How does Acts 13:48 demonstrate God's sovereignty in salvation? Setting the Scene in Pisidian Antioch - Paul and Barnabas preach in the synagogue, declaring forgiveness and justification through Jesus (Acts 13:38-39). - Many Jews resist, so the apostles turn to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46-47). - Verse 48 records the Gentile response—and unveils a window into God’s saving work. The Key Phrase: “appointed for eternal life” Acts 13:48: “When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.” - “Appointed” (Greek: tasso) is a passive perfect participle—something already done to them before they believed. - The appointment concerns “eternal life,” not merely an invitation or opportunity. - Belief follows the appointment; faith is the effect, not the cause, of God’s prior determination. God’s Sovereign Initiative Highlighted - Pre-believing Gentiles are not said to appoint themselves or make themselves willing; God does the appointing. - Salvation unfolds according to a definite, divine plan rather than human chance or merit. - This mirrors Jesus’ words: “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me” (John 6:37). Complementary Passages • Ephesians 1:4-5 – “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world… He predestined us for adoption.” • Romans 8:29-30 – The unbroken chain: foreknown, predestined, called, justified, glorified. • 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – “God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” • John 10:26-27 – “You do not believe because you are not My sheep… My sheep listen to My voice.” All reinforce that faith springs from God’s prior choice and effective calling. Human Response Still Real and Necessary - The Gentiles “heard,” “rejoiced,” and “glorified” God’s word—genuine, wholehearted acts. - God’s sovereignty does not cancel human responsibility; it guarantees a positive response from those He appoints (Philippians 2:12-13). - Evangelism remains essential; the appointed believe precisely through the preached word (Romans 10:14-17). Practical Encouragements • Confidence in Witnessing – Results rest on God’s power, not eloquence or strategy (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). • Assurance for Believers – Faith evidences God’s eternal purpose and secure future (John 10:28). • Humility and Praise – Salvation is wholly of grace; boasting is excluded (Ephesians 2:8-9). Acts 13:48, then, stands as a clear testimony: God sovereignly appoints people to eternal life, and He brings them to faith through the gospel. |
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