only God knows. But what is clear to me is the direction in which these two apostles go. They make tracks straight for the nearest synagogue. Remember, the Babylonian captivity has long since come and gone. It amazes me how after all this time, there is still a Jewish presence. Imagine that in all the places of the known world. This is why the church of that day needed an angel to watch over them. Even the angel of the Lord stands by them as he did Saul. For had it not been for the Lord who kept them, they may well have been lost to time and weather.
And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
Even though the Word came with power, there seems to be a strange relationship here. It lies between the apostles sitting down and receiving an invitation. Sure, they are strangers sent from God to a far-off land. But just as easily they could have burst into the meeting with a thus-saith the Lord. Had they done so, it is very possible their words might not have had the same effect. If this indeed had been an unreasonable synagogue, they might even have been thrown out immediately. But instead, a quiet humility is seen in their seating in the synagogue. Note that being seated does not equate with agreement. It is highly probable that the synagogue leaders were expecting none to speak when thus invited. Yet, the attitude of these Jews who remained here is one of expectancy. For as they learned in Esther, you never know when God will come in next. Thus, it is important to see that the invitation comes before the Word. Some have compared the Word to a caged lion who must be let out to fend for itself. But my friends, I find it is much more like a lion that must be invited to the family and the house. See, in Africa large groups of these form what are known as prides. But for these to hang out together, there must first be an invitation. Moreover, the words of exhortation must come before those of exaltation. Even though the audience is Jewish, we see an incredible openness. Such is not seen in many other places to be visited. My friends, I expect it is due to their belief after having seen the hand of God. Unlike their Israeli counterparts, they retained a generational knowledge of him. See, it takes great faith to ask a stranger for a blessing. Then stands forth Paul as if to say, 'I was just waiting for that.' I can almost see him now standing before them all. He is likely a short, unassuming little guy. Then he waves his hands in the air as if to say, 'now y'all quiet down over there.' See, there is a fear of God to be seen here. The generational respect for him has not been lost. This is why it is important to diligently teach these things to your children. This is done so that when their time comes also, they will likewise serve him.