Thoughts for the Day

Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia

Then Paul and his companions came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading of the law and the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, ‘Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, give it.’ So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak....

God has brought to Israel a Saviour, Jesus, as he promised; before his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his work, he said, “What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet.”

‘My brothers, you descendants of Abraham’s family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. Because the residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize him or understand the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath, they fulfilled those words by condemning him. Even though they found no cause for a sentence of death, they asked Pilate to have him killed. When they had carried out everything that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead; and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and they are now his witnesses to the people. And we bring you the good news that what God promised to our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm,

“You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.” ...

As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people urged them to speak about these things again the next sabbath. When the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Have you ever asked yourself the question "What is history?" Well a member of my family is a Senior Lecturer in History at a University, so perhaps it's not an unusual question for me. One of a number of answers to this question is: "History is the study of the past that can help us to understand the present and make better choices for the future". With this in mind let us look at today's passage of scripture which I have had to cut because of its length (see Acts 13.13-43 for the full version).

Paul is using the Gentile version of his name rather than the Hebrew one, and is on the first of his 'Three Missionary Journeys', which he and his companions will travel for the next few years. The little phrase they "came to Antioch of Pisidia" does not do this section justice. Pisidian Antioch (not 'Antioch') stood on a plateau some 3,600 feet high and its access road was almost impossible. It was also the haunt of every dangerous brigand in the area.

Attending the synagogue as was their custom the fact that Paul was asked to speak shows that his reputation as a learned Pharisee and as a preacher of this new faith was beginning to spread. He now delivers a powerful message showing how the history of Israel, from their time in Egypt, their settlement in Canaan, and through all the kings and prophets shows how God has led them, and how he has fulfilled His promises to them through Jesus Christ. Paul presents the people with the history of their past to help them make a better choice for the future, and his words will convince many people.

If we study our own past can we see God's hand at work in our life, and can we reassess our future with the help of His Holy Spirit?

Heavenly Father,
as we look back over our life,
help us to see how You have guided us
through the challenges and choices that we made.
As we pause this day,
may we look at the choices that lie ahead,
seeing them not as obstacles,
but as opportunities,
that with the help of the Holy Spirit,
will send Your Kingdom ever onwards,
until its completion.
Amen.