Acts chapter 13

vs 42

And you know what, this attitude from a silent or marginally interested majority is not unknown to Paul's ministry. I mean, it only takes a few upset people to stir up mobs - they don't have to be stirred up right from the beginning.

vs 43

That shows that these people were more than marginally interested - they couldn't wait till next sabbath, they wanted to hear more now!

What I find interesting is P & B's exhortation to them - to 'continue' in the grace of God. That work crosses all of my 4 translations. So Paul seems to be saying that they are already under God's grace, or that they are already with God, but should continue with him under his grace.

vs 44

Snap. Word gets around.

vs 45

Why jealous? We would assume that it wouldn't be because the Jews had been trying earnestly to reach the populace with the Law. It is possible, although chance would say that they weren't. So what then? Just simple jealousy that P & B were celebrities? Anyway, their reaction is, in my opinion, totally stupid for jealousy alone. I assume there is also a bit of disagreement in there too. Not that people don't do totally stupid things all the time. I just think that their actions - being both abusive and contradictory - suggest jealousy and disagreement.

vs 46

We often think that this reaction against the Jews is from Paul. But Barnabas had a similar reaction. They both agree obviously of the primacy of this promise to the Jews. But they realise that gentiles have a claim to it as well. And so if the Jews want to get all tetchy and jealous, then they will ditch them.

What does this mean for modelling of ministry? P & B are basically saying that if they preach and are harassed, then screw it, they're going to try something or someone else. How desperate are we to see that our words aren't wasted?

vs 47

P & B don't just see their commission to the gentiles as coming from an experiential fact (the baptism in the Holy Spirit of Cornelius' household or the activities of the Antioch church). They see a scriptural principle.

vs 48

Such interesting concepts! Firstly, the gentiles honoured the word of the Lord. But what exactly? The OT? The preaching of Paul? The words of Jesus told to them? Whatever it was, they honoured it. I am assuming it means the gospel message.

Secondly, those appointed to believed. We assume appointed by God. How many was it? That isn't told to us. Could have only been 10 people. The story makes it sound like more though.

vs 49

So let's assume that a fair number of people believed then, so they could take it with them.

This verse, by the way, is a classic example of how we can't just transliterate "word of God" with "scripture". They obviously didn't take Scripture around with them, and this verse is fairly obviously not talking about the spread of the OT.

vs 50

Basically, the Jews called in favours with those God-fearing gentiles in high places to get P & B turfed from town. Might have even used religious scare tactics. That's how keen they were to see B & P run out.

vs 51

The team aren't phased. They simply move on to spread the message elsewhere. If people are that antagonistic, better to just go elsewhere.

vs 52

Which disciples? What an odd verse.