What is the meaning of Acts 13:14? And from Perga Perga in Pamphylia was the first inland stop after the team’s sea voyage (Acts 13:13). Leaving this coastal city reminds us that the gospel never stays put for long; it presses on. • Acts 14:25 notes they will eventually circle back to Perga, showing intentional planning and faithfulness to every place God opens. • John Mark had just departed (Acts 13:13), yet Paul and Barnabas keep moving—an encouragement when coworkers disappoint. they traveled inland to Pisidian Antioch The journey climbed rough mountain roads nearly 100 miles north, underscoring resolve. Paul later writes of “danger from rivers, danger from robbers” (2 Corinthians 11:26), hardships that likely began on treks like this. • This Antioch was a Roman colony, strategic for reaching both Jews and Gentiles (cf. Acts 19:10). • Acts 16:6 shows the team’s pattern: penetrate key population centers, then radiate outward. where they entered the synagogue Paul’s consistent first step was to begin with the covenant people and the God-fearing Gentiles already gathered (Acts 17:2; Acts 18:4). • Romans 1:16 affirms the priority: “first to the Jew, then to the Greek.” • By honoring the synagogue setting, Paul connects the Messiah’s story to Israel’s Scriptures (Acts 13:17-23). on the Sabbath Meeting on the Sabbath ensured a receptive, Scripture-focused audience (Luke 4:16). • Acts 16:13 shows even when no formal synagogue existed, the Sabbath still provided an open door for conversation about God. • The day itself points to rest fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10), a theme Paul will weave into his preaching. and sat down Sitting signified readiness to listen before speaking, following synagogue protocol. After the readings, leaders would invite visiting teachers to share (Acts 13:15). • Jesus modeled this teaching posture in Nazareth: “He sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him” (Luke 4:20). • Matthew 5:1 shows the same rabbinic custom on the mount—sitting signals authority under Scripture. summary Acts 13:14 captures a deliberate missionary rhythm: press forward despite setbacks, target influential centers, start with Scripture-grounded listeners, honor the Sabbath gathering, and wait for God-given openings to speak. The verse is a snapshot of obedience in motion, setting the stage for the powerful sermon and mixed responses that follow. |
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