How Do You Handle Opposition?
Does opposition overwhelm you? Few people thrive in contentious environments, but sometimes they’re inevitable. The Apostle Paul understood this very well.
Acts 13-14
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Does opposition overwhelm you?
Few people thrive in contentious environments, but sometimes they’re inevitable. The Apostle Paul understood this very well. In Acts 13, Paul delivers a sermon in the synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia. “This speech was addressed not only to Jews but also to Gentiles who worship God, who were apparently also present in the synagogue service.”[1]
Paul begins by recounting Israel's history, highlighting God's guidance from the Exodus through the reign of King David. He emphasizes that Jesus, a descendant of David, is the promised Savior sent by God. He explains that although Jesus was condemned and crucified, God raised him from the dead, fulfilling prophetic scriptures. Through Jesus, forgiveness of sins is offered, and all who believe are justified—a justification not attainable through the Law of Moses. Paul concludes by warning his audience to heed this message lest they miss out on God's promised salvation.
As The Gospel Transformation Bible says, the main thrust of Paul’s message is that “Through Christ we can avail ourselves of a power that the law never had. The law hung over us as a ministry of death, threatening to kill us for our sins; the Spirit of Christ delivers us from the bondage of sin, guilt, and death into new life (2 Cor. 3:6–7).”[2]
