Why did Paul and Barnabas choose to visit the synagogue in Acts 13:14? Setting the Scene in Pisidian Antioch Acts 13:14: “From Perga, Paul and his companions went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down.” Following an Established Mission Pattern • Acts 17:2 – “According to his custom, Paul went into the synagogue…” • Acts 18:4 – “Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks.” • Pattern begun earlier in Acts 9:20 and carried through almost every city visited. Honoring God’s Priority: To the Jew First • Romans 1:16 – “I am not ashamed of the gospel… first to the Jew, then to the Greek.” • Isaiah 42:6; 49:6 – Messiah presented as a light to Israel and the nations; the order matters. • By starting with Jews, Paul emphasized covenant faithfulness and fulfilled prophetic sequence. Making Strategic Use of the Synagogue Setting • Ready-made audience gathered around Scripture each Sabbath. • Visitors were routinely invited to speak after the readings (Acts 13:15). • Paul and Barnabas, both trained in Torah, had immediate credibility. • Synagogue worship centered on reading the Law and Prophets—perfect launch point to show Christ’s fulfillment (Acts 13:16-41). Reaching God-Fearing Gentiles as Well • Synagogues attracted Gentile “God-fearers” (Acts 13:43; 17:4). • These seekers already revered Israel’s God, knew the Scriptures, and were open to further revelation. • By preaching there first, Paul simultaneously reached both Jews and Gentiles who were spiritually prepared. Building on Shared Scriptural Authority • Common ground: Everyone in the room accepted the inspiration of the Hebrew Scriptures. • Paul could quote promises about David’s Son, resurrection, and forgiveness (Acts 13:22-39) without first debating the Bible’s authority. • Using the same Scriptures, he showed Jesus as the promised Messiah, keeping the discussion within accepted boundaries. Modeling Obedience to Christ’s Commission • Luke 24:47 – Jesus said repentance “should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” • Acts 1:8 – Witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth: every new city’s synagogue mirrored that Jerusalem starting point. Summary Takeaways • Paul and Barnabas entered the synagogue because it was their God-given pattern, honoring the Jew-first priority. • The synagogue provided an audience already gathered around Scripture and included Gentiles eager to hear. • Shared belief in the Old Testament gave Paul a solid platform to present Jesus as Messiah. • Their choice displayed strategic wisdom and unwavering obedience to the Lord’s commission. |
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