When Paul and Barnabas arrived in Antioch of Pisidia, they stepped into a city full of history and influence. As was their custom, they went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, a place where Jews and God-fearing Gentiles gathered to hear the reading of the Law and the Prophets. It was a familiar scene until something remarkable happened. After the preliminary readings, the rulers of the synagogue extended an invitation: “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on” (Acts 13:15).
Paul, never one to let an opportunity pass, rose to speak. What followed was a sermon that would not only stir the hearts of those present but would also serve as a turning point in the expansion of the gospel.
The Power of Paul’s Sermon
Paul began with a historical recounting, a masterstroke of persuasion. By tracing Israel’s history, he reminded his audience that God had always been at work among them. He spoke of how God chose their ancestors, delivered them from Egypt, led them through the wilderness, and gave them a land of their own. He recalled the judges, then the kings, focusing particularly on David, the man after God’s own heart. Then, with precision and purpose, Paul delivered the revelation: from David’s lineage, God had brought forth the Savior, Jesus, just as He had promised.
It was an astonishing claim. The Messiah, long expected, had come, and His own people had rejected him. Paul explained how Jesus was condemned by those in Jerusalem, even though no fault was found in Him. He was executed and laid in a tomb, but here was the great climax: God raised Him from the dead. And this wasn’t just a claim. Paul cited eyewitnesses, people still alive who had seen Him.
Paul then turned to the prophets, showing how Jesus fulfilled their words. He quoted Psalm 2, Isaiah 55, and Psalm 16 to prove that the resurrection was always part of God’s plan. The message was clear: salvation had come, not through the Law of Moses, but through faith in Christ. “Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins,” Paul declared, “and by Him, all that believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the Law of Moses” (Acts 13:38-39).
The Reactions: Division and Decision
The crowd listened intently. Some were moved, deeply stirred by Paul’s words. They recognized the truth when they heard it, and they longed to hear more. But others, particularly the Jewish leaders, were offended. How could this man claim that faith in Jesus, rather than adherence to the Law, was the way to salvation?
The following week, nearly the whole city gathered to hear Paul and Barnabas speak again. This only fueled the envy of the Jewish leaders. They contradicted Paul, trying to discredit him. But Paul did not back down. With boldness, he rebuked them, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you. But since you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46).
These words cut deep. To reject the gospel was to reject life itself. And yet, that is what many of them chose. But for the Gentiles, this was news beyond belief. They rejoiced and glorified God. Many of them believed, and the word of the Lord spread throughout the region.
The False Doctrine of Predestination
One particular phrase in Acts 13:48 has caused much debate: “As many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” Some take this to mean that God had already determined, before time began, exactly who would be saved and who would be lost, leaving no room for free will.
But does this interpretation hold up when we examine the whole of Scripture? Consider 1 Timothy 2:4, which says that God “wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Or 2 Peter 3:9, which declares that God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
If God arbitrarily selected only some for salvation, then why would He issue universal invitations like “Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28)? Why would Peter tell the crowds on Pentecost to “repent and be baptized every one of you” (Acts 2:38) if their fate was already sealed?
The truth is that the word “ordained” here does not mean “pre-selected.” It refers to those who had positioned themselves to receive eternal life, those who were receptive, and those whose hearts were ready. Just as the Jews had thrust the gospel aside, the Gentiles had embraced it. They had aligned themselves with God’s will, and in doing so, they received salvation.
The Bigger Picture: The Invitation to All
This sermon of Paul reveals something profound: the gospel is not forced upon anyone. It is an invitation. Some will reject it, sealing their own fate. Others will embrace it and be transformed. The choice is theirs.
Throughout history, God has called people to Himself. Some have answered, and others have turned away. But the message remains the same: forgiveness, justification, and eternal life are found in Christ. The door is open.
The question is, will you walk through it?
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